SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is advising suppliers of food packaging that Hawaii has become the latest US state to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS).
The regulation prohibits the intentional addition of PFAS in food packaging comprised, in substantial part, or paper, paperboard or other plant-derived materials. It applies to:
- Food boat
- Pizza boxes
- Plates
- Wraps and liners
HB 1644 (Act 152) was signed into law in June 2022 and came into effect on July 1, 2022. In addition to the ban relating to food packaging, which comes into effect on December 31, 2024, the law also prohibits intentionally added PFAS in Class B firefighting foams.
Important dates for Class B firefighting foams:
- January 1, 2023 – Manufacturers must notify sellers of manufacturer’s products about the requirements by this date
- July 1, 2024 – prohibited (discharge or otherwise use for training or testing purposes)
- July 1, 2024 – prohibited (manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for training or testing purposes) unless for the suppression of a petroleum fire
Exemptions relating to Class B firefighting foam prohibition do exist. See SGS’s original SafeGuardS 088.22 for more details.
PFAS are defined in the new law as members of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.
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 Hawaii, USA, Bans PFAS in Certain Consumer Goods SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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