Connecticut, USA, Regulates PFAS in Certain Consumer Goods

SG 91/24

The US state of Connecticut has regulated intentionally added PFAS in several categories of consumer good. The new law contains provisions for labeling, notification and eventual prohibition of these goods from January 1, 2028.

On June 5, 2024, the governor of Connecticut signed SB 292 into law (Public Act No. 24-59) to regulate PFAS in a wide variety of consumer goods.

This act provides several terms and their definitions, including but not limited to the following:

• ‘Children’s product’ – products designed or marketed for use by infants and children under 12 years of age
• This definition exempts a children’s electronic product such as a personal computer, audio and video equipment, calculator, wireless phone, game console, handheld device incorporating a video screen or any associated peripheral such as a mouse, keyboard, power supply unit or power cord or an adult mattress

• ‘Cookware’ – durable houseware items used to prepare, dispense or store food, foodstuffs or beverages, including, but not limited to, baking sheets, baking molds, bowls, cooking utensils, cutlery, grills, pans, plates, pots, skillets and trays
• ‘Manufacturer’ – the person that creates or manufactures a product or whose brand name is affixed to the product. This term includes, for any product imported into the United States (U.S), the importer or first domestic distributor of the product, if the person that manufactured or assembled the product or whose brand name is affixed to the product does not have a presence in the U.S

• ‘Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances’ or ‘PFAS’ – all members of the family of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully carbon atom
• ‘Ski wax’ – any lubricant applied to the bottom of snow runners, including but not limited to, skis and snowboards, to improve grip or glide properties. The term includes, but is not limited to, any related tuning products
• ‘Textile furnishings’ – textile goods of a type customarily and ordinarily used in households and businesses, including, but not limited to, bedding, draperies, floor covering, furnishings, shower curtains, tablecloths and towels

Highlights of PA No. 24-59 are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1

Additionally, the act also regulates intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics, dental floss and menstrual products.

P.A No. 24-59 contains several exemptions, including but not limited to:

• Second-hand products
• Goods containing at least 85% recycled materials
• Products and their replacement parts that were manufactured prior to the date of applicability of the prohibitions/restrictions

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) may request a certificate of compliance (CoC) attesting that a product is in compliance.

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