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PFAS Bans Significantly Affect Our Industry
Recently there has been a global governmental and societal focus on the implications of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our world, for example, how they affect our health and environment, and the benefits and contributions they have to our
way of life. As part of this increased interest, governments are taking a two-fold approach to PFAS: to learn more about how PFAS are currently used and to outright ban the future use of them.
PFAS are used extensively throughout our industry and an absolute ban on PFAS would have significant and detrimental implications. VMA has created this page to be a resource for our members. Here you’ll find information that:
- Explains VMA’s efforts to stop and slow PFAS bans being put in place by the government.
- Reviews the global, federal, and state activities taking place.
- Lists regulatory requirements being put in place and provides additional information.
- Answers questions and provides additional resources.
This is a critical issue for our industry, impacting almost if not all member companies. VMA is glad to be able to work on it on behalf of our members. If you would like additional information or would like to get more directly
involved with VMA on this effort, contact Heather Rhoderick.
FAQs | Updates | Advocacy | Definition | Federal Requirements | State Requirements | Background
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FAQs
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Look for this section to be updated regularly, as the FAQs VMA receives change frequently based on new developments and information.
- Are there any pressing items my company should be doing now?
Yes. There are two regulatory rules that should be reviewed to see if they pertain to your company. Both related to the reporting of information on articles that contain PFAS. The first is a report to EPA with initial deadline dates of either January 11, 2026 or for small manufacturers subject to the rule through imports, July 11, 2026. These dates have now been extended to October 13, 2026, for most manufacturers/importers of articles. Small businesses reporting data solely on importing PFAS contained in articles now have until April 13, 2027. It is also recommended that the January 18, 2024, webinar on reporting is watched.
- Is VMA planning any conferences around PFAS impacts to our industry?
A workshop was help in November 2024. VMA members can view the presentations and other follow up from the workshop. Information on reporting and other issues to be aware were discussed.
- Is there a list somewhere of all the potential PFAS bills being discussed?
VMA does keep a running list of potential legislation taking place in the states and elsewhere. However it is important to keep in mind that much of the PFAS discussion are around bans of products like food packaging, clothing, cosmetics,
and other items. While this changes frequently, there seem to be a handful of states that are focusing more on a full PFAS ban, which would affect our industry. VMA is monitoring this activity and will continue to comment to legislators about the implications to industrial manufacturing and our industry. Information on state activity is reviewed during the PFAS Interest Group calls. - How do I sign-up for the PFAS Interest Group to receive updates?
Any employee of a VMA member company can participate in the PFAS Interest Group. Please email Andie Kline at akline@vma.org.
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VMA PFAS Interest Group & Updates
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The VMA PFAS Interest Group meets regularly to discuss implications of new rulings and learn from experts on the latest PFAS regulatory activities around the country. VMA members can participate and receive updates by emailing Andie Kline at akline@vma.org. |
Title: May VMA PFAS Interest Group Update Date: May 19, 2025 Description: This contains the PowerPoint slides and webinar recording from the May 19, 2025 PFAS Interest Group Update. Topics included the recent reporting delay announcements by EPA, the proposed MN reporting rule and VMA’s comments to the state on the rule, and other state activities. | Title: March VMA PFAS Interest Group Update Date: March 6, 2025 Description: This contains the PowerPoint slides and webinar recording from the March 6, 2025 PFAS Interest Group Update. Topics include updates on the latest activities at the Federal, State and International level, as well as VMA next steps on reporting guidance and education and advocacy activities.
