PFAS Regulations for Consumer Products: 2026 Overview for Compliance

First published: March 2026

 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals”, are under unprecedented regulatory scrutiny worldwide. For consumer products manufacturers operating in B2B and B2C markets, understanding the current PFAS regulatory landscape and what’s coming in 2026 and beyond is essential to product compliance and business continuity.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current regulatory landscape, focusing on the U.S. and EU markets, and what it means for your business.

If you are looking for TF/TOF testing or targeted PFAS testing, please contact us here directly.

 

What are PFAS and why are they regulated in consumer products?

PFAS are a group of 10,000+ synthetic chemicals characterised by extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds make them highly resistant to heat, water, oil, and stains. As a result, PFAS have been widely used in consumer products such as textiles, cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, and cleaning products.

However, their extreme chemical stability means they do not break down in the environment, which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS bioaccumulate in living organisms and have been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer, hormonal disruption, and immune system effects. 

Growing evidence of environmental contamination (such as in water, food, and apparel) and associated health risks has prompted governments worldwide to restrict or ban PFAS in consumer products, creating an increasingly complex compliance landscape for manufacturers and retailers alike.

As PFAS regulations expand globally, manufacturers and retailers are facing increasing pressure to identify, test, and remove PFAS from their products and supply chains.

For manufacturers, one of the most important concepts in current legislation is “intentionally added PFAS,” meaning PFAS deliberately incorporated during manufacturing to serve a functional or technical purpose in the final product. Most U.S. state laws use this definition as the basis for bans, reporting obligations, and enforcement.

 

 

U.S. States PFAS regulations taking effect in 2026

The most significant regulatory activity in the United States is happening at the state level.

Below is a detailed overview of U.S. state-level PFAS bans now in effect or scheduled to take effect throughout 2026.

 

Colorado

Following initial bans in 2024 and 2025 under the Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Consumer Protection Act, Colorado expanded its prohibitions effective 1 January 2026. No person may sell or distribute the following products with intentionally added PFAS:

• Cleaning products
• Cookware
• Dental floss
• Menstruation products
• Ski wax
• Artificial turf (installation prohibited)

These bans add to Colorado’s existing restrictions on carpets, fabric treatments, food packaging, juvenile products, cosmetics, indoor textile furnishings, indoor upholstered furniture and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions (labelling requirement). Additional bans on outdoor upholstered furniture and outdoor textile furnishings take effect on 1 January 2027, with restrictions on food equipment, hospital cleaning products, textile articles, and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions following in 2028.

 

Connecticut

From 1 January 2026, outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions containing PFAS must carry a disclosure statement, and sellers of firefighting turnout gear containing intentionally added PFAS must provide written notice to purchasers.

From 1 July 2026, Connecticut prohibits the sale or distribution of the following products with intentionally added PFAS unless the manufacturer provides notification to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and labeled as containing PFAS:  

• Apparel
• Carpet or rug
• Cleaning products
• Cookware
• Cosmetic products
• Dental floss
• Fabric treatments
• Children’s products
• Menstruation products
• Textile furnishings
• Ski wax
• Upholstered furniture

Intentionally added PFAS in the above mentioned products along with turnout gear and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions will be prohibited starting 1 January 2028.

 

Maine

Effective 1 January 2026, the following products containing intentionally added PFAS cannot be sold in Maine:

• Cleaning products
• Cookware
• Cosmetics
• Dental floss
• Juvenile products
• Menstruation products
• Textile articles
• Ski wax
• Upholstered furniture

Maine also operates a unique Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) determination process. Manufacturers who believe PFAS use in their products is currently unavoidable could have submitted CUU proposals, which were due by 1 June 2025. 

Looking further ahead, Maine will ban PFAS in all products by 2032 unless deemed as currently unavoidable use. 

 

Minnesota

Minnesota’s Amara’s Law implements one of the most comprehensive PFAS restriction frameworks in the country, with requirements rolling out between 2025 and 2032. Product-level bans on 11 categories (including carpets, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, cleaning products, and juvenile products) took effect in 2025.

After an extension from the original deadline, manufacturers of any product sold in Minnesota that contains intentionally added PFAS must submit a detailed report to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency by 1 July 2026. The report must include:

• A description of the product
• The specific PFAS used and their concentrations
• The function of PFAS in the product
• Manufacturer contact information

This reporting requirement involves substantial due diligence, and manufacturers should investigate potential waivers, exemptions, and procedures for protecting trade secrets.

