Rhode Island recently passed bill H 7356A/S 2152A, initiating a phased ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in non-soap-based cosmetics, ski waxes, and cookware. Effective from January 1, 2027, this legislation introduces staged PFAS restrictions, aligning with approaches in many U.S. states.
2027
Effective January 1, 2027, Rhode Island will ban the manufacture and sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS, including:
- Cookware;
- Menstrual hygiene products;
- Non-soap-based cosmetics;
- Ski wax;
- Children's products;
- Most textiles, except those for specific uses like filtering, construction, and extreme moisture environments;
- Carpets and rugs;
- Fabric treatments.
2029
Effective January 1, 2029, Rhode Island will enforce broader bans on:
- Artificial turf with added PFAS;
- Outdoor apparel for wet conditions, unless labeled “Contains PFAS chemicals.”
Regulatory Compliance
If the Rhode Island Environmental Protection Department suspects a product unlawfully contains PFAS, the manufacturer must prove it is PFAS-free within 30 days. Failing this, the manufacturer must inform the distribution network of the sales ban and report the details of all notified parties to the authorities.
Exemptions and Clarifications
The law exempts second-hand product sales from new regulatory restrictions. Additionally, trace PFAS in cosmetics, arising inevitably from impurities or packaging transfer and not intentionally added, do not breach these regulations.
PFAS Prohibition Measures Across the U.S.:
- California: From January 1, 2023, bans on food packaging and children's products containing PFAS exceeding 100 ppm.
- New York: Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of food packaging with intentionally added PFAS from December 31, 2022.
- Vermont (S.20): Bans on Class B firefighting foams with PFAS from July 1, 2022; extends to food packaging and residential carpets from July 1, 2023.
- Colorado (HB 22-1345): Phased bans from 2024 to 2027 on certain PFAS-added products, starting with food packaging from January 1, 2024.
- Maryland: Prohibition against selling any PFAS-added products starting January 1, 2024.
- Minnesota (HF 2310): Food packaging with added PFAS banned from January 1, 2025.
- Maine: Bans on PFAS in carpets, floor mats, and fabric products from January 1, 2025.
- Connecticut: Comprehensive bans from January 1, 2028, on products such as apparel, carpets, and cookware with intentionally added PFAS.
