SG 157/24
The US state of Massachusetts has approved measures to regulate PFAS in personal protective equipment for firefighting. The new law will be implemented into phases, starting on January 1, 2025.
In August 2024, the governor of Massachusetts signed S.2902 (Chapter 182) into law to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting personal protective equipment (FPPE).
According to the definitions in the new law, ‘FPPE’ and ‘PFAS’ have the following meanings:
- FPPE means clothing or wearable items for firefighting personnel in the performance of their duties that are designed for use in fire and rescue activities, including, but not limited to footwear, gloves, helmets, jackets, pants and respiratory equipment
- PFAS means a class of fluorinated chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom
Highlights of S.2902 are summarized in Table 1.
| Substance | Scope | Requirement | Effective date |
| PFAS | FPPE | Manufacturers (including importers and domestic distributors by statute) must provide written notice1 to the purchaser at the time of sale indicating:
| January 1, 2025 |
| PFAS | FPPE | Prohibited if intentionally added | January 1, 2027 |
Table 1
1Manufacturers and purchasers must retain a copy of the notice for at least three years from date of purchase.
Our global network and experts provide you one stop simple solutions for PPE product compliance with testing and certification requirements. Our accredited laboratories also provide assistance in compiling technical files and coordinating with Notified Bodies for application of EC type examination. Contact us for more information or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
© SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. This publication or website is a property of SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. All contents including website designs, text, and graphics contained herein are owned by or licensed to SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. The information provided is for technical and general information purposes only and offers no legal advice. The information is no substitute for professional legal advice to ensure compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. All information is provided in good faith “as is”, and SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, and does not warrant that the information will be error-free or meet any particular criteria of performance or quality.
