Regulations governing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as "forever chemicals," in consumer goods—particularly textiles, footwear, waterproof materials, and products featuring water, oil, and stain resistance—are undergoing rapid tightening across Europe.
According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden (covering Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Latvia), Denmark and Sweden are spearheading efforts to restrict PFAS. These countries are moving toward managing the entire group of chemicals as a whole, rather than regulating individual substances one by one.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their superior resistance to water, oil, stains, and heat. In the textile and footwear industries, these substances are commonly found in waterproof fabrics, outdoor jackets, rainwear, footwear, handbags, synthetic leather, and various surface-finishing solutions.
The European Commission (EC) has determined that PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, spreading through water, soil, air, food, and waste. Furthermore, they pose long-term risks to both human health and ecosystems. For these reasons, the EC is moving toward a roadmap for a broad-based ban.
The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden emphasizes that Vietnamese enterprises must pay immediate attention to specific timelines. The period between now and January 1, 2027, is strictly a window for distributors in Denmark to clear existing inventory imported before July 1, 2026. After the January 1, 2027 deadline, any trade of products containing PFAS exceeding the allowable threshold will be completely prohibited in Denmark.
The Trade Office warned that this is absolutely not an extension for Vietnamese businesses to continue exporting PFAS-containing goods to this market. Consequently, manufacturers must work immediately with Danish partners to clarify the status of shipments, determine testing responsibilities, and establish mechanisms for returns or buy-backs following the transition period.
Sweden is also an active proponent of PFAS restrictions at the EU level. The Swedish Chemicals Agency stated that its goal is to minimize and eventually phase out the use of PFAS, permitting them only in essential cases where no alternatives exist. Businesses are strongly recommended to proactively eliminate these chemicals by consulting the PRIO database—which lists nearly 11,000 PFAS substances—to prevent regulatory risks.
Comprehensive response strategies
To adapt to these new regulations, the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden recommends that Vietnamese enterprises in the textile, footwear, handbag, and accessory sectors promptly implement the following practical measures.
Businesses must categorize high-risk items, particularly those featuring "waterproof," "oil-resistant," "stain-resistant," or "weatherproof" functionalities.
It is necessary to shift to alternative technologies and require raw material suppliers to provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), formal non-PFAS commitments, and transparent laboratory test results, rather than relying solely on verbal assurances.
Businesses should explicitly incorporate clauses regarding chemical compliance. These should specify compensation liabilities, return rights, and protocols for handling shipments in the event of sudden policy changes in the importing country.
"Green" claims such as "PFC-free," "PFAS-free," or "free from harmful chemicals" must only be used when backed by comprehensive scientific evidence. Misleading advertising can lead to severe consequences, including the seizure of goods and the total destruction of brand reputation in international markets.
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