PFAS in Handbags: A Compliance Guide for Fashion Brands

Regulatory information checked: November 6, 2026

Introduction

As environmental regulations become stricter, PFAS in handbags are receiving increasing attention from fashion brands, retailers, and product developers.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of synthetic chemicals that have been used in certain water-repellent, oil-resistant, and stain-resistant treatments. In the textile and leather industries, some PFAS-based finishes have historically been used to improve the functional performance of materials.

However, growing concerns about environmental persistence and potential health effects have led to new restrictions in several markets.

For handbag brands, this creates practical questions: Which materials may contain PFAS? What regulations apply to handbags in the US and EU? How can manufacturers verify material composition and support product compliance?

This guide explains the key issues brands should understand when selecting handbag materials, evaluating alternative finishes, and working with manufacturing suppliers.

1. What Are PFAS and Why Are They Used in Handbags?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a broad group of synthetic chemicals characterized by carbon-fluorine bonds.

Many PFAS are highly resistant to environmental degradation, which is why they are often called "forever chemicals." However, PFAS is a diverse chemical family, and individual substances can have different properties and levels of concern. Regulatory definitions may also vary between authorities. [1]

Why Have PFAS Been Used in Bag Manufacturing?

Certain PFAS have been used in functional surface treatments because they can provide:

• Water repellency: Helping treated surfaces resist water penetration.

• Oil resistance: Reducing the absorption of certain oil-based substances.

• Stain resistance: Making some materials easier to clean.

• Surface protection: Providing resistance to particular contaminants.

These properties can be useful in products that require additional surface protection.

However, not all handbags or water-resistant materials contain PFAS. Their presence depends on the specific material formulation, chemical treatment, and finishing process.

2. Where Can PFAS Be Found in a Handbag?

PFAS concerns are not limited to one type of handbag material. Different components may receive different chemical treatments during material processing.

Outer Fabrics and Surface Treatments

Some textile fabrics receive water-repellent or stain-resistant finishes during manufacturing.

Certain historical and current formulations may use fluorinated chemicals to achieve these properties.

Brands should therefore ask whether the fabric has received additional chemical treatment rather than judging its composition only by labels such as polyester, nylon, or cotton.

Leather and Coated Materials

Leather and coated leather may undergo different finishing processes to achieve particular surface characteristics.

Relevant areas for investigation include:

• Water-repellent treatments.

• Stain-resistant finishes.

• Surface coatings.

• Chemical treatments applied during material processing.

For leather products, the exact formulation and finishing method matter more than the general material name.

Linings and Other Components

A handbag may combine an outer material, lining, reinforcement materials, and other treated components.

These materials may come from different suppliers, so brands should maintain a clear record of their composition and chemical treatments.

The purpose is not to assume that every component contains PFAS, but to identify which materials require verification.

For more information about lining selection, see our guide to common handbag lining materials.

3. Key PFAS Regulations Affecting Handbag Brands in 2026

PFAS regulations do not follow one universal standard. Some restrict specific chemicals, while others address intentionally added PFAS or broader fluorine-content thresholds.

The following regulations are particularly relevant to brands selling handbags in the European Union and selected US markets.

European Union: PFHxA Restrictions Under REACH

Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 introduces restrictions on PFHxA (undecafluorohexanoic acid), its salts, and PFHxA-related substances under REACH.

The regulation explicitly identifies handbags as an example of related accessories covered by the restriction.

From October 10, 2026, the following limits apply to textiles, leather, furs, and hides in clothing and related accessories for the general public:

Restricted substances	Maximum concentration
Sum of PFHxA and its salts	25 ppb
Sum of PFHxA-related substances	1,000 ppb

Both limits are measured in homogeneous material.

The regulation also contains specific exemptions and a transitional provision for relevant articles placed on the EU market before October 10, 2026. [2]

An important distinction: This is a restriction on PFHxA and its related substances. It is not a comprehensive ban on every substance within the PFAS family.

Handbag brands exporting to the EU should review their material specifications and ensure that the relevant testing covers the substances and concentration limits required by the regulation.

United States: California PFAS Restrictions

California's Assembly Bill 1817 (AB 1817) regulates PFAS in textile articles and explicitly includes handbags in its definition.

