The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is proposing a rule to restrict the use of PFAS in common consumer products including clothing, cleaning products, and car wash soap. The rule would also require manufacturers to report if they use PFAS in nine other product categories: apparel for extreme and extended use (such as outerwear for mountaineering and whitewater kayaking), footwear, gear for recreation and travel, car waxes, cookware and kitchen supplies, firefighting personal protective equipment, floor waxes and polishes, hard surface sealers, and ski waxes.
Washington regulations already restrict PFAS in products like carpets, rugs, and aftermarket stain- and water-resistance treatments. Additional restrictions on PFAS used in indoor leather and textile furniture will begin on Jan. 1, 2026.
The restrictions and reporting requirements would apply to consumer products sold in the state both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. If the proposed rule is adopted, the reporting requirements will take effect on January 1, 2026, and restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2027.
For more information, see Ecology’s Safer Products for Washington rulemaking webpage.
