SG 065/25
The US state of Washington has amended its law on cookware containing lead by revising its scope and providing certain exemptions. The new lead restrictions follow a staggered approach, with the limit being lowered after two years.
In 2024, Washington approved HB 1551 (codified as 70A.565 RCW) to restrict lead in cookware and subsequently issued a guideline to assist cookware manufacturers and sellers in complying with the new law (SafeGuardS 28/25 and references therein).
On May 13, 2025, the governor of Washington signed Engrossed Substitute SB 5628 (Chapter 266, 2025) into law to revise the state’s law on lead in cookware.
According to the definitions in the new law:
- ‘Aluminum or brass cookware’ means the following items when these are made of brass or aluminum:
- Griddles, grills, kettles, pans, pots, internal pots for devices such as rice cookers and pressure cookers and similar vessels or surfaces on which food is cooked
- ‘Aluminum or brass utensils’ means tools made of aluminum or brass such as forks, knives, spatulas, spoons and similar tools used for preparing, serving or eating food, unless these are completely enclosed by stainless steel
| SB 5628 amending 70A.565 RCW ‘Cookware Containing Lead’ | 70A.565 RCW ‘Cookware Containing Lead’ | ||
| Substance | Lead | Lead | |
| Scope |
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| Requirement (effective date) |
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¹ Exempts the following:
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Table 1
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