,On April 17, 2026, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) reported on the increasing adoption of state-level regulations in the United States targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging materials. While federal legislative efforts to restrict PFAS in packaging have not progressed, regulatory actions have advanced through agency initiatives and state laws. At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented measures such as the PFAS Reporting Rule, requiring companies to report PFAS-related data between April and October 2026, and established drinking water standards for certain PFAS compounds. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overseen the voluntary phase-out of PFAS-containing grease-proofing agents in food packaging, with such materials no longer sold in the U.S. market as of 2024-2025. In the absence of comprehensive federal legislation, individual states have taken the lead. As of March 2026, 15 states have enacted laws prohibiting the intentional addition of PFAS in food packaging, with varying scopes, definitions, and implementation timelines. Some states have extended restrictions further, with plans to ban most intentional uses of PFAS in products by 2032, except where unavoidable. The evolving regulatory landscape requires companies to closely monitor state-specific requirements, assess PFAS presence across supply chains, and transition to safer alternatives. These measures aim to address environmental and health concerns associated with PFAS while promoting safer packaging practices.
Consult