Since January 1, 2025, new textile articles containing regulated PFAS cannot be manufactured, distributed, sold, or offered for sale in California, subject to specified exceptions.

The law identifies regulated PFAS through two criteria:

1. PFAS intentionally added to a product that have a functional or technical effect.

2. PFAS present at or above specified total organic fluorine (TOF) thresholds.

The thresholds are:

Effective date	TOF threshold
January 1, 2025	100 ppm
January 1, 2027	50 ppm

These thresholds do not create an allowance for intentionally added PFAS below the specified concentration.

Manufacturers must also provide a signed certificate of compliance to relevant distributors and sellers. [3]

For handbag brands, this makes material declarations, supplier communication, and appropriate testing important parts of the product development process.

United States: Maine PFAS Restrictions

Maine has introduced additional restrictions under Title 38, Section 1614.

From January 1, 2026, the state prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution for sale of specified textile articles containing intentionally added PFAS.

The statutory definition of textile articles explicitly includes handbags.

The prohibition is subject to specified statutory exceptions, including applicable determinations of currently unavoidable use. Unlike California's textile law, Maine's relevant 2026 provision focuses on intentionally added PFAS rather than the same TOF concentration thresholds. [4]

Brands selling in Maine should therefore assess the applicable state requirements separately instead of assuming that one state's testing threshold establishes compliance everywhere.

The Proposed EU-Wide PFAS Restriction

Beyond the specific PFHxA restriction, the EU is evaluating a broader restriction covering PFAS as a chemical group.

The proposal was submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in January 2023 by authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

In March 2026, ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) adopted its final opinion, while its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) agreed on a draft opinion.

The public consultation on the SEAC draft opinion ran from March 26 to May 25, 2026.

As of November 6, 2026, SEAC's final opinion is expected by the end of 2026. After the committees complete their evaluations, the European Commission will consider their opinions and prepare the next steps in the REACH decision-making process. [5]

The broader proposal has therefore not yet become an enacted EU-wide PFAS ban.

For handbag brands, monitoring this process is important because future restrictions could affect material specifications and supplier requirements.

4. Health and Environmental Concerns Associated with PFAS

What Does Scientific Research Say?

Research has identified associations between exposure to certain PFAS and several health outcomes.

According to the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), studies have reported associations involving:

• Increased cholesterol levels.

• Reduced antibody responses to some vaccines.

• Changes in liver enzyme levels.

• Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia.

• Small decreases in birth weight.

• Kidney and testicular cancer associated with PFOA exposure.

The strength of evidence differs between individual PFAS and health outcomes. Exposure levels, duration, and other individual factors also influence potential health risks. [6]

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).

These classifications apply to specific chemicals, not automatically to every substance within the PFAS family. They also describe carcinogenic hazards rather than the level of risk associated with exposure to a particular handbag. [7]

Why PFAS Persistence Matters for the Environment

Many PFAS can remain in the environment for extended periods and have been detected in soil, groundwater, surface water, and wildlife.

Their persistence makes pollution difficult to manage and increases the importance of controlling chemical releases throughout manufacturing, product use, and disposal.

For handbag brands, reducing unnecessary use of problematic chemicals is one practical part of responsible material and supply-chain management.

5. Evaluating PFAS-Free Alternatives for Handbag Materials

Replacing PFAS requires more than choosing a different base material.

Brands need to consider both the material itself and any additional chemical treatments used to achieve water repellency, stain resistance, or other functional properties.

Research and industry substitution projects have identified commercially available PFAS-free durable water-repellent (DWR) treatments for certain textile and leather applications. However, alternatives differ in performance and suitability. [8]

Fluorine-Free Water-Repellent Finishes

Fluorine-free DWR treatments can provide an alternative for selected materials and product applications.

Before selecting a treatment, brands should evaluate:

• Water resistance.

• Stain resistance.

• Abrasion resistance.

• Durability after repeated use.

• Compatibility with the base material.

• Appearance and hand feel.

A treatment that works well on one fabric may not deliver the same performance on another.

Wax-Based and Other Alternative Treatments

Wax-based finishes and other non-fluorinated surface treatments may be suitable for selected materials, including certain canvas and cotton applications.

