The Washington Department of Ecology is continuing its work under the Safer Products for Washington program, which identifies and regulates priority chemicals in consumer products. This process could affect a wide range of products retailers sell, manufacture, distribute, import, or private-label.
Ecology is currently in Cycle 2 of the program and has identified several product categories for review, including cosmetics and nail products, jewelry, tires, cookware, paints, sealants, caulks and adhesives, hard surface sealers, insulation, solid deodorizers, floor waxes and polishes, plastic packaging, artificial turf, and printing inks.
Ecology may ultimately adopt restrictions, bans, or reporting requirements if it determines safer alternatives are feasible and available. For retailers, this could mean new compliance obligations, including verifying supplier compliance, tracking restriction dates, removing noncompliant inventory, or addressing products sold or shipped into Washington, including through online sales.
Remaining Opportunities to Engage
Ecology has been holding webinars to share its alternatives research by product category. Several sessions have already taken place, but there are still opportunities for affected businesses to participate:
- July 8 – Insulation, solid deodorizers, floor waxes and polishes
- July 15 – Plastic packaging, artificial turf, and printing inks
Members who may be affected are encouraged to attend any remaining webinars, review Ecology’s Cycle 2 Priority Products Report, and share feedback with WR. Even if you were unable to attend a prior webinar, you can still submit comments directly to Ecology at [email protected] or send feedback to WR so it can be included in a broader response.
The Washington Retail Association (WR) will continue advocating for practical, workable rules that recognize the role of retailers in the supply chain and avoid unnecessary or disproportionate compliance burdens.
Members can stay up to date through Ecology’s Safer Safer Products website and are encouraged to reach out to WR with questions, concerns, or feedback.
