New Washington State Law Restricts Lead in Cookware

Washington Becomes First State to Restrict Lead Content in Cookware

On March 28, 2024, the Governor of Washington State signed the Lead in Cookware Act (HB 1551) into law, restricting the lead content in cookware. This law makes Washington the first state to limit the amount of lead in cookware that is manufactured, distributed, sold, or imported in the state.

Effective January 1, 2026, manufacturers are prohibited from producing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, or dispensing cookware or cookware components within the state of Washington that contain lead or lead compounds at levels exceeding five parts per million (ppm).

According to the law, "cookware" is defined as metal pots, pans, and bakeware, electronic kitchenware such as rice cookers and pressure cookers, as well as other containers and devices intended for food preparation or storage. Additionally, "cookware components" such as lids, knobs, handles, rivets, fasteners, valves, and vent pipes are subject to the same lead content restrictions.

Companies that knowingly violate the law face civil penalties up to $5,000 for first offenses and up to $10,000 for each repeat violation.

Furthermore, the Department of Ecology (DOE), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), retains the authority to lower the lead limit even further after December 2034 if deemed feasible and necessary to protect human health, including vulnerable populations.

Prepare for Washington's New Lead Regulation with Full Material Declaration (FMD) Data

House Bill 1551 does not contain instructions for how a manufacturer is to prove they are meeting the less than 5 ppm threshold. When regulations lack specific reporting instructions like this, the best way to ensure compliance and avoid penalties is to collect Full Material Declaration (FMD) Data on your parts and products to determine their substance makeup.

GreenSoft Technology provides FMD Data Services, allowing you to maintain a complete materials database for your company and products. With FMD data, you can not only validate your products for common regulations such as EU REACH and EU RoHS, but you can also validate for new and evolving regulations like Washington’s Lead Restriction Law and emerging PFAS regulations.

Instead of scrambling to adapt when regulations shift or new ones arise, you’ll already have the data you need to validate your products' compliance status right away.

Learn more about our FMD Data Services by contacting us.