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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?
There are two active Safer Products for Washington cycles — cycle 1.5 and cycle 2.
We are conducting a rulemaking to revise the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule — (Chapter 173-337 WAC). We proposed the draft rule June 4, 2025, opened a public comment period (June 4, 2025 at 12 a.m. to July 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.), and announced two online public hearings (July 9 at 5:30 p.m. and July 10 at 10 a.m.). We intend to adopt the revised rule by Dec. 2025.
In cycle 1.5, we’re looking at firefighting PPE (personal protective equipment) and other products from our 2021 PFAS chemical action plan (CAP), like apparel and gear, cleaning products, and motor vehicle washes and waxes.
On May 31, 2023, we adopted Cycle 1 - Chapter 173-337 WAC – Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting. The adopted rule went into effect July 1, 2023. Some manufacturers, distributors, and retailers must comply with restrictions on some consumer products starting Jan. 1, 2025. Reporting parties must submit the first notification by Jan. 31, 2025.
2023
We went through our first Safer Products for Washington rulemaking and adopted the rule on May 31, 2023.
2022
After engaging with stakeholders and interested parties, we publish 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.
The Cycle 1 adopted rule 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.
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.
In phase 2 of each cycle, we focus on finding significant sources and uses of the chemicals we identified in phase 1. This give us the best opportunity to equitably reduce exposures to toxic chemicals from consumer products. Chemical restrictions we suggest in phase 3 of each cycle require that safer alternatives are feasible and available.
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.
Comuníquese con nosotros a SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov o al 360-999-7566 si usted necesita ayuda con servicios de interpretación o materiales traducidos a otro idioma.
Hãy liên lạc chúng tôi qua điện thư SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov hoặc gọi 360-999-7566 nếu quý vị cần trợ giúp thông dịch hoặc tài liệu dịch sang tiếng Việt.
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.
