Safer Products for Washington Cycle 1.5 PFAS Rulemaking

Event information

We’re hosting public hearings to share information about the proposed rule and documents related to the rulemaking to revise Chapter 173-337 WAC: Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting to adopt restrictions and reporting requirements related to the intentional use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 12 product categories. We’ll answer questions and record testimony. The hearing will stay open until all attendees have the opportunity to provide testimony.

We’re also providing a public comment period from June 4, 2025, at 12 a.m. PT to July 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT. We invite you to comment on the following documents.

• Proposed rule. 
• Preliminary Regulatory Analyses.
• Draft SEPA Determination of Non-Significance and Environmental Checklist.

To learn more:

• Go to Chapter 173-337 WAC rulemaking webpage.
• Read the Overview: Safer Products Cycle 1.5 PFAS Rulemaking.

How to join

This event will start at 10:00 a.m. PT on July 10, 2025, via Zoom and will stay open until all attendees have the opportunity to provide testimony.

• Register to attend the Zoom meeting.
• Dial-in information: 1-253-215-8782
• Meeting ID: 875 0074 5177

How to submit comments

We’ll record verbal testimony at the hearing. You can also submit comments online. Written comments receive the same consideration as verbal testimony. Information provided in a comment or attachment will be posted on the internet. Please visit our commenting tips webpage for more information.

Next steps

After the comment period, we’ll review comments, consider revisions to the proposed rule and other rulemaking documents, and respond to comments. We expect to decide on rule adoption in Nov. 2025.

Background

Ecology proposes to revise Chapter 173-337 WAC: Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting to adopt restrictions and reporting requirements related to the intentional use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the following product categories.

The proposed rule restricts the intentional use of PFAS in:

• Apparel and accessories.
• Automotive washes.
• Cleaning products.

The proposed rule requires manufacturers to report the intentional use of PFAS in:

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

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” don’t break down in the environment. Some build up in species higher up in the food chain, such as humans and orcas. Many PFAS are linked to cancer, harm reproduction and development, and are toxic to fish. Nearly everyone in the United States has PFAS in their blood. Regulating PFAS in consumer products will reduce exposure to these chemicals.

The restrictions and reporting requirements in the proposed rule:

• Affect manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of the 12 product categories that operate in Washington State.
• Apply to covered consumer products sold online and in brick-and-mortar stores.

More information

• Chapter 173-337 WAC rulemaking webpage.
• Overview: Safer Products Cycle 1.5 PFAS Rulemaking.
• Safer Products for Washington stakeholder webpage.
• Sign up for the Safer Products for Washington email list.