US New York state passes legislation prohibiting PFAS use in apparel

PFAS are used in the manufacture of apparel, particularly for their ability to repel water and stains.

The piece of legislation, which takes effect from January 1 next year, will create additional PFAS regulations mandatory for the garment industry.

S1322 focuses on restricting apparel manufactured with intentionally added PFAS. The bill amends New York’s Environmental Conservation Law section 37-0121, adding a prohibition against the use of PFAS in ‘apparel and outdoor apparel made for severe wet conditions’.”

Beginning January 1, 2025, the sale of certain defined articles of apparel containing PFAS will be prohibited.

The law covers shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, overalls, bodysuits, vests, dancewear, undergarments, suits, saris, scarves, tops, leggings, leisurewear, formal wear, outdoor apparel, onesies, bibs and diapers.

However, the bill explicitly excludes professional uniforms or outerwear intended for extreme conditions that are worn to protect from health or environmental hazards at the initial stage. These include personal protective equipment.

In 2027, further regulation of the sale of PFAS-bearing clothing will be woven into the law, and effective from January 1, 2027, no person shall sell any new apparel containing PFAS at or above levels to be established by the US state, regardless of whether PFAS was intentionally added.

On January 1, 2028, the sale of outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions that are made with PFAS also will be banned in the state.

Violations will include imposition of fines between $1,000 and $2,000 per day for each day of the continuing violation.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)