Sweden to ban PFAS in consumer goods by 2028

Sweden announced a national ban on per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” in a wide range of consumer products. The prohibition, set to take effect on 1 January 2028, will cover clothing, shoes, waterproofing agents, kitchenware, cosmetics and ski wax where effective alternatives exist. Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari said the measure is “a major victory for human health and for the Swedish environment.” The ban is intended to precede a European Union proposal expected in 2027 and excludes agricultural pesticides, which remain under EU regulation. Swedish authorities acknowledge that imported items sold through overseas e‑commerce platforms may be difficult to control, and they plan spot‑checks and penalties for systematic violations. Funding of ten million kronor has been allocated for monitoring and remediation of existing PFAS contamination.