Washington adopts new PFAS restrictions

The Washington State Department of Ecology has adopted new restrictions on intentionally added PFAS in consumer products, building upon existing PFAS restrictions.

“With this rule, Washington continues to stand firmly on the side of public health. As health impacts and cleanup costs from PFAS contamination skyrocket, prevention is the most rational solution,” says Cheri Peele, director of government and market policy at Toxic-Free Future. “We urge the Washington State Department of Ecology to take even stronger action in the coming years to phase out PFAS in all products,” she added.

The new rule:

• Prohibits the manufacture, sale and distribution of priority consumer products that contain intentionally added PFAS starting Jan. 1, 2027, including cleaning products, apparel and accessories, and automotive washes.
• Requires reporting of intentional use of PFAS in the following consumer products effective Jan. 1, 2026: apparel intended for extreme and extended use; footwear; gear for recreation and travel; automotive waxes; cookware and kitchen supplies; firefighting personal protective equipment; floor waxes and polishes; hard surface sealers; and ski waxes.

Reports are due by Jan. 31, 2027, and every Jan. 31 thereafter.

For each product category, the Washington State Department of Ecology had the option to restrict PFAS, require reporting, or take no action, depending on the availability of safer alternatives. “We are now looking at a delayed timeline for many products—like cookware—where PFAS should be banned because safer solutions are on the market,” says Peele. “Six states have already banned PFAS in cookware, so it’s concerning for Washington to only require reporting. Without additional restrictions, taxpayers will continue to face higher and higher costs from cleaning up the mess.”

The products requiring reporting have also been targeted for continued evaluation of safer alternatives in Cycle 2 of the Safer Products for Washington program. If safer alternatives are identified, restrictions could be finalized in 2028.