Rhode Island recently passed the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024, which will ban the manufacture, use and distribution of certain products with intentionally added PFAS starting January 1, 2027. The Act further states “[i]t is the intent of the general assembly to ban uses of PFAS in covered products by January 1, 2029, unless the use of PFAS…is considered unavoidable.” Products such as carpets, cookware, cosmetics, menstrual products and textiles are among many categories of products Rhode Island seeks to ban starting in 2027. Additionally, manufacturers will be required to provide certifications to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to confirm their products are PFAS-free. As of January 1, 2025, the Act also prohibits the use of Class B firefighting foams (foams designed for flammable liquid fires) containing intentionally added PFAS.

The categories of products banned in Rhode Island are similar to regulations enacted in other states and continues the trend of states phasing out the distribution of products containing intentionally added PFAS. For example, Minnesota, Maine, New York and California have passed regulations involving the use or sale of certain categories of PFAS-added products. While the timelines and categories of products slightly differ from state to state, it is increasingly important for manufacturers and distributors to understand state-specific regulations as more states continue to join in the effort to reduce or eliminate PFAS in consumer goods.