SG 28/23
Maine is proposing a new rule to provide additional guidance for the state’s disclosure program on products containing intentionally added PFAS. Comments are accepted until May 19, 2023.
In 2021, the US state of Maine signed LD 1503 (Chapter 477) into law to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products (SafeGuardS 95/21). The law, codified as 38 M.R.S. §1614 ‘Products Containing PFAS’, contains several important provisions. It:
- Requires manufacturers (includes importers or whose brand name is affixed to the product by statute) of products containing intentionally added PFAS to submit a notification to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from January 1, 2023
- Prohibits carpets and rugs, as well as fabric treatments, containing intentionally added PFAS from January 1, 2023
- Prohibits products containing intentionally added PFAS from January 1, 2030, unless the DEP has determined by rule that the use of PFAS is currently unavoidable
To assist stakeholders with complying with the law, the Maine DEP has made available a webpage containing multiple frequently asked questions (FAQ), including one that addresses ‘What is the threshold concentration that triggers the notification requirement?’
On February 14, 2023, the Maine DEP announced a proposed rule for ‘Chapter 90: Products Containing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances’ to provide additional guidance on the notification requirements and sales prohibitions for products and product components containing intentionally added PFAS. The draft rule contains several important pieces of information. It:
- Clarifies that it includes intentionally added PFAS which provide a specific characteristic, appearance, or quality or to perform a specific function in a product, but does not include PFAS as a contaminant in the final product
- Provides the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) webpage on ‘PFAS Master List of PFAS Substances’ to assist stakeholders on what is considered as a PFAS. It is important to note that reporting of an intentionally added PFAS is required regardless of whether the substance is found on any list
- Clarifies that notification of intentionally added PFAS in products only applies to substances with an assigned CAS number (38 MRS §1614 2(3))
According to the announcement for draft Chapter 90, comments will be accepted until May 19, 2023.
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. 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.
