Amendment Proposed for Lead in Cookware Prohibition in Washington State, USA

GENEVA - March 3, 2025 - PRLog -- SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 032.25, highlighting a proposed amendment to the US state of Washington's prohibition on lead in cookware. One highlight of the proposal includes the exclusion of inaccessible components and certain appliances.

Cookware nowadays typically only has lead present as a contaminant but can still be intentionally added in some instances, e.g. as a pigment in glazes. Serious health issues, including neurological damage and developmental delays in children, can be caused when it leaches into food.

Washington became the first US state to restrict lead in cookware when HB 1551 became law in March 2024. This new law, codified under Chapter 70A.565 RCW, bans cookware with a lead content above 5 ppm and becomes effective on January 1, 2026.

Published on January 31, 2025, the proposed amendment, HB 1756, specifies the addition of utensils to the scope of the prohibition, and the exclusion of inaccessible components and certain large appliances.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 032.25 includes a helpful table summarizing the proposed amendments to Chapter 70A.565 RCW.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 032.25 for more details.

SGS food contact material services
SGS's technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's food contact material (http://www.sgs.com/fcm) services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Washington, USA, Proposes Amendment to Its Lead in Cookware Prohibition (https://www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/02/safeguards-03225-wash...) SafeGuardS.

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For further information contact:

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, North America
Tel: +1 (312) 414-9394

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420

Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardlines
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