Washington retailers and distributors should prepare now for the sell-through deadline under the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA). The law’s initial restrictions took effect Jan. 1, 2025, and products containing prohibited chemicals may be sold only during the one-year sell-through period that ends Dec. 31, 2025.
Key compliance points for retailers:
- Review current inventory and identify any products that may contain restricted substances, including formaldehyde releasers.
- Work with suppliers to confirm formulations and obtain documentation showing products meet TFCA requirements.
- Note interim rules on lead impurities and other transitional provisions that may affect product eligibility.
- Maintain records demonstrating good-faith efforts to comply in case of enforcement inquiries.
- Expect the Department of Ecology to continue clarifying rules and enforcement approaches as the program matures.
For implementation help, compliance resources, and guidance materials are available on the Department of Ecology’s webpage.
Retailers should act promptly to ensure prohibited products are removed from shelves by Dec. 31, 2025, and to minimize disruption to shoppers and operations.
For questions, contact WR’s Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Crystal Leatherman, [email protected].
