Safer Products for Washington

Cycle 1.5 PFAS Rule Adopted

On Nov. 20, 2025, we adopted amendments to Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting (Chapter 173-337 WAC). The amendments restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in apparel and accessories, automotive washes, and cleaning products. The rule also requires reporting on nine other product categories.

Jan. 1, 2027: Restrictions take effect.
Jan. 31, 2027: Reports are due and every Jan. 31 thereafter.

Learn about Cycle 2 and how our program works

Our Safer Products for Washington program works with the Department of Health to implement the Toxic Pollution Law (Chapter 70A.350 RCW).

This law:

Reduces the use of toxic chemicals in consumer products by restricting or eliminating those chemicals when safer alternatives are available.
Creates a pathway to keep harmful chemicals out of the environment.
Authorizes us to regulate chemicals in consumer products in 5-year cycles.

I want to...

Phase 1: Select priority chemicals. Phase 2: Identify products. Phase 3: Determine regulations. Phase 4: Rulemaking. Back to phase 1.

How does this law work?

The law establishes an ongoing process for us to identify and regulate priority chemicals in 5-year cycles. Each cycle consists of four phases:

Prioritize chemicals.
Identify products.
Determine regulatory actions.
Rulemaking.

While working through the phases, we do technical research, seek public input, consult with Dept. of Health, and report to the Legislature.

What cycle are we in?

During phase 3, we will conduct research to determine whether safer alternatives are feasible and available for the products identified in the Safer Products for Washington Cycle 2 Final Identification of Priority Products Report to the Legislature (published May 30, 2025 for cycle 2 phase 2). We expect to recommend draft regulatory actions and invite formal public comment in late 2026.

Past actions for Cycle 2

May 30, 2025 — We published Safer Products for Washington Cycle 2 Final Identification of Priority Products Report to the Legislature, Technical Supporting Documentation for Priority Products, and Comment Summary.
Nov. 2024 — We published the Safer Products for Washington Cycle 2 Draft Identification of Priority Products Report to the Legislature.
May 2024 — We published a report identifying priority chemicals for cycle 2.

To learn more, read the Focus on the Safer Products for Washington Program 2024.

Completed cycles and adopted rules

The following cycles have been completed and adopted:

Cycle adopted	Adoption date	Effective date	Restrictions start	Reports due
Cycle 1.5	Nov. 20, 2025	Dec. 21, 2025	Jan. 1, 2027	Jan. 31, 2027
Cycle 1	May 31, 2023	July 1, 2023	Jan. 1, 2025	Jan. 31, 2025

See the full list of restricted chemicals and compliance guidelines.

Restriction information by cycle

The Cycle 1.5 adopted rule (Chapter 173-337 WAC: Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting) restricts the manufacture, sale, and distribution of the following consumer product categories in Washington State that contain intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS):

Apparel and accessories.
Automotive washes.
Cleaning products.

In addition to these restrictions, the rule requires manufacturers to report the intentional use of PFAS for nine other consumer product categories:

Apparel intended for extreme and extended use
Automotive waxes
Cookware and kitchen supplies
Firefighting personal protective equipment
Floor waxes and polishes
Footwear
Gear for recreation and travel
Hard surface sealers
Ski waxes

Timeline: Cycle 1.5

2027

Jan. 31, 2027: Reporting parties must submit their first notification.
Jan. 1, 2027: Restrictions take effect.

2026

Jan. 1, 2026: Reporting requirements take effect.

2025

Dec. 21, 2025: Rule takes effect.
Nov. 20, 2025: Amendments to Chapter 173-337 WAC: Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting adopted.
June to July 2025: We proposed the formal draft rule, held public hearings, and provided a formal comment period.

2024

After engaging with stakeholders and interested parties, we released the preliminary draft rule and provided an informal comment period.

2023

At the direction of the Legislature, we launched a rulemaking to adopt restrictions and reporting requirements on certain consumer products that contain intentionally-added PFAS.

The Cycle 1 adopted rule (Cycle 1 - Chapter 173-337 WAC – Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting) requires manufacturers to restrict or report:

PFAS in aftermarket stain- and water-resistance treatments, carpets and rugs, and leather and textile furnishings.
Ortho-phthalates in vinyl flooring and in personal care product fragrances.
Organohalogen flame retardants in electric and electronic products.
Flame retardants (as defined in RCW 70A.350.010) in recreational polyurethane foam.
Phenolic compounds in laundry detergent, food and drink can linings, and thermal paper.

More information

Timeline: Cycle 1

2025

Jan. 31, 2025: Reporting parties must submit their first notification.
Jan. 1, 2025: Cycle 1 restrictions go into effect.

2023

July 1, 2023: Rule went into effect.
May 31, 2023: We went through our first Safer Products for Washington rulemaking and adopted Cycle 1 - Chapter 173-337 WAC – Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting.

2022

After engaging with stakeholders and interested parties, we published a 2022 legislative report sharing our suggested regulatory actions for the Cycle 1 chemical-product combinations.

2020

We submitted a 2020 legislative report identifying products to focus on for Cycle 1; products that contain the chemical classes listed in the statute.

Frequently asked questions

Consumers interested in chemicals reported under Safer Products for Washington can search the Interstate Chemical Clearinghouse’s High Priority Chemical Data System (HPCDS), where manufacturer reports are publicly available. The Safer Products for Washington categories found on the HPCDS are the priority products currently addressed in this regulation. No registration is required to search reported data.

Information about how you interact with products we’ve identified as priority products is always useful. It helps us understand how product use varies across individuals and communities. While your use of a product might seem obvious, it could be a use we haven’t considered. Suggestions for additional chemical classes or consumer products to evaluate are also helpful.

How to submit feedback

Email us at SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov. We welcome feedback anytime and are also available to meet with individuals and organizations in person.

Translated content

We offer free language services about our programs and services for people whose primary language is not English. We can provide written information in your preferred language and interpreters in person or over the telephone.

Contact our Language Access team: language@ecy.wa.gov

Contact information

Safer Products for Washington
SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov

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