 

Vermont

Effective 1 January 2026, Vermont prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of the following products with intentionally added PFAS:

• Aftermarket stain and water-resistant treatments
• Artificial turf
• Cookware
• Cosmetics and menstrual products
• Food packaging
• Incontinency protection products
• Juvenile products
• Residential rugs and carpets
• Ski wax
• Textiles and textile articles

Vermont introduces a notable numerical threshold for textile articles: “regulated PFAS” is defined as the presence of PFAS at or above 100 parts per million (ppm) of total organic fluorine (TOF). Critically, this threshold drops to 50 ppm on 1 July 2027, meaning textile products that pass testing today may fail under the stricter standard next year.

 

Washington

Washington’s 2026 requirements combine reporting obligations and product bans. From 1 January 2026, manufacturers of the following products containing intentionally added PFAS must provide notice to the Department of Ecology:

• Leather and textile furniture/furnishings for outdoor use
• Automotive waxes
• Apparel for extreme and extended use
• Footwear
• Gear for recreation and travel
• Cookware and kitchen supplies
• Floor waxes and polishes
• Firefighting PPE
• Hard surface sealers
• Ski waxes

A total fluorine concentration above 50 ppm triggers the presumption of intentionally added PFAS. Companies may avoid reporting if they provide “credible evidence” that TOF levels above 50 ppm were not intentionally added. First reports are due on 31 January 2027.

The product ban, effective 1 January 2026, applies to indoor leather and textile furniture and furnishings. Additional bans on cleaning products, automotive waxes, apparel, and accessories take effect on 1 January 2027.

 

California (AB 1817, already in effect)

While not new for 2026, California’s AB 1817 remains one of the most impactful PFAS regulations in the country. Effective 1 January 2025, it prohibits the manufacture, distribution, or sale of textile articles containing regulated PFAS (defined as 100 ppm TOF) in the state. Manufacturers must provide certificates of compliance to retailers confirming their products meet California’s PFAS standards. Given California’s market size, this regulation effectively sets a national baseline for the textile and apparel industry.

 

Struggling to keep up with U.S. state-level PFAS regulations? Contact us today, and our team will reply to you shortly.

 

PFAS regulations in 2027 and beyond in the United States

2027:

• New Hampshire prohibits intentionally added PFAS in carpets/rugs, cosmetics, textile treatments, feminine hygiene products, food packaging, juvenile products, upholstered furniture, textile furnishings, and waxes (effective 1 January 2027) 
• Washington expands bans to include cleaning products, automotive waxes, apparel, and accessories (1 January 2027) 
• Colorado adds outdoor upholstered furniture and textile furnishings (1 January 2027) 
• Vermont tightens the TOF threshold for textile articles from 100 ppm to 50 ppm (1 July 2027) 

2028:

• New Jersey’s “Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act” (enacted 12 January 2026) prohibits intentionally added PFAS in carpets, cosmetics, fabric treatments and food packaging, along with PFAS labelling requirements for cookware (effective January 2028) 
• Connecticut extends bans to turnout gear and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions 
• Colorado extends bans to food equipment, hospital cleaning products, textile articles and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions 

2032:

• Maine, Minnesota, and New Mexico will implement blanket bans on intentionally added PFAS in all products 
• Illinois’ PFAS Reduction Act bans intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstrual products, and intimate apparel 

 

U.S. Federal PFAS Regulations: EPA and TSCA requirements

At the federal level, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken several key actions that impact consumer products manufacturers:

• TSCA Section 8(a)(7) Reporting: The EPA requires manufacturers and importers of PFAS to report data on PFAS use, production volumes, and environmental and health effects. The reporting submission period has been extended to between 13 April 2026 through 13 October 2026. In November 2025, the EPA proposed changes to the scope of these reporting requirements, incorporating certain exemptions.

Preparing the PFAS compliance for 2026 and beyond? Get in touch with our team, and we will guide you through the product compliance requirements.

 

 

EU PFAS bans and restrictions 

“Universal” PFAS restriction proposal under EU REACH

The European Union is progressing with one of the most extensive chemical restriction initiatives ever proposed. The REACH PFAS restriction under EU REACH targets more than 10,000 PFAS substances and could affect thousands of products sold in the EU market.

The initial restriction dossier was submitted in January 2023 by the competent authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

Manufacturers involved in international supply chains should closely monitor updates in the EU PFAS restriction proposal, as it will have far‑reaching implications across numerous industrial sectors.

In August 2025, ECHA issued an updated version of the PFAS restriction proposal. This revision broadened the assessment’s scope from 14 to 22 sectors by including eight additional industrial and consumer sectors. A key update was the introduction of a third regulatory option. Whereas the original submission presented two options, which were a full ban or a ban with specific derogations, the 2025 update added an alternative permitting the continued use of certain PFAS where effective risk‑control measures can be demonstrated. This new option is particularly relevant to PFAS production, semiconductor manufacturing, transport, the energy sector, and technical textiles.

The assessment continues to focus on the original 14 sectors as well as cross‑cutting issues such as PFAS manufacturing practices and emission‑control measures. To prevent delays beyond 2026, the eight newly added sectors will not undergo standalone evaluations. They will still be integrated into the regulatory framework through horizontal risk management measures.

