Trade Groups Oppose Maryland Bill to Ban PFAS in Cookware, Other Products

A bill under consideration in the Maryland Legislature would prohibit the sale of cookware and other products that use polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

A group of more than 40 trade associations, including the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), has joined the Maryland Chamber of Commerce in opposing Maryland Senate Bill 686. If passed, it would prevent manufacturers from selling or distributing certain items that contain intentionally added PFAS, a class of synthetic chemical compounds used in products to make them resistant to heat, water, grease, and corrosion.

The ban would begin in 2028 with cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, personal care products, children’s items, feminine hygiene products, and certain kinds of packaging. In 2029, those prohibitions would expand to textiles, fabric treatments, upholstered furniture, and paint.

In addition to product bans, the law would require manufacturers to register any products that contain intentionally added PFAS with the state, a process that would include registration fees and potentially testing data. Companies could be penalized up to $15,000 per violation initially and $25,000 for each day of noncompliance.

Although the bill targets manufacturers, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce has warned that distributors could be legally responsible if the original manufacturer has no presence in the United States.

For more information on current and proposed PFAS regulations, view this spreadsheet maintained by the Complex Product Manufacturers Coalition.