New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 1042, the "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act," into law on January 12, 2026.[2] The legislation prohibits the sale, manufacture, and distribution of consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) beginning January 12, 2028.[1] The ban covers cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatments, and food packaging.[1] For cookware, the law does not impose a complete ban but instead requires manufacturers to include warning labels disclosing the presence of intentionally added PFAS.[3] Violations carry penalties ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.[3]
Who's involved
Governor Phil Murphy signed the legislation during his final days in office.[1] The law affects manufacturers, distributors, and retailers across multiple industries, requiring them to evaluate product formulations and supplier documentation for intentionally added PFAS.[6] The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is tasked with implementing a source reduction program and conducting research on PFAS impacts on air, soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water.[1]
Context and timeline
PFAS are synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals" that do not break down naturally in the environment and can persist in human bloodstreams for years.[3] New Jersey has a history of aggressive PFAS regulation; the state won a legal victory in May 2025 against DuPont and 3M, securing $2.45 billion combined in settlements for PFAS mitigation.[11] Several other states have enacted comparable PFAS product bans, with Maine, Connecticut, and New Hampshire implementing similar restrictions at staggered timelines.[4] The two-year implementation window provides companies time to reformulate products and adjust supply chains.
Why it's newsworthy
The legislation represents one of the most comprehensive state-level consumer product bans on intentionally added PFAS in the country.[2] It expands regulation beyond environmental cleanup to directly target household products, setting a precedent that other states may follow.[2] The law also allocates $5 million to NJDEP for research and remediation efforts.[7]