The full scientific evaluation of the proposal is anticipated to conclude by the end of 2026. The final consolidated opinion will subsequently inform the European Commission’s decision‑making process.

If adopted, the PFAS restriction would represent one of the most comprehensive chemical regulations ever implemented within the European Union, with the potential to affect thousands of products placed on the EU market. Manufacturers exporting to the region are advised to assess their use of PFAS without delay and to begin formulating appropriate substitution and reformulation strategies.

The next main dates

• First half of 2026: SEAC will conduct a second public consultation focusing on socio‑economic impacts.
• End of 2026: Final opinions from both RAC and SEAC are expected.
• 2027: Submission of the final proposal to the European Commission for decision‑making.

 

PFAS restriction under EU REACH

New measures restricting the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in firefighting foams under the REACH Regulation (Annex XVII – entry 82). This is an important measure that protects people and the environment from the risks posed by PFAS.

This restriction formally entered into force on 23 October 2025. It will take effect after transition periods of between 12 months and 10 years, depending on the use, allowing time for replacement by safer and effective alternatives. 

 

National PFAS bans in Denmark and France

In France, a ban on the manufacture, import, sale and offering for free of PFAS-containing textiles, clothing and footwear, cosmetics and ski waxes took effect on 1 January 2026. 

In Denmark, it is prohibited to import or sell clothing and footwear containing PFAS for private consumer use from 1 July 2026. These national measures run ahead of a broader EU-wide PFAS restriction proposal under REACH, which remains under assessment. Brands sourcing water-repellent or stain-resistant treatments should verify supply-chain PFAS status through dedicated footwear chemical testing, including Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) screening and targeted PFAS analysis.

 

Contact us now to ensure your consumer products comply with the EU PFAS requirements.

 

 

UK PFAS Plan

On 3 February 2026, the UK Government released its first comprehensive, UK‑wide strategy to address PFAS (“forever chemicals”), known as the PFAS Plan: building a safer future together. It sets out a long‑term, science‑based framework to reduce PFAS risks to public health and the environment. 

The plan is structured around three core pillars:

• Understanding PFAS Sources
• Tackling PFAS Pathways
• Reducing Ongoing Exposure

The UK’s chemicals policy is shifting toward a more robust regulatory framework, characterized by stronger environmental protection measures, tighter controls across sectors such as textiles, firefighting foams, electronics, medical devices, packaging, and waste management, increased monitoring requirements and transparency expectations, and a progressive alignment with EU PFAS regulatory approaches.

 

 

PFAS testing methods for consumer products

Compliance with PFAS regulations requires accurate, reliable testing. Understanding the available PFAS testing methods is critical for selecting the right approach for your products and target markets. Effective PFAS testing services are therefore central to any defensible compliance programme.

The principal PFAS testing methods for consumer products include:

• Targeted PFAS analysis using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identifies and quantifies individual PFAS compounds against regulated substance lists. This method aligns with global specifications such as ISO, AFIRM, and AAFA standards, as well as the recently updated EN 17681-1:2025 standard for textiles. 
• Total Fluorine (TF) screening uses Combustion Ion Chromatography (C-IC) to measure the total amount of fluorine in a sample, providing a broad indicator of potential PFAS contamination. 
• Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing specifically measures organic fluorine, offering a more precise indication of total PFAS content. As regulations increasingly set limits based on total organic fluorine such as Vermont’s 100 ppm and 50 ppm thresholds, TOF testing is becoming essential for compliance assurance. A combination of TOF screening followed by targeted LC-MS/MS analysis offers the most robust approach to PFAS compliance testing.

 

Not sure which PFAS testing methods best suit your needs? Contact us now, and our team will reply to you shortly.

 

 

How does Eurofins Sustainability Services help you navigate PFAS compliance?

Eurofins Sustainability Services offers a comprehensive suite of PFAS testing services and supply chain support solutions to help manufacturers manage evolving PFAS compliance requirements across global markets. 

Our PFAS testing capabilities include:

• Targeted analysis using LC-MS/MS for all listed PFAS substances according to major global standards, including the new EN 17681-1:2025 standard
• Quantitative Total Fluorine (TF) and Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) screening to detect the presence of all fluorine-containing chemicals in your products 
• Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) testing for PFAS in waters
• Novel PFAS polymer testing to identify C8 and C6 chemistry
• MRSL testing for chemical formulations under the ZDHC programme
• Chem-ST™ smart testing services
• Supply chain risk management support
• Failure analysis and chemical substitution advice
• Tailored PFAS training programmes for your teams.

 

Contact Eurofins Sustainability Services today to stay compliant with PFAS regulatory requirements. You can also visit our PFAS testing page for more information.