On April 21, 2022, U.S. Maryland Governor has approved a Bill HB 275/SB 273, which prohibit PFAS chemical is intentionally added in certain consumer products.

Prohibition of PFAS in plant-based food packaging

Starting from 1 January 2024, it is prohibited to manufacture, or knowingly sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale or use a food package or food packaging component which is intentionally added with PFAS chemicals in Maryland. The applicable food package is that is designed and intended for direct food contact and is composed, in substantial part, of paper, paperboard, or other materials originally derived from plant fibers, and includes plastic disposable gloves used in commercial or institutional food service.

A certificate of compliance that attest that food package or food packaging component complying with the requirements shall be provided by the manufacturer.

Prohibition of PFAS in rugs or carpets

Starting from 1 January 2024, it is prohibited to manufacture, or knowingly sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale or use a rug or carpet which is intentionally added with PFAS chemicals in Maryland. But used rugs and carpets are exempted.
A certificate of compliance that attest that the rugs or carpets complying with the requirements shall be provided by the manufacturer.

Prohibition of PFAS in Class B fire-fighting foam

Starting from 1 January 2024, it is prohibited to use, manufacture, or knowingly sell, offer for sale or distribute for sale or use Class B fire-fighting foam which is intentionally added with PFAS chemicals for certain uses in Maryland.

A person who sells personal protective equipment for firefighting that contains PFAS should provide written notice to the purchaser. Both seller and purchaser of personal protective equipment should keep the notice for at least three (3) years after the sale. The fire department is authorized to take back and dispose of the firefighting foam received.

Note:

• PFAS: a class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

• Rug or carpet: a thick fabric used to cover a floor, including commercial or residential broadloom carpet, and a pad or an underlayment used in conjunction with a carpet.

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