Maine Prohibits the Sale of Carpets, Rugs and Fabrics with Intentionally Added PFAS

A look at recent changes to the US state of Maine’s rules concerning the use of PFAS in consumer products. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) July 30, 2021 - The US state of Maine bans the sale of carpets, rugs and fabrics with intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Bill LD 1503 became public law – “An Act to Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution” – on July 15, 2021. Provisions include:
• January 1, 2023 – manufacturers of products containing an intentionally added PFAS must notify the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP):
1. Description of product
2. Purpose of PFAS
3. Amount of PFAS
4. Contact details of manufacturer and responsible person
5. Additional information established by the department by rule as necessary to implement the requirements
• Authorizes the state to identify other products from which PFAS can be prohibited

In addition, from 2030 products containing intentionally added PFAS will no longer be allowed for sale within the state, unless the state specifically concludes that use of PFAS is unavoidable.

PFAS are used in a wide variety of products, including:
• Firefighting foam
• Non-stick cookware
• Water- and stain-resistant textiles
• Grease-resistant food packaging.

Definitions in the Act:
• ‘PFAS’ – substances that include any member of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom
• ‘Carpet or rug’ – fabric marketed or intended for use as a floor covering
• ‘Fabric treatment’ – substance applied to fabric to give the fabric one or more characteristics, including but not limited to stain resistance or water resistance
• ‘Intentionally added PFAS’ – PFAS added to a product or one of its product components to provide a specific characteristic, appearance or quality or to perform a specific function. Also includes any degradation by-products of PFAS
• ‘Currently unavoidable use’ – PFAS that the department has determined by rule to be essential for health, safety or the functioning of society and for which alternatives are not reasonably available

Stakeholders are advised to make sure their products conform to Maine law.

SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services. [www.sgs.com/softlines]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full State of Maine Endorses Bill Requiring Disclosure of PFAS in Products SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2021/07/safeguards-09521-state-of-maine-enacted-law-requiring-disclosure-of-pfas-in-products]

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For further information contact:

Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
Tel: +1 973 461 7919
Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

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