State of Washington Enacts Bill to Restrict Lead in Cookware

Under the amended law, manufacturers will be prohibited from manufacturing, distributing or selling aluminum or brass cookware, utensils or cookware components in Washington if they contain lead that has been “intentionally added.” The ban takes effect January 1, 2027, giving manufacturers time to adjust production processes and supply chains. The statute explicitly excludes trace amounts of lead that may be present due to the use of recycled materials, aligning the law with existing federal and international standards.  

The following summarizes the phases of implementation for the prohibition to sell, distribute or manufacture any aluminum or brass cookware, utensil and cookware component that intentionally contains lead beyond the prescribed limits:

1. January 1, 2026 – 90 ppm
2. January 1, 2030 – 50 ppm* 3. January 1, 2034 – 20 ppm* Note: These restrictions apply to items manufactured on or after the specified dates.

*Only aluminum or brass pots or pans or their components

Official Source