Washington has implemented a law to restrict the amount of lead in certain types of cookware sold or distributed within the state. This law specifically targets cookware, utensils, and components made of aluminum or brass.
The restrictions will be implemented in two phases:
Beginning January 1, 2026, the lead content cannot exceed 90 parts per million (ppm).
Beginning January 1, 2028, the lead content is lowered to a maximum of 10 ppm.
This law does not apply to individuals selling used cookware in isolated sales (e.g., at a garage sale) but is aimed at manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The legislation was motivated by research that found dangerously high levels of lead in some cookware and the fact that there is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children.
