Law on Lead in Cookware Updated for Washington State
BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / April 09, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 046.26, reporting on Washington State’s amendments and clarifications for exemptions for lead in cookware.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5975 (ESSB 5975) was signed into law on March 18, 2026, following a reduction in the scope of three product categories, which previously adopted a two-tier, phased-in approach to lead content limit values in 2025.
The new law includes the following key updates:
- Clarification of the scope of exemption for a) aluminum and brass cookware, and b) aluminum and brass utensils
- Prohibition of the intentional use of lead within the defined scope of products
- Adoption of a three-tier, phased-in approach for the restriction of lead in aluminum and brass pots and pans, and their components, extending the phase-in period to eight years
These changes place new obligations on multiple economic operators. Manufacturers (including importers and distributors), as well as wholesalers and retailers, will be impacted. The Act will become effective on June 11, 2026.
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 046.26 includes a useful table comparing ESSB 5975 with the existing law, 70A.565 Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 046.26 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 services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Washington, USA, Updates Law on Lead in Cookware SafeGuardS.
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