Washington Title 70A.565 RCW restricts lead in aluminum and brass cookware and utensils to 90 ppm from 2026 and 10 ppm from 2028, with expanded definitions, narrowed scope, and stiffer penalties for violations.
The U.S. state of Washington enacted Title 70A.565 RCW in 2024 to restrict lead in cookware. The original prohibition applies to metal cookware, or any metal cookware component, containing lead or lead compounds more than 5 ppm, beginning January 1, 2026.
Updates and Amendments
The governor of Washington State signed the bill SB 5628, concerning lead in cookware into law on May 13, 2025. This bill SB 5628 amended the scope of cookware, removing some material types from the scope of the regulation. In addition, the requirement of lead content in 70A.565 RCW was also changed. These amendments became effective on July 27, 2025.
According to the amendments, it is prohibited to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for use aluminum or brass cookware, aluminum or brass utensils, or an aluminum or brass cookware component containing lead or lead compounds. Also, no retailer or wholesaler may knowingly sell or offer for sale for use of the forementioned products or components.
Lead Content Limits
The lead or lead compounds shall be at a level of not more than:
- 90 ppm from January 1, 2026; and
- 10 ppm from January 1, 2028.
After December 2030, the 10 ppm limit may be lowered if the lower limit is feasible for cookware and cookware component manufacturers to achieve and necessary to protect human health.
Penalties for Violations
A person violating the requirement, is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each violation in the case of a first offense. Repeat violations are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each repeat offense.
Definitions
- Aluminum or brass cookware - the following items when made of brass or aluminum: Pots, pans, kettles, griddles, grills, internal pots for devices such as rice cookers or pressure cookers, and similar vessels or surfaces in or on which food is cooked.
- (Note: Aluminum or brass cookware does not include:
- Items with only an internal layer of aluminum or brass that is completely enclosed by stainless steel; or
- The body of electronic cooking devices with removable cooking containers, such as slow cookers, rice cookers, and pressure cookers.)
- Aluminum or brass cookware component - cookware parts made of aluminum or brass such as lids, rivets, fasteners, valves, and vent pipes.
- Aluminum or brass utensils - tools made from aluminum or brass such as knives, forks, spoons, spatulas, and similar tools used for preparing, serving, or eating food, unless completely enclosed by stainless steel.
