Rhode Island Expands PFAS Ban to Firefighting Protective Gear

GENEVA - June 26, 2025 - PRLog -- SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 087.25, summarizing recent legislative changes in Rhode Island that broaden the state's restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

On June 10, 2025, the governor of Rhode Island signed Senate Bill 241 (companion bill H5019) into law. The amendment updates the state's Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 by prohibiting the intentional addition of PFAS in firefighting personal protective equipment (FPPE), effective January 1, 2027.

Previously, manufacturers and importers of FPPE were only required to disclose the presence of PFAS, with that requirement taking effect in January 2025. The new legislation transitions this disclosure rule into a full ban on PFAS in FPPE, defined to include gloves, helmets, jackets, pants, footwear and respiratory gear designed for firefighting and rescue operations.

This amendment complements Rhode Island's broader PFAS restrictions on products such as carpets, cookware, cosmetics, outdoor apparel and ski waxes, introduced under the 2024 Act.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed of important regulatory developments. SafeGuardS 087.25 provides a table summarizing Rhode Island's recent PFAS-related legislative changes.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review SafeGuardS 087.25 for further details.

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SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Rhode Island, USA, Expands Scope of PFAS Ban to include FPPE (https://www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/06/safeguards-08725-rhod...) SafeGuardS.

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For further information contact:

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

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA
Tel: +1 312 414 9394

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