What does PFAS-free mean for waterproof jackets, and is it required?

PFAS-free means the jacket contains no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — the 'forever chemicals' historically used in DWR finishes and some membranes because they repel water and oil exceptionally well. They persist in the environment and in the human body, which is why regulators are phasing them out.

On requirements: the EU PFHxA restriction entered into force, with transition periods that start biting from 2026 onward, and major outdoor brands now mandate PFAS-free DWR (C0 chemistry) in their supplier specs. It is not yet universally illegal for every garment, but for EU-bound waterproof programmes it is effectively becoming a tender and retail requirement. Specify C0 DWR and ask for third-party fluorine testing on bulk fabric.