Around the World with Growing PFAS Regulations

As governments around the world move to regulate PFAS, manufacturers are facing a wave of new compliance challenges. From drinking water standards in the U.S. to sweeping chemical restrictions proposed in the EU, PFAS is no longer a niche concern: it’s becoming a global priority. For companies with complex supply chains, the ability to detect, manage, and mitigate PFAS risks isn’t just good governance—it’s rapidly becoming a business imperative.

The PFAS Global Regulatory Landscape infographic (developed by the EcoPulse team) highlights regions and countries with the most active and evolving PFAS regulations worldwide. The size of each circle reflects the relative intensity and scope of regulatory activity in that area. This infographic is based solely on EcoPulse’s internal research and analysis and is not intended to serve as legal advice or reference.

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The United States and Canada

In the U.S., federal and state-level regulation of PFAS is evolving rapidly. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its PFAS Strategic Roadmap, including national drinking water standards in March 2023 and finalized the reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in October 2023. Although the speed and scope of the implementation at U.S. federal level have been changed recently, many individual states are taking the driver seat and accelerate to regulate and mitigate PFAS risks for their communities and environment. No comprehensive ban on manufacturing or use of PFAS exists at federal level, but specific uses are being restricted. (i.e. certain PFAS chemicals in carpets and firefighting foams are being phased-out.)

Canada is closely aligning with U.S. and EU efforts. Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), PFAS are being reviewed as a class of chemicals with potential for future group-based regulation. On data reporting, Canada issued a mandatory Section 71survey in July 2024 requiring any company that manufactured, imported, or used any of 312 listed PFAS in 2023 to report detailed information by January 2025. Likewise, Health Canada has issued drinking water guidelines for select PFAS compounds and continues to monitor their presence in the environment.

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European Union

The EU has emerged as a global leader in PFAS regulation. Under the REACH framework(Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is reviewing a sweeping proposal that would restrict the manufacture, sale, and use of over 10,000 PFAS compounds. This "universal restriction" proposal, submitted by five member states including Germany and the Netherlands, represents a move towards more ambitious chemical bans.

Ahead of REACH-wide adoption, countries like Denmark have already implemented national PFAS bans in food packaging and consumer products. The EU is also setting strict limits for PFAS in drinking water, groundwater, and surface water under the Drinking Water Directive and Water Framework Directive. These developments signal to global manufacturers that PFAS-free alternatives may soon be essential for market access.

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Asia-Pacific

Regulatory momentum in the Asia-Pacific region is more fragmented but accelerating.

China’s PFAS regulations have focused on implementing global bans on the worst PFAS, setting standards for drinking water, and planning future controls. Beyond these, China is developing a broader strategy under its “New Pollutants Control Action Plan” (2022). PFAS are considered “new pollutants” of high concern.

Japan has included PFAS in its Chemical Substances Control Law and is conducting health and environmental monitoring in affected areas. South Korea has begun strengthening its PFAS regulations through updates to its Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Control Act and the release of a comprehensive list of controlled PFAS compounds.

Meanwhile, Australia has taken a more coordinated approach with its National PFAS Position Statement (2020), outlining a framework for phasing out non-essential PFAS use, managing contaminated sites, and improving waste treatment. State-level guidelines for PFAS in drinking water and soil are also evolving.

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Conclusion

The global regulatory tide is turning on PFAS. As more countries adopt and expand rules to address these persistent chemicals, companies operating across borders must be proactive in managing compliance risks and supply chain exposure. EcoPulse PFAS AI along with its embedded regulatory lists library aims to help organizations stay ahead of this shifting landscape by assessing PFAS-related risks across complex material inventories and supply chains early and efficiently, enabling informed and strategic responses.

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Sources

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16. ChatGPT Research Tool for initial sources gathering

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