PFAS Regulations and Travel Goods

How PFAS Regulations Will Affect Travel Goods Industry in 2025: Updated in March 2025

What Luggage Manufacturers and Buyers Need to Know

Starting in 2025, new laws will impact the luggage industry due to growing concerns about PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). These chemicals have been used in many products for years, but now they are seen as harmful because they don't break down in the environment and can affect human health.

PFAS are commonly found in water-repellent and stain-resistant products, including luggage.

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Being Regulated?

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in water/stain-resistant textiles. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they take a long time to break down in the environment. While they are useful for making products like luggage more durable and resistant to water and stains, they also pose significant health risks.

PFAS have been found in public water systems and can harm human health. Governments worldwide are now implementing strict regulations to limit the use of PFAS in consumer products.

U.S. PFAS Regulations

California (AB 1817)

• January 1, 2025: Ban on intentionally added PFAS in most textile products (including luggage)
• 2025–2026: Products must test below 100 ppm Total Organic Fluorine
• 2027 onward: Limit tightens to 50 ppm
• Applies to the entire product, including all components

New York (S. 1322)

• Similar to California's rule
• Ban on intentionally added PFAS in apparel starting January 1, 2025
• No threshold yet, but expected by 2027
• Legislation may expand the ban to luggage and accessories

Other U.S. States

• States like Vermont, Washington, and Colorado have enacted or proposed bans
• Restrictions vary by state: coverage, timeline, penalties

Federal Regulations

Several federal laws are now being applied to PFAS regulation:

• Safe Drinking Water Act
• Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
• Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR)
• Clean Water Act and NPDES permitting

International Regulations

Canada

• Required PFAS reporting in 2024 (due Jan 2025)
• March 2025: Announced phased bans on PFAS in all textiles by 2029, including travel goods

European Union

• EU ban on PFHxA starts July 2027
• France: Ban in apparel and cosmetics by 2026; all textiles by 2030
• Denmark: 50 ppm PFAS limit in apparel/footwear from 2030

Impact on Luggage Manufacturers

Luggage manufacturers will face significant challenges in meeting these new PFAS regulations. Many products use PFAS coatings for water resistance and durability. Now, manufacturers must change how they make their products to avoid violating these bans.

Key Steps for Manufacturers:

1. Find New Materials: Manufacturers must replace PFAS with new materials that provide the same benefits. This could involve working with suppliers to find PFAS-free alternatives that comply with all relevant regulations.
2. Test All Components: PFAS are present in the fabric, zippers, buttons, and other parts of luggage. Manufacturers must test all components to ensure they comply with new regulations, particularly the varying thresholds across different jurisdictions.
3. Follow Federal Laws: In addition to state regulations, manufacturers must comply with federal laws like TSCA, which monitors harmful chemicals, and NPDES permitting under the Clean Water Act, which controls pollutants in the water supply.
4. Stay Informed: The EPA has created a PFAS Strategic Roadmap to outline future steps for reducing PFAS exposure. Manufacturers should follow these updates closely to ensure compliance.

Impact on Buyers

Buyers, including retailers and bulk purchasers, also need to understand the impact of PFAS regulations. Many consumers worry about PFAS in their drinking water, and buyers must ensure they purchase safe, compliant products.

Key Considerations for Buyers:

1. Ensure Compliance: Buyers should request certificates from manufacturers to confirm that their products do not contain intentionally added PFAS.
2. Testing Products: Some buyers may want to test products before they purchase or sell them, particularly as regulations tighten with specific ppm requirements.
3. Meet Consumer Demand: Consumers are more aware of PFAS and want safer, more environmentally-friendly products. Offering luggage that meets these standards can build trust and boost sales.

What's Next for the Luggage Industry?

With these changes coming in 2025, luggage manufacturers and buyers must act now to stay compliant. The regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, with specific testing thresholds and expanding to more jurisdictions internationally.

Manufacturers should work on:

• Reformulating products with PFAS-free alternatives
• Testing all components to meet specific ppm thresholds
• Adjusting supply chains to accommodate regional variations in regulations
• Developing new marketing strategies highlighting PFAS-free products

Buyers must:

• Check that products are safe and follow all regional rules
• Require PFAS-free certification from suppliers
• Consider pre-sale product testing
• Offer PFAS-free alternatives to meet growing consumer demand

Staying informed and proactive is the best way to avoid penalties and provide safe, high-quality products in this changing regulatory landscape.