Washington, USA, Proposes Amendment to Its Lead in Cookware Prohibition

SafeGuardSHardgoodsFebruary 20, 2025

SG 032/25

US state of Washington has proposed an amendment to the lead in cookware prohibition, including the exclusion of inaccessible components and certain appliances.

On March 28, 2024, the governor of Washington state signed HB 1551 into law, becoming the first state in the nation to restrict lead in cookware. This new law – codified under Chapter 70A.565 RCW – bans cookware with a lead content above 5 ppm and will become effective on January 1, 2026.

On January 31, 2025, HB 1756 was introduced to amend the state’s existing ban on lead in cookware. Under this proposal, the most significant changes would include the addition of utensils to the scope and the exclusion of inaccessible components and certain large appliances from the scope. The effective date of January 1, 2026, would remain.

Table 1 summarizes the proposed amendments.

Clause/Title	Proposed amendment (WA HB 1756)	Current law (Chapter 70A.565 RCW)
RCW 70A.565.010 ‘Definitions’	Defines ‘component’ as a separate or distinct part of cookware, including accessories such as lids, knobs, handles and handle assemblies, griddles and other cooktop surfaces that touch food, rivets, fasteners, valves and vent pipes. ‘Component’ does not include inaccessible components of cookware or utensils Defines ‘cookware’ as any metal pots, pans, bakeware, rice cookers, pressure cookers and other similar containers used to cook or store food. ‘Cookware’ does not include large appliances such as refrigerators and ranges Adds definitions for ‘inaccessible component’ and ‘utensils’ to the law	Defines ‘component’ as a separate or distinct part of cookware including, but not limited to, accessories such as lids, knobs, handles and handle assemblies, rivets, fasteners, valves and vent pipes Defines ‘cookware’ as any metal pots, pans, bakeware, rice cookers, pressure cookers and other containers and devices intended for the preparation or storage of food
RCW 70A.565.020 ‘Prohibitions’	Prohibits the presence of lead above 5 ppm in any cookware, cookware component or utensil Exempts manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers unknowingly selling products prohibited under this law from liability	Prohibits the presence of lead above 5 ppm in any cookware or cookware component Exempts retailers and wholesalers unknowingly selling products prohibited under this law from liability

Table 1

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