February ’26 at-a-glance … regulations

February 11, 2026

Washington State evaluating different approach to regulating lead in cookware 

Washington State’s amended Lead in Cookware Act (SB 5975) cleared a significant hurdle in Olympia, though several challenges remain. 

On February 3, the Washington Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee adopted key amendments to the bill that would eliminate the 10-ppm lead content limit scheduled to take effect in 2028, exempt electrical components, assign regulatory authority to the Department of Ecology under the state’s Safer Products program, and prohibit beginning January 1, 2027, the manufacture, sale, or distribution of aluminum or brass cookware, utensils, or cookware components containing intentionally added lead. 

The legislative process is far from complete, however. The bill must still pass the full Senate before advancing to the House of Representatives. 

This well-intentioned legislation has the potential to serve as a model for other states. Given the precedent it could establish, NAFEM continues to work with the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and other stakeholders to help ensure lawmakers enact these amendments.  

PFAS Updates  

  • NAFEM’s legal team at Barnes & Thornburg interprets Vermont H.238, “intended to phaseout consumer products containing added PFAS,” as applying only to consumer products. In addition to the Act’s subtitle referencing “consumer products,” the specific definition of “cookware” includes “durable houseware items.” 
  • Similarly, Minnesota’s statutory definition of “cookware” includes “durable houseware items.”  Also, the state requires manufacturers to report intentionally added PFAS in products sold in Minnesota and pay a fee beginning July 1. Minnesota recently launched its PFAS Reporting and Information System for Manufacturers (PRISM) and companion Reporting Guide. The state intends to make all report information will be publicly available, with the exception of private data, “to help manufacturers develop safer alternatives, inform consumers and guide progress toward phasing out nonessential PFAS.” Register for email updates. 
  • The regularly updated Complex Product Manufacturers Coalition spreadsheet includes current and proposed state and federal regulations addressing PFAS.