The French National Assembly has set up a major cornerstone to ban phthalates, parabens and alkylphenols in consumer goods, sources reported.

French lawmakers were in favour of banning goods if they contained these chemicals, despite facing opposition from the government and the largest party in the Assembly.

In the draft law, Members of the National Assembly have pointed out that the so-called precautionary principle should be fully applied even if no scientific study has yet proved the dangers and harmfulness of products containing these chemicals. The vote took place at a first-reading stage and needs to be confirmed by the High Chamber, the Sénat.