The ban will apply to clothing, kitchen utensils, shoes, cosmetics and ski wax, among other things. Waterproofing agents are also included.
As far as we know, this is the most ambitious ban in the world on PFAS in consumer products, says Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari (L).
The ban is proposed to come into effect on January 1, 2028. Pesticides for agriculture are not covered.
Pourmokhtari admits that it will be difficult to implement the ban for products imported into Sweden, for example via Chinese trading platforms such as Shein and Temu.
What we can do is regulate nationally, take random samples and pay attention when companies systematically violate the laws we have in Sweden, she says.
The easiest way to avoid PFAS is to shop Swedish.
If you buy Swedish makeup and Swedish children's clothing, you shouldn't be worried that they contain toxins, says Pourmokhtari.
In 2027, the European Commission is expected to present its own proposal for a broad restriction on the use of PFAS within the Union. This proposal includes the products covered by the proposal now being presented by the government.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that break down very slowly. They are called persistent chemicals and accumulate in nature and in our bodies.
PFAS are used, for example, in coolants, impregnation agents, certain fire-fighting foams, makeup, packaging and also in plant protection products used in agriculture.
According to studies, PFAS substances can affect birth weight, blood cholesterol levels and liver enzymes, as well as cause a reduced antibody response after vaccination.
Source: Swedish Chemicals Agency, Swedish Food Agency
