The first stage of Maine’s comprehensive ban on PFAS-containing consumer products (LD 1537) took effect on January 1, 2026. MOFGA advocated for this legislation and continues to work to protect it against attacks aimed at weakening or eliminating it.
The first stage prohibits the sale or distribution of cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstruation products, ski wax, and upholstered furniture that contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals. The law also bans textile articles with intentionally added PFAS, though it exempts outdoor apparel designed for severe wet conditions until 2029, along with textiles used in watercraft, aircraft, and motor vehicles.
The ban addresses widespread consumer exposure to PFAS through everyday products. This landmark legislation positions Maine as a national leader in protecting public health from “forever chemicals” that accumulate in human bodies and the environment.
For decades Maine spread sludge containing PFAS on farmers’ fields, contaminating our food, water, and soils. In response, MOFGA stepped in to create the PFAS Emergency Fund to support farmers who found contamination on their farms.
“Banning PFAS from consumer products is an important step to reducing the contamination in our indoor and outdoor environments,” says Bill Pluecker, MOFGA’s public policy organizer.
Manufacturers and retailers have had several years to reformulate products and adjust supply chains to comply with Maine’s strict standards.
Effective January 1, 2026, a person may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in Maine:
- A cleaning product containing intentionally added PFAS;
- A cookware product containing intentionally added PFAS;
- A cosmetic product containing intentionally added PFAS;
- Dental floss containing intentionally added PFAS;
- A juvenile product containing intentionally added PFAS;
- A menstruation product containing intentionally added PFAS;
- A textile article containing intentionally added PFAS. The prohibition under this subparagraph does not include: Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions; or this ban goes into effect in 2029 along with astroturf; A textile article that is included in or a component part of a watercraft, aircraft, or motor vehicle, including an off-highway vehicle; Ski wax containing intentionally added PFAS; or Upholstered furniture containing intentionally added PFAS.
For more information about MOFGA’s advocacy around banning PFAS, visit our website.
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. MOFGA’s vision is a future where local organic farming nourishes all people, and sustains thriving ecosystems, healthy communities, and fair economies. We accomplish this through our mission to transform our food system by supporting farmers, empowering people to feed their communities, and advocating for an organic future. Learn more at mofga.org.