As the dangers of PFAS to human health and the environment continue to make headlines, governmental agencies are taking action to reduce or eliminate the use of PFAS in products, including Maine’s Act to Stop PFAS Pollution. In 2021, Maine became the first state in the United States to ban PFAS “forever chemicals” in all products when the bill titled LD 1503, An Act to Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution, became law. It was also the country’s first phased-in ban on intentionally added PFAS in most products.
In 2024, the law was amended by L.D. 1537, titled “An Act to Amend the Laws Relating to the Prevention of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution.” This amendment aims to strengthen regulations and provide additional funding for combating these harmful chemicals.
New update: Maine finalizes PFAS reporting requirements
Maine’s Board of Environmental Protection has amended the Chapter 90 reporting rule. Proposals for “Currently Unavoidable Uses” were received by June 1, 2025 for review by the board resulting in two of those proposals being approved. PFAS-containing products not approved under a CUU will be banned starting January 1, 2026.
Learn more about Maine's PFAS CUU determinations and how to prepare on our blog.
Maine’s legislature amended their first act to stop PFAS pollution, L.D. 1503, and replaced it with L.D. 1537, titled “An Act to Amend the Laws Relating to the Prevention of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution.” The legislation:
Rugs, carpets, and fabric treatments with intentionally added PFAS are prohibited under the act. For future provisions, the reporting requirements are now effective as of the unavoidable use determination by Maine’s DEP. Only products containing intentionally added PFAS designated by the DEP as a CUU must be reported to the state.
From January 2026, the following products with intentionally added PFAS will be banned:
All products not already prohibited will be banned from January 1, 2032. This ban will include most products with intentionally added PFAS (including consumer electronics).
The Maine PFAS regulation includes several key exemptions that recognize federal oversight and specialized applications where PFAS use remains necessary. Exempted products include:
It is important to note that while packaging is generally exempt under the state’s PFAS rule, Maine’s Reduction of Toxics in Packaging statute will prohibit certain food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS as safer alternatives have been identified. This prohibition will take effect on May 25, 2026.
Manufacturers or brand owners of products are considered manufacturers under Maine’s PFAS pollution law. Manufacturers of products imported into Maine are considered either the importer or the first domestic distributor of the product, depending on whichever is first to sell the product, offer the product for sale, or distribute the product for sale within the state.
It’s essential for manufacturers to be aware of any components containing intentionally added PFAS in their products, as those products are within the scope of the law regardless of the manufacturer not directly or knowingly adding PFAS to the products.
Manufacturers within Maine’s PFAS law must report on products that contain intentionally added PFAS. Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a database to collect PFAS reports. Only products that contain intentionally added PFAS that have been designated by the DEP as a CUU must be notified. Manufacturers must submit a notification to the department that includes the following information:
The information provided by the manufacturer must be consistent with the information listed in the applicable currently unavoidable use determination.
Yes, Maine’s PFAS pollution law bans the use of PFAS in products sold within the state beginning January 1, 2032. Products designated as a CUU have an expiry date and can't be relied on to have a CUU exemption forever. Companies should prepare for Maine’s PFAS ban by reviewing their products to determine the components most likely to contain PFAS, how these PFAS are used, and if they can be replaced. As most supply chains are complex, this can be a daunting task, requiring outreach to hundreds of suppliers.
Whether you’re impacted by Maine’s PFAS pollution law or need to meet PFAS reporting requirements elsewhere, our PFAS solution helps streamline compliance and mitigate risk associated with the dangers of PFAS. Source Intelligence’s robust product compliance software can quickly identify more than 12,000 PFAS from the EPA list and 4,000 PFAS from the OECD list. We offer flexible solutions to assist you in due diligence, data analysis, and reporting so you can stay current with ever-changing global reporting requirements, including identifying PFAS in your products, cross-checking products against legislative requirements, and much more.