Washington State Issues Rule Restricting Formaldehyde Releasers in Cosmetics
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 14, 2025 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, informs stakeholders of Washington State’s adoption of Chapter 173-399 WAC: Cosmetic Products Restriction, which limits the manufacture, sale and distribution of cosmetic products containing intentionally added formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.
The rule identifies 25 restricted formaldehyde-releasing substances and applies to products sold in physical stores, online or used in services. The regulation took effect from September 28, 2025, with the restriction taking effect on January 1, 2027. Retailers may continue to sell existing stock until January 1, 2028.
Key highlights of the WAC rule include:
- Restriction of 25 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetic products
- Requirement for compliance across all sales channels and service use
- Enforcement from September 28, 2025, and the effective restriction date of January 1, 2027
- Allowance for sale of existing stock until January 1, 2028
- Compliance evaluation by the Department of Ecology via formulation review, product sampling or other relevant information
SGS SafeGuardS 141/25 offers a detailed overview of Washington State’s formaldehyde restriction, helping manufacturers, importers and retailers understand requirements and ensure compliance for cosmetic products sold in the state.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the original SafeGuardS for more information.
SGS chemical testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Rule Prohibits the Use of Formaldehyde Releasers in Cosmetics in the Washington State SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Queenie Tse
Technical Service Manager
Tel: +852 2765 3672
Website: www.sgs.com/cp
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About Us
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
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