Sweden plans 2028 ban on PFAS in common consumer products

Sweden said it plans to ban so-called "forever chemicals" in consumer products such as clothing and kitchenware as early as 2028, before expected European Union regulation comes into force.

The planned ban is intended to take effect on January 1, 2028. It is expected to cover clothing, shoes, waterproofing agents used in clothing and shoes, kitchenware, cosmetic products and ski wax.

Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari said per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, "have no place in clothing, cosmetics, cookware and other everyday products when effective alternatives exist." She said Sweden did not intend to stand by while the chemicals continue to spread in homes, nature and bodies.

The national legislation would eventually be superseded by EU-wide rules once they are decided by the European Commission.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in everyday products, including nonstick cookware and clothing, and in industrial manufacturing. They are increasingly being restricted around the world because of adverse health effects. The substances take an extremely long time to break down, which has led to the nickname "forever chemicals."

The European Commission is expected in 2027 to present a proposal for a broad restriction on PFAS use in common consumer products, such as clothing or pizza boxes, with exceptions for strategic sectors such as the medical field. Before that, Brussels needs a second opinion from the European Chemicals Agency on the socio-economic impact of anti-PFAS measures, expected by the end of this year. A first scientific opinion published at the end of March recommended a broad restriction on the chemicals.

France has already banned certain PFAS in clothing, shoes, cosmetics and ski waxes since January, with a few exemptions.