New Zealand EPA Takes Action on PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ — Ban on PFAS in Cosmetics

New Zealand is advancing its regulatory approach to per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — widely known as forever chemicals — with significant mandatory changes affecting cosmetics and other consumer products. PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals used for their water‑, grease‑ and stain‑resistant properties in many everyday items, including personal care products. Due to their extreme persistence in the environment and potential to accumulate in the body, PFAS are increasingly regulated globally.

PFAS are part of a vast family of chemicals (more than 10,000 variants) found in numerous products ranging from textiles to cookware, electronics to cleaning products. While useful for performance characteristics, PFAS do not readily break down and can persist in the environment for thousands of years, leading to potential exposure risks for humans and wildlife. In response, the New Zealand EPA has been progressively phasing out high‑profile PFAS uses, including firefighting foams and now cosmetics.

Cosmetics Rule Changes and PFAS Phase‑Out

As part of broader updates to the Cosmetic Products Group Standard, the EPA has introduced a ban on the import and manufacture of PFAS in cosmetic products. PFAS are sometimes used in products such as lotions, nail polish, shaving cream, lipstick, foundation, eyeliner and mascara to improve texture, water resistance and spreadability, but their persistent nature and uncertain health impacts have prompted a precautionary regulatory approach.

The key regulatory milestones for PFAS in cosmetics in New Zealand are:

These phased requirements were introduced in updated EPA rules taking effect from 1 January 2026, which also expanded the scope of the cosmetics group standard to cover products containing hazardous ingredients and aligned several ingredient schedules with international developments.

Industry and Compliance Implications

The EPA’s PFAS ban in cosmetics makes New Zealand one of the first countries worldwide to impose a comprehensive regulatory prohibition on these substances in personal care products. Importers, manufacturers and distributors of cosmetics must:

• Review product formulations to ensure no PFAS are used after 31 December 2026.

• Adjust supply chains and sourcing practices in advance of phase‑out deadlines.

• Ensure compliance documentation is updated to reflect PFAS restrictions and other updated group standard requirements.

Non‑compliant products must no longer be sold after the applicable cutoff dates and must be disposed of appropriately by 30 June 2028 if they contain PFAS, reinforcing the EPA’s commitment to reducing environmental and human health exposure to persistent chemicals.