Sweden has announced plans to prohibit PFAS in consumer products from 1 January 2028, becoming one of the latest European countries to introduce national restrictions ahead of wider European Union legislation.
The proposed measures target a range of everyday items, including clothing, footwear, cosmetics and kitchenware.
The Swedish government says the ban is intended to reduce human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their water, grease and stain-resistant properties.
The move forms part of a broader effort to limit environmental contamination and protect public health.
If implemented, Sweden’s national rules will remain in place until they are replaced by future EU-wide legislation currently being developed through the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Commission.
The announcement signals growing momentum across Europe towards tighter controls on PFAS.
Sweden targets everyday PFAS in consumer products
The proposed legislation will prohibit the use of PFAS in consumer products including clothing, shoes, waterproofing treatments, cookware, cosmetic products and ski wax.
According to the Swedish government, suitable alternatives are already available for many of these applications, reducing the need for continued use of the chemicals.
PFAS have been used for decades across consumer goods and industrial processes because of their durability and resistance to heat, oil and water.
However, the same chemical stability means they persist in the environment for extremely long periods, leading to their description as “forever chemicals.”
Authorities say reducing the spread of PFAS is a priority to help prevent long-term contamination of ecosystems and minimise human exposure.
EU-wide PFAS restrictions continue to advance
Sweden’s plans come as ECHA continues evaluating a proposal for a broad restriction covering PFAS across the European Union.
The proposal was jointly submitted in 2023 by Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway, aiming to significantly reduce the production, sale and use of these substances across multiple sectors.
Earlier this year, ECHA published a scientific opinion supporting wide-ranging restrictions. A final opinion is expected later this year before discussions move to the European Commission and EU member states for political consideration.
France has already introduced national restrictions covering certain PFAS-containing clothing, footwear, cosmetics and ski waxes, with limited exemptions, reflecting a wider European shift towards stronger regulation.
Public scrutiny of PFAS regulation grows
The proposed EU restriction has attracted significant public and industry attention. During ECHA’s consultation process, the agency received more than 5,600 submissions, making it one of the largest consultations in its history.
The responses included contributions from businesses, trade associations, legal organisations and other stakeholders, highlighting both the environmental importance and economic implications of regulating PFAS in consumer products across Europe.
