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New Jersey Passes PFAS Ban in Diapers

The use of intentionally added forever chemicals will be prohibited after two-year grace period

New Jersey has broadened its restrictions on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products to include apparel and diaper products. On August 27, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Senate Bill 1281 into law as Public Law 2026, c.76. This legislation builds on New Jersey’s Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act, which initially banned intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatments, food packaging, and cookware.  

After a two-year grace period, beginning on August 27, 2028, the sale, offering for sale, manufacturing or distribution of any apparel or diaper products in New Jersey containing intentionally added PFAS will be prohibited. 

According to the legislation, diaper products include products that are absorbent, disposable or reusable, and manufactured to be worn to contain human waste. Menstrual products are excluded from the legislation. The law also covers most apparel items but excludes personal protective equipment, clothing made exclusively for the U.S. military, and gear designed for the safe operation of motorcycles or off-highway vehicles.

New Jersey is the first state to officially ban intentionally added PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in diaper products, but other states are following suit. The Pennsylvania House passed a similar measure (House Bill 2145) to restrict PFAS in infant products and wipes, while states like California and New York continue to expand their broader consumer and children’s product regulations. 

A violation of the law’s sales ban or certification requirement is a violation of the Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act and carries the full range of remedies and penalties. Following the full implementation of the Law, manufacturing entities must take steps to confirm that their products are made without intentionally added PFAS, and then they must certify the lack of PFAS to the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Already some diaper brands have taken steps to prove they are PFAS free. HealthyBaby (formerly HealthyNest) is reportedly the first and only diaper brand to achieve the rigorous EWG Verified status, meaning its materials are fully screened against thousands of chemicals of concern. It has consistently returned “non-detect” results in independent third-party PFAS lab testing. Additionally, brands like Dyper, Coterie, Honest and Seventh Generation report that their diapers show zero detectable levels of PFAS in independent testing.

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