Denmark PFAS Ban Begins

Denmark’s bold move to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from everyday consumer products is gaining traction. The ban on PFAS in clothing, footwear, and impregnation sprays officially entered into force on July 1, 2025, and will be fully enforceable starting July 1, 2026.

This regulation makes Denmark the first European country to implement such a comprehensive consumer-level PFAS ban, aligning with its broader strategy to eliminate so-called “forever chemicals.”

🧾 Scope of the Regulation

These thresholds apply to consumer products for private use, not industrial or professional-grade items.

📆 Key Implementation Dates

Retailers and importers must be compliant by mid-2026, with no sales allowed after January 2027 for non-compliant products.

🔒 Important Provisions and Exemptions

• 🚫 Ban on Import & Sale: Applies to private individuals and businesses
• ❗ Documentation Required: Producers must prove fluorine content is not PFAS upon request
• 🛡️ Exemptions Include:

o Medical devices
o Personal protective equipment (PPE)
o Reused or recycled goods
o Transit or re-exported goods

🕵️ Enforcement and Market Surveillance

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen) is overseeing enforcement with:

• Pre-enforcement inspections (underway as of September 2025)
• Industry outreach and compliance audits
• Random product testing

📌 Penalties for Violations:

• Fines for non-compliance
• Up to 2 years imprisonment for serious breaches
• Corporate liability under Danish criminal law

🧭 What Businesses Should Do Now

Retailers, distributors, and importers should:

✅ Audit product inventories for PFAS presence
📋 Request PFAS-free certifications from suppliers
📂 Prepare compliance documentation to respond to authority requests

🌱 Why It Matters

Denmark’s PFAS regulation is one of the strictest textile chemical laws in Europe, setting a precedent for:

• Stronger EU-wide PFAS restrictions under REACH
• Implementation of the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
• Accelerating the shift to non-toxic, circular economies

Denmark’s leadership may influence future EU bans across all consumer sectors.