As reported in our April 11, 2025, blog item, applications for currently unavoidable use determinations for products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and scheduled to be prohibited in Maine on January 1, 2026, were due June 1, 2025. The agenda for the July 17, 2025, meeting of the Maine Board of Environmental Protection (MBEP) includes a proposed amendment to Chapter 90: Products Containing PFAS. According to the Maine Department of...
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May 7, 2025
Maine Updates PFAS in Products Web Page, Includes Instructions for Submitting a CUU Proposal
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) updated its web page on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products on May 2, 2025. The updated page includes links to the April 2025 final rule on products containing PFAS, instructions for submitting a currently unavoidable use (CUU) proposal, and frequently asked questions (FAQ). The FAQs address several questions related to CUU determinations, including: Does my product sold in Maine qualify for a CUU determination? How and...
As reported in our April 1, 2025, blog item, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection (MBEP) was scheduled to consider the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s (MDEP) December 2024 proposed rule regarding products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during its April 7, 2025, meeting. As reported in our December 31, 2024, memorandum, on December 20, 2024, MDEP published a proposed rule that would establish criteria for currently unavoidable uses (CUU) of...
April 1, 2025
Maine Board of Environmental Protection Will Consider Proposed PFAS Rule at Its April 7, 2025, Meeting
The Maine Board of Environmental Protection (MBEP) will consider the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s (MDEP) December 2024 proposed rule regarding products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during its April 7, 2025, meeting. As reported in our December 31, 2024, memorandum, on December 20, 2024, MDEP published a proposed rule that would establish criteria for currently unavoidable uses (CUU) of intentionally added PFAS in products and implement sales...
On December 20, 2024, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) published a proposed rule regarding products containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The rule would establish criteria for currently unavoidable uses (CUU) of intentionally added PFAS in products and implement sales prohibitions and notification requirements for products containing intentionally added PFAS but determined to be a CUU. MDEP will hold a public hearing on January 16,...
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) announced on August 5, 2024, that its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Products Program has developed new concept draft language to implement the recently amended Title 38, Section 1614, the section addressing PFAS in products. MDEP has made the concept draft language available for an informal outreach process until August 30, 2024. After the informal outreach process, MDEP plans to proceed with rulemaking in fall 2024....
On April 16, 2024, Governor Janet Mills (D) signed LD 1537, amending An Act To Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution. On May 20, 2024, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) updated its “PFAS in Products” web page to reflect the amendments, which include eliminating the general notification requirement that was scheduled to take effect January 1, 2025. The legislation also creates new sales prohibitions for products with intentionally added per- and...
February 26, 2024
Comments Regarding the Intentional Use of PFAS in Products and CUUs Due March 1, 2024, in Maine and Minnesota
Beginning January 1, 2030, any product containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may not be sold in Maine unless the use of PFAS in the product is specifically designated as a currently unavoidable use (CUU) by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP). MDEP is currently accepting requests for proposals from those seeking CUU determinations. Manufacturers may submit proposals individually or collectively. MDEP notes that these determinations will be...
In 2021, Maine enacted “An Act To Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution.” Under the statute, beginning January 1, 2030, any product containing intentionally added PFAS may not be sold in Maine unless the use of PFAS in the product is specifically designated as a currently unavoidable use (CUU) by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP). According to MDEP’s website, CUU determinations must be made through major substantive rulemaking, meaning that...
August 7, 2023
Maine Invites Stakeholder Comment on Rule Concept Draft Language Prohibiting Sale of Food Packages Containing PFAS
On August 3, 2023, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) announced that it would accept stakeholder comment on its rule concept draft language that would prohibit manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors from offering for sale or for promotional purposes in Maine certain types of food packaging to which per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been intentionally introduced. MDEP states that it has the authority to prohibit the sale of a food package to which...