Washington State to Impose Strict Limit on Lead in Cookware

Washington State’s strict limit of 5 parts per million (ppm) in cookware or cookware components will become effective January 1, 2026. This requirement became law when Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1551 on March 28, 2024.

The law states that, beginning January 1, 2026, no manufacturer may manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute (and no retailer or wholesaler may knowingly offer for sale) for use in Washington, cookware or a cookware component containing lead or lead compounds at a level of more than 5 ppm. "Component" includes separate or distinct parts of the cookware including, but not limited to, accessories such as lids, knobs, handles and handle assemblies, rivets, fasteners, valves, and vent pipes. The bill does not specify only cookware or cookware components that come in contact with food. Previously owned cookware in casual and isolated sales or by nonprofit organizations are exempted.

A House Bill Report stated that a concern with the bill is whether the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) would be able to test for lead at 5 ppm. However, that amount could be lowered even more after December 2034 if Ecology determines that it is feasible to achieve a lower level and it is necessary to protect human health.

Further, under the law, a person violating the requirement can be subject to civil penalties in amounts not to exceed $5,000 per violation for the first offense, and $10,000 for each repeat violation. The House Bill Report referred to above also suggested that an education component for retailers would be preferable to fines.