New Zealand has declared that it will ban so-called “forever chemicals” beginning in 2026, becoming the first government to do so to protect people and the environment. The country’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced the decision on Tuesday (Jan 30), and the ban will take effect two years later.
About the ban
The New Zealand EPA will prohibit using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), popularly known as “forever chemicals,” in cosmetic items such as nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipsticks, and more. PFAS are used to make products spreadable, durable, and water-resistant.
“We know these chemicals don’t easily break down, they can build up in our bodies, and some can be toxic at high levels,” said EPA’s hazardous substances reassessment manager, Dr Shaun Presow, on Tuesday.
“International research suggests PFAS are only found in a small number of products, but we take a precautionary approach to potential risks from PFAS,” said the EPA official, as quoted by the New Zealand media reports.
PFAS is a family of 14,000 chemicals commonly used in consumer products to make them water-resistant.
Because these substances do not break down naturally, they can cause cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy difficulties, among other serious health problems.
So far, these compounds have been found in drinking water, sea foam, groundwater, ice, and human blood. It is commonly employed in a variety of items, including Teflon pans and pizza boxes.
The announcement was made following the EPA’s public consultations last year, which received 20 submissions, 14 of which came from the cosmetics industry.
“We will continue to engage with industry to manage the transition before PFAS are banned and the other changes take effect,” said Presow.
According to the new laws, cosmetic items containing PFAS will be prohibited from being imported or manufactured in New Zealand beginning December 31, 2026. Furthermore, from December 31, 2027, cosmetic goods containing PFAS will no longer be sold or supplied in New Zealand.
By June 30, 2028, New Zealanders will be forced to dispose of all cosmetic goods containing PFAS.
How about other countries?
In 2023, a number of US states announced plans to ban cosmetic goods containing the hazardous PFA.
In April 2023, the Vermont Senate enacted legislation prohibiting manufacturers from selling or distributing any consumer-use product containing PFAS and several additional chemicals.
This is after California, Colorado, and Maryland imposed similar restrictions which will come into effect in 2025. The European Union (EU) is also considering a proposal to ban PFAS.