SG 55/24
The US state of Washington has enacted legislation to regulate lead in cookware. The restrictions will become effective on January 1, 2026.
On March 28, 2024, the governor of Washington state signed HB 1551 into law to become the first state in the nation to restrict lead in cookware.
The law adds a new chapter to Title 70A RCW. It also authorizes the Department of Ecology (DOE), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH) to lower the 5 ppm lead limit by rule after December 2034, if it is feasible to achieve a lower limit.
Highlights of HB 1551 are summarized in Table 1.
Second Substitute House Bill 1551 (Chapter 340)
State of Washington, 68th Legislature, 2024 Regular Session
An Act relating to reducing lead in cookware, reenacting and amending RCW 43.21B.110 and 43.21B.300; adding a new chapter to Title 70A RCW; and prescribing penalties’
| Substance | Scope | Requirement | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Cookware¹ and cookware components² | ≤ 5 ppm | January 1, 2026 |
| ¹Cookware means any metal bakeware, pans, pots, rice cookers, pressure cookers and other containers and devices intended for the preparation or storage of food ²Component includes separate and distinct parts of the cookware, including, but not limited to, accessories such as fasteners, handles and handle assemblies, knobs, lids, rivets, valves and vent pipes | |||
Table 1
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