Chapter 173-337 WAC – Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting (Cycle 1.5: PFAS)
On Nov. 20, 2025, Ecology adopted amendments to Chapter 173-337 WAC: Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting. This rule adopts restrictions and reporting requirements related to the intentional addition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the following product categories.
The adopted rule restricts the intentional addition of PFAS in:
- Apparel and accessories.
- Automotive washes.
- Cleaning products.
The adopted rule requires manufacturers to report the intentional addition of PFAS in:
- Apparel intended 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 are a class of toxic chemicals that are used for various functions in consumer products, such as adding water resistance in apparel or to aid in soil or stain removal in cleaning products. Although those qualities have made them widely used in a range of products, many of these chemicals have also been shown to build up in people, animals, and the environment over time. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because many don’t completely break down in the environment.
People can be exposed to PFAS when they use products containing PFAS. Consumer products can also release PFAS into dust or the air. Many PFAS are linked to cancer as well as reproductive and developmental harm in humans. They are also linked to toxicity in fish and wildlife.
The restrictions and reporting requirements in the adopted 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 physical stores.
Key dates
- Nov. 20, 2025: Rule adopted.
- Dec. 21, 2025: Rule takes effect.
- Jan. 1, 2026: Manufacturers must identify and track consumer products with new reporting requirements in this rule.
- Jan. 1, 2027: New restrictions in this rule take effect.
- Jan. 31, 2027: Reports are due and every year thereafter by Jan. 31.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
Dec. 8, 2023
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
Dec. 2023 – Jan. 2025Public input & involvement
| Date | Materials | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 13, 2023 - 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 2023 - 9 a.m. |
Online webinar | |
| Aug. 14, 2024 - 9:30 a.m. | Online webinar | |
| Sept. 25, 2024 - 9:30 a.m. | Online webinar |
Informal public comment period
Informal public comment period: Sept. 18, 2024 (12:00 a.m. PT) to Oct. 16, 2024 (11:59 p.m. PT).
Preliminary draft rule
Rule proposal phase (CR-102)
June 4, 2025
- Proposal Notice CR-102 form
- Proposed rule language
- Preliminary Regulatory Analyses
- Draft SEPA Determination of Non-Significance and Environmental Checklist
Comment period
The public comment period closed on July 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Read comments submitted during the formal comment period.
Public hearings
|
Date |
Presentation materials |
|
Wednesday July 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. PT |
Presentation: July 9, 2025 hearing |
|
Thursday July 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. PT |
We hosted public hearings to share information about the proposed rule, answer attendees’ questions, and record testimony. Written comments received the same consideration as verbal testimony.
Rule adoption phase (CR-103)
Nov. 20, 2025
Dec. 21, 2025
- Adopted Rule
- Adoption Notice: CR-103 form
- Final Regulatory Analyses
- SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance and Environmental Checklist
- Concise Explanatory Statement
- Rule Implementation Plan
- Environmental Justice Assessment
Additional documents related to this rulemaking:
- Safer Products for Washington Cycle 1.5 Rulemaking Overview
- Final Report to the Legislature on Regulatory Determinations (Safer Products for Washington Cycle 1.5 Phase 3)
To request information in another language or format, contact Wayne Rysavy at SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov or 360-280-5799.
Rulemaking cycles for Safer Products for Washington
The Safer Products for Washington (SPWA) Program is a cyclical five-year process that we use to identify, assess and regulate classes of chemicals in consumer products. Each cycle includes four phases. Rulemaking is the fourth and final phase.
Cycle 1: Rule adopted on May 31, 2023
On May 31, 2023, we adopted Chapter 173-337 WAC – Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting (Cycle 1). The adopted rule went into effect July 1, 2023.
Cycle 1.5: Rule adopted on Nov. 20, 2025
On Nov. 20, 2025, we adopted amendments to Chapter 173-337 WAC – Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting (Cycle 1.5). The adopted rule will go into effect Dec. 21, 2025.
Cycle 2: Future rulemaking
In May 2025, we published a report identifying priority products for Cycle 2 of the Safer Products for Washington program. We’ll also continue working on specific products from Cycle 1.5 and 6PPD in motorized vehicle tires. We will adopt rules to implement the final regulatory determinations for Cycle 2 by June 2028.
Related links
Contact information
Wayne Rysavy
Communications Lead
SaferProductsWA@ecy.wa.gov
360-280-5799
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Accessibility
To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.