Their performance depends on the formulation, application method, and intended use of the finished product.

Brands should also consider maintenance requirements, surface appearance, and long-term durability.

Can PU and TPU Replace PFAS?

Polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are widely used in handbag materials and coatings.

They can be formulated to provide flexibility, surface protection, and water-resistant performance. However, PU and TPU are not automatically PFAS-free.

Additional additives, chemical treatments, or surface finishes may affect the final chemical composition.

Brands should therefore verify the complete formulation rather than assuming that a material is compliant simply because it is described as PU or TPU.

For a broader comparison of synthetic leather materials, see our PU Leather vs. PVC Leather guide.

How to Compare Alternative Materials

When evaluating potential alternatives, brands should consider the following:

Evaluation factor	What to check
Water resistance	Does the material meet the required performance level?
Stain resistance	How does it respond to common stains?
Abrasion resistance	Can the surface finish withstand regular use?
Durability	Does the treatment remain effective over time?
Appearance	Does it affect texture, color, or hand feel?
Manufacturing compatibility	Can it be processed consistently?
Cost	How does it affect the finished handbag's production cost?

A suitable alternative should meet the product's functional requirements while also satisfying the brand's chemical and regulatory specifications.

6. How to Verify PFAS in Handbag Materials

Choosing a material described as PFAS-free is only the first step.

Brands should establish a verification process based on the target market, material composition, chemical treatments, and applicable testing requirements.

Request Material Declarations from Suppliers

Start by requesting documentation from material suppliers and manufacturers.

Relevant documents may include:

• Material composition declarations.

• Chemical treatment declarations.

• Restricted Substances List (RSL) compliance information.

• Statements regarding intentionally added PFAS.

• Relevant third-party laboratory reports.

Supplier declarations help establish traceability, but they should not automatically be treated as independent proof of regulatory compliance.

Understand Different PFAS Testing Methods

Different analytical methods provide different types of information.

1. Targeted PFAS Analysis

Targeted analysis identifies and quantifies specific PFAS included in the laboratory's testing list.

Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is commonly used for this purpose.

The result depends on the analytes included in the test and the suitability of the method for the material being examined.

2. Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) Screening

TOF screening estimates the amount of organic fluorine in a sample.

It can help identify the presence of organofluorine compounds, but it does not identify individual PFAS.

Organic fluorine may also come from substances that are not classified as PFAS. The result should therefore not automatically be reported as the total concentration of PFAS.

The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) notes that fluorine-screening methods have important analytical limitations and that validated TOF methods specifically for consumer products are not currently available. [9]

3. Non-Targeted Screening

Non-targeted analytical approaches can investigate a wider range of potentially unidentified substances.

They may help identify chemicals outside a predefined target list, although identification and quantification can be more complex.

The laboratory should explain the method's scope, limitations, and suitability for the specific material.

Relevant Testing Standards for Leather and Textiles

Two standards are particularly relevant to handbag material testing.

ISO 23702-1:2023 – Leather and Coated Leather

This standard specifies a method for detecting and quantifying extractable non-volatile PFAS in leather and coated leather using solvent extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. [10]

EN 17681-1:2025 – Textiles and Textile Products

This European standard specifies a test method using alkaline extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to identify and quantify certain PFAS in textile products.

Its scope covers a defined list of target substances rather than every possible PFAS compound. [11]

Neither standard should be interpreted as a universal test for all PFAS in all handbag materials.

A testing standard also does not automatically establish a product's legal compliance. The applicable regulation, concentration limit, target substances, and sample type must all be considered.

Why Component-Level Testing Matters

A handbag may contain several materials with different chemical compositions.

Depending on the product design and regulatory requirements, brands may need to evaluate:

• Outer fabrics or leather.

• Coated materials and surface treatments.

• Lining fabrics.

• Other chemically treated components.

The testing plan should identify which materials are sampled, which substances are included, and which detection limits are required.

Maintaining traceability between tested samples, approved materials, suppliers, and production batches is equally important.

7. What Should Brands Ask Their Handbag Manufacturers?

Clear communication with a handbag manufacturer helps prevent material changes and documentation gaps during product development.

