State PFAS Rules Are Now Live: What Aftermarket Members Need to Check

Seven states now have PFAS reporting or restriction obligations that can reach automotive products. Four of them are already in effect. If your company sells cleaning products, surface treatments, automotive appearance products, or automotive wax and wash products, this is a compliance question today, not a future planning item.

Already in effect

Maine, Colorado, Vermont, and Connecticut banned the sale of intentionally added PFAS-containing cleaning products, surface treatments, and automotive appearance products as of Jan. 1, 2026. If your product line touches these categories in any of these four states, confirm compliance now. [Bill numbers and specific statutory citations for Colorado, Vermont, and Connecticut are being verified against primary sources before this goes out — do not publish the numbers below until confirmed.]

• Maine: PFAS in Products Program — Maine DEP
• Colorado: CDPHE PFAS in Consumer Products
• Vermont: VT AG Act 131 PFAS Guidance (PDF)
• Connecticut: CT DEEP PFAS in Products — note DEEP's interpretation of automotive cleaning product scope is still pending; this may narrow or expand the practical reach of the ban.

Reporting deadlines coming up

Minnesota (HF 3911, PFAS in Products). PRISM reporting deadline is Sept. 15, 2026. The Auto Care Association has published detailed guidance on this requirement — see the July Blog Post rather than treating this as new. Failure to report carries loss of the ability to sell the product in Minnesota, not just a fine.

Washington (Ch. 173-337 WAC). Reporting on automotive wax and wash products is due Jan. 31, 2027. The Auto Care Association has already covered this in a published alert distributed via the July 21 Insider email for reporting mechanics. Separately, and not the subject of this post, Auto Care has filed a comment on Washington rulemaking (WAC 173-950) on packaging exclusions for antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. That is a different WAC and a different compliance question. Watch for a separate alert on that.

Longer-horizon items

New Mexico (PFAS Protection Act, HB 212). Products with intentionally added PFAS manufactured starting January 1, 2027 must have a PFAS label. Cleaning products must comply by Jan. 1, 2028.

A federal lawsuit challenging New Mexico's PFAS labeling mandate is pending. Auto Care Association is monitoring the situation and will update members as it develops.

Illinois (HB 2516). Intentionally added PFAS in covered categories must be eliminated by Jan. 1, 2032. The fluoropolymer exemption was removed from the enacted law. The Illinois EPA's report on fluoropolymer use, due Aug. 1, 2027, will be the key signal for how PTFE in lubricants and coatings gets treated going forward. That report is worth watching closely if your products use PTFE.

What this means for your compliance calendar

• If you sell in Maine, Colorado, Vermont, or Connecticut: confirm today, not later.
• If you sell in Minnesota or Washington: check the existing Auto Care Association blog posts for filing mechanics.
• If you sell in New Mexico or Illinois: these are longer-horizon deadlines, but litigation and classification questions are still developing. Don't assume your product is covered or excluded without checking back as guidance firms up.

Questions on any of these requirements: GovernmentAffairs@autocare.org.