Europe 1 with AFP 10:26 a.m., April 4, 2024

The National Assembly is considering a bill on Thursday, presented by ecologist Nicolas Thierry, aimed at restricting the manufacturing and sale of products containing PFAS. The adoption of this text also remains uncertain. 

A reprieve for eternal pollutants? The deputies are examining on Thursday a bill aimed at restricting the manufacture and sale of products containing PFAS, the adoption of which is uncertain in the face of reservations from the presidential camp, under pressure from manufacturers. Massively present in everyday life (Teflon pans, food packaging, textiles, automobiles, etc.), these per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances called PFAS (pronounced "pifasse") owe their nickname to their very long life cycle and, for some , to their harmful effect on health.

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“Fight at European level”

At first glance consensual, the bill presented by ecologist Nicolas Thierry, first of eight texts presented by his group as part of its parliamentary niche, should ultimately be hotly debated. The government highlighted the work underway at European level on Wednesday. “It is at the European level that we must fight on this subject, the European lever is the right lever” in order not to weaken French industry at the expense of those of neighboring countries, declared in the hemicycle Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

The European Chemicals Agency published a draft ban in 2023 moving in the direction of a broad restriction of PFAS. But "this initiative is conditional on a long decision-making process and could result in the most favorable scenario by 2027-2028", according to Nicolas Thierry. The text from the MP for Gironde aims to reduce the population's exposure to these molecules, by prohibiting the manufacture, import, export and marketing of certain products which contain them.

Bans from 2026? 

In its initial version, it planned to ban the use of PFAS by July 2025 for certain products, and 2027 for others, with possible exemptions. In order to obtain a majority in the Sustainable Development Committee last week, Nicolas Thierry agreed to restrict its ambition.

The version presented in the hemicycle thus provides for a ban from January 1, 2026 on any kitchen utensil, cosmetic product, wax product (for skis) or textile clothing product containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, The exception of protective clothing for security and civil safety professionals.

All textiles would be affected by the ban from January 1, 2030. The packaging sector, however, falls outside the scope of the law, to the extent that a European regulation must “very soon” regulate it more strictly. Other measures include the obligation to control the presence of PFAS in drinking water throughout the country and the application of the polluter pays principle with a tax targeting manufacturers who release them.