Before approving a sample or placing a bulk order, brands should consider asking:

1. Do any selected materials or finishes contain intentionally added PFAS?

2. Can you provide material composition and chemical treatment declarations?

3. Are the proposed water-repellent finishes formulated without intentionally added PFAS?

4. Can you provide relevant third-party laboratory test reports?

5. Which PFAS and testing methods are covered by those reports?

6. Can you trace material suppliers and production batches?

7. Can you provide the documentation required for our target sales markets?

These questions should be discussed during material selection and sample development.

If chemical requirements are introduced only after sample approval, changing materials may lead to additional development costs, production delays, or differences between approved samples and bulk products.

For brands developing custom handbag collections, it is useful to include material specifications and applicable chemical requirements in the product development brief from the beginning.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS in Handbags

Are All PU and TPU Handbags PFAS-Free?

No. PU and TPU describe material types, not complete chemical formulations. Additional coatings, additives, or surface treatments may contain PFAS. Brands should request relevant material information and testing evidence.

Does the EU Ban All PFAS in Handbags?

No. Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 restricts PFHxA, its salts, and PFHxA-related substances in specified products, including relevant handbags, from October 10, 2026. The broader EU-wide PFAS restriction remains under evaluation.

Can a TOF Test Confirm That a Handbag Contains PFAS?

A TOF result can indicate the presence of organic fluorine, but it cannot identify individual PFAS or distinguish all PFAS from non-PFAS organofluorine compounds. Targeted testing may be required for specific substances.

What Documents Should Brands Request from Handbag Manufacturers?

Useful documents include material composition declarations, chemical treatment information, supplier statements, relevant laboratory reports, and applicable certificates of compliance. Requirements depend on the destination market and product category.

Can Water-Resistant Handbags Be Made Without PFAS?

Yes. Various fluorine-free treatments are commercially available for selected textile and leather applications. However, their water resistance, durability, appearance, and chemical characteristics should be evaluated before production.

Conclusion

PFAS management is becoming an important part of material selection and supply-chain planning for international handbag brands.

The most practical approach is to understand the regulations in target markets, review material formulations, evaluate suitable alternatives, and establish clear supplier documentation and testing procedures.

These steps should begin during product development rather than after bulk production has started.

If you are developing a custom women's handbag collection, contact HerminFashion's OEM and ODM team to discuss your design, material preferences, and manufacturing requirements.

By defining material specifications early and communicating requirements clearly with suppliers, brands can make better-informed decisions throughout the handbag development process.

References and Further Reading

The following official and technical sources were reviewed for this article. Regulatory information reflects the position checked on November 6, 2026.

PFAS Background

[1] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas

European Union Regulations

[2] European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 – Restrictions on PFHxA, Its Salts and PFHxA-Related Substances.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32024R2462

[5] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). ECHA Supports PFAS Restriction with Targeted Derogations, March 26, 2026.
https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-supports-pfas-restriction-with-targeted-derogations

United States Regulations

[3] California Health and Safety Code, Sections 108970–108971. AB 1817 – Textile Articles Containing Regulated PFAS.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=108970.&lawCode=HSC
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=108971.&lawCode=HSC

[4] Maine Revised Statutes, Title 38, Section 1614 – Products Containing PFAS.
https://legis.maine.gov/statutes/38/title38sec1614.html

Health and Environmental Research

[6] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). How PFAS Impacts Your Health, July 22, 2025.
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/about/health-effects.html

[7] International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Volume 135: Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS).
https://monographs.iarc.who.int/news-events/volume-135-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa-and-perfluorooctanesulfonic-acid-pfos/

Alternative Materials

[8] RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. PFAS Substitution Guide for Textile Supply Chains.
https://www.ri.se/en/pfas-substitution-guide-for-textile-supply-chains

Testing Methods and Standards

[9] Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC). PFAS Technical and Regulatory Guidance – Priority Topics for Sampling and Analysis, 2026.
https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/1-5-priority-topics-sampling-and-analysis/

[10] International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 23702-1:2023 – Leather: Determination of Extractable Non-Volatile PFAS.
https://www.iso.org/standard/83413.html

[11] European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN 17681-1:2025 – Textiles and Textile Products: PFAS Analysis.
https://app.nbn.be/data/r/platform/frontend/detail?p40_id=3318073&p_lang=en