Ohio Introduces Phased PFAS Ban and Reporting Requirements

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On March 10, 2026, Ohio legislators introduced a bill that would phase-in prohibitions on the intentional addition of PFAS in products and require reporting to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA).

HB 743 closely resembles Minnesota’s PFAS-in-products law, including its definition of PFAS as a class of chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.

Reporting Requirements

The bill’s reporting requirements would take effect first, by January 1, 2027.  Manufacturers would be required to provide a brief product description, the purpose of PFAS in the product, the amount of each PFAS by reporting range, contact information, and any other information requested by Ohio EPA.

Reporting would not apply to products exempted by statute: products preempted by federal law, used products, firefighting foam, pesticides, or medical devices and drugs.  Products designated by Ohio EPA as having a currently unavoidable use would also be exempt.

Manufacturers would be required to update their reports within 30 days of a significant change and file reports for new products after January 1, 2027, within a time period specified by rulemaking.  If Ohio EPA has reason to believe a product is noncompliant, the agency may require the manufacturer to provide testing results within 30 days.

Product Prohibitions

On January 1, 2028, HB 743’s first product prohibitions would take effect, banning the intentional use of PFAS in: carpets and rugs, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, fabric treatments, juvenile products, feminine hygiene products, textile furnishings, ski wax, and upholstered furniture.

Beginning January 1, 2033, the prohibition would expand to all products not covered by a statutory exemption or designated as a currently unavoidable use by Ohio EPA.  The agency may add prohibitions to additional products by rule before the 2033 general prohibition, though none could take effect earlier than 2028.

HB 743 grants Ohio EPA rulemaking authority to implement the legislation, including the ability to require reporting fees.  Violations would be subject to civil penalties of up to $15,000 per day.