Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment has found that several textile products sold on the Belgian market exceed legal limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), following its annual inspection campaign targeting hazardous chemicals in consumer goods.
According to findings shared by the federal authority and laboratory partner Centexbel, 9 out of 51 textile samples tested during the latest inspection round were found to contain PFAS above permitted thresholds. The affected products were reported to the authorities and removed from sale, including from online platforms, in line with EU chemical safety rules.
The inspection was carried out by the FPS’s Federal Environmental Inspection service, which oversees compliance with European Union legislation such as the REACH regulation governing chemicals in products. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment and human body, are widely used in textiles for water- and stain-repellent finishes.
Belgian authorities said the campaign forms part of ongoing efforts to monitor hazardous substances in consumer products, including clothing, toys and household items. Laboratory analysis was conducted by Centexbel, a Belgian research and testing institute specializing in textile and material performance and chemical compliance.
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PFAS have come under increasing scrutiny across Europe due to mounting evidence linking long-term exposure to environmental contamination and potential health risks. The European Union has already restricted certain PFAS compounds and is considering broader group-wide limitations under REACH, a move that could significantly impact textile supply chains and apparel manufacturers globally.
The Belgian inspection results underscore the continued compliance challenges facing textile brands and importers, particularly as regulatory enforcement tightens. Industry experts say that even with existing EU restrictions, legacy treatments and complex global sourcing networks can lead to non-compliant products entering the market.
Authorities did not disclose the specific brands involved but confirmed that enforcement measures were taken where legal thresholds were breached. Companies placing products on the EU market are responsible for ensuring chemical compliance, including testing and documentation.
The findings are likely to reinforce calls for stricter due diligence among textile producers and retailers, especially as the EU advances proposals aimed at phasing out non-essential uses of PFAS in consumer goods. For exporters to Europe, including manufacturers in major textile-producing countries, the Belgian campaign highlights the importance of proactive chemical management and third-party testing to avoid regulatory penalties and product withdrawals.
Belgium’s annual PFAS inspection campaign reflects a broader European push to eliminate hazardous substances from textiles and strengthen consumer protection in the apparel and household goods sectors.
