California to Enforce PFAS Prohibitions in Menstrual products
2024.12.10
Following different California bill set for a restriction of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a Assembly Bill No. 2515 (AB 2515), also known as, Take All Menstrual Product-PFAS Out Now (T.A.M.P.O.N.) Act, has been signed into law on September 30, 2024.
Definition of Terms
| Term | Definition under AB2515 |
| Menstrual product | a product used to collect menstruation and vaginal discharge, including, but not limited to, tampons, pads, sponges, menstruation underwear, disks, and menstrual cups, whether disposable or reusable. |
| Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS | a class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. |
| Regulated PFAS (from January 1, 2025) | PFAS which are intentionally added to a product and have a functional or technical effect in the product. |
| Regulated PFAS (from January 1, 2027) | PFAS in a product or product component at or above a limit determined by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (the department), as measured in total organic fluorine. |
A summary of timeline in this Act
| Timeline | Requirement |
| From January 1, 2025 | any person is prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, selling, or offering for sale in the California state any menstrual products that contain regulated PFAS. |
| By January 1, 2027 |
the presence of regulated PFAS shall be determined by the department at or above a limit (measured in total organic fluorine). The department shall announce on its website the accepted test method for regulated PFAS in menstrual products and appropriate third-party accreditations for laboratories. |
| By January 1, 2029 | the department shall implement, interpret, enforce and make specific Article 15 (commencing with Section 25258), Chapter 6.5 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code. |
| By July 1, 2029 |
a manufacturer shall register a menstrual product with the department and provide several information as follows.
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Violation of these provisions may bring an administractive or civil penalties as specified in the Act. Moneys from penalities collected will be deposited into the ‘T.A.M.P.O.N. Act Fund’.
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