Maryland, USA, Regulates PFAS in Certain Consumer Goods

Maryland has become the latest state in the US to regulate PFAS in certain consumer products. The prohibition of PFAS in these products will become effective on January 1, 2024.

On April 21, 2022, the governor of Maryland signed SB 273 (cross-filed HB 275, Chapter 138, 2022) into law to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in several categories of consumer products. The new law contains several important provisions:

• Prohibits intentionally added PFAS in Class B fire-fighting foam (FFF), rugs and carpets, as well as certain food packages and food packaging
• Forbids the disposal of Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS using certain means, including landfill
• Mandates sellers of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighting that contains PFAS to furnish a written notice to purchasers indicating that the PPE contains PFAS and the purpose of having such chemicals in these products. This written notice is to be kept for at least three years

According to the definitions in the new law, PFAS means a class of fluorinated organic chemicals that contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.

It is important to note that Maryland has been restricting the sum of lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium (VI) to no more than 100 ppm (0.01%) in packages or packaging components since 1995.

Highlights of the new law are summarized in Table 1

Table 1

SGS is committed to providing information about development in regulations for consumer products as complimentary services. Through a global network of laboratories, SGS provides a wide range of services including physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Contact us for more information or visit our website.

For inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
t: (+852) 2774 7420

^{© SGS Group Management SA - 2022 - All rights reserved - SGS is a registered trademark of SGS Group Management SA. This is a publication of SGS, except for 3rd parties’ contents submitted or licensed for use by SGS. SGS neither endorses nor disapproves said 3rd parties contents. This publication is intended to provide technical information and shall not be considered an exhaustive treatment of any subject treated. It is strictly educational and does not replace any legal requirements or applicable regulations. It is not intended to constitute consulting or professional advice. The information contained herein is provided “as is” and SGS does not warrant that it will be error-free or will meet any particular criteria of performance or quality. Do not quote or refer any information herein without SGS’s prior written consent.}