| Title: December 2024 VMA PFAS Interest Group Update Date: December 16, 2024 Description: This contains the PowerPoint slides and webinar recording from the December 14, 2024 PFAS Interest Group Update. Topics include updates on the November report from ECHA on a new sealing section for the PFAS dossier; Minnesota combines reporting and fees into one proposed rule (yet to be published); VMA PFAS Conference key take-aways and next steps. | Title: September 2024 VMA PFAS Interest Group Update Date: September 19, 2024 Description: These are the PowerPoint slides referenced during the September 19, 2024 PFAS Interest Group Meeting. The meeting recording will be made available soon. Topics discussed include federal, state, and global updates; next steps; and PFAS Implications for Flow Control Workshop. | Title: Alert- EPA PFAS Reporting Rule Deadlines Extended Date: September 5, 2024 Description: Please note that EPA just announced an extension of deadline dates for the TSCA reporting rule on PFAS imports, articles, etc. | Title: June 2024 PFAS Interest Group Meeting Slides Date: June 27, 2024 Description: These are the PowerPoint slides referenced during the June 27, 2024 PFAS Interest Group Meeting. The meeting recording will be made available soon. Topics discussed include federal, state, and global updates; next steps; and PFAS Implications for Flow Control Workshop. |
Title: May 2024 PFAS Interest Group Meeting Recording Date: May 30, 2024 Description: This
is a recording of the May 30, 2024 PFAS Interest Group Meeting. Topics discussed include federal updates, state updates, external communications, member resources, and the PFAS Implications for Flow Control Workshop.
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Title: February 2024 PFAS Interest Group Meeting Recording Date: February 27,
2024 Description: This is a recording of the February 2024 PFAS Interest Group Meeting. Topics discussed include the Maine and Minnesota Currently Unavoidable Use exemptions and VMA’s request on behalf of our members.
Click here to download meeting slides. |
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VMA’s Advocacy Efforts and Messages to Federal and State Governments
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VMA is committed to advocating for our industry's interests on Capitol Hill and around the country. Below are recent comments submitted to comply with new requirements and advance our industry's position on the issue of PFAS. |
Title: Comments Filed on Minnesota Proposed PFAS Ruling Date: May 21, 2025 Description: The state of Minnesota is one of the first states to propose a full PFAS ban, as well as a PFAS reporting requirement. This reporting requirement starts on July 1, 2026, however there is not yet clarity on what is required to be reported. This proposed rule is the first information publicly available on what may be required; however, it is very complex and confusing, and contains elements on due diligence, concentrations and testing, timelines, and fees that are extremely burdensome to the industrial valve and flow control industry. Additionally, there is not clarity on what products are included in the reporting requirement. VMA has submitted our concerns and suggested revisions to the proposed rule, which this document contains. | Title: New Mexico Proposes PFAS Ban Legislation Date: February 12, 2025 Description: New Mexico is the latest State to propose legislation banning PFAS in the state. VMA has joined with other associations to submit a letter opposing the legislation. Additional information on the letter and legislation is included in this document. |
Title: Comments Filed to Maine on “Currently Unavoidable Use” of PFAS Date: March
1, 2024 Description: Effective 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. VMA, along with FSA, HI and WWEMA, submitted comments on March 1, 2024, to the state of Maine requesting that valves, seals, packing, actuators and other products in the flow
and pressure control system be designated as CUUs.
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Title: Comments Filed to Minnesota on “Currently Unavoidable Use” of PFAS Date: March 1, 2024 Description: Effective January 1, 2032, any product containing intentionally added PFAS may not be sold in Minnesota unless the use of PFAS in the product is specifically designated as a Currently Unavoidable
Use (CUU) by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. VMA, along with FSA, HI and WWEMA, submitted comments on March 1, 2024, to the state of Maine requesting that valves, seals, packing, actuators and other products in the flow and pressure
control system be designated as CUUs.
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Title: Comments Filed to EPA on the Critical Uses of PFAS Date: August 11, 2023 Description: EPA issued an Announcement for Proposed Rulemaking on a potential future designation of additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). VMA’s message to EPA was that the EPA should not create a one-size-fits-all rule that regulates all PFAS or groups of PFAS, but rather take a targeted approach to regulation. |
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Developing a PFAS Definition to Differentiate Types of PFAS
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Coming soon! |
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Federal Regulatory Requirements and Information (U.S., Canada, & Int'l)
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Both the U.S. and Canada now have reporting requirements on articles containing PFAS (including those used in our industry) and the manufacture of PFAS. EPA recently EXTENDED THE DEADLINE from their original rule, published on October 11, 2023, and titled “Toxic Substances Control Act Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.” This rule became effective on November 13, 2023, and is a one-time
reporting requirement for all manufacturers and importers of PFAS substances. The rule requires that going back to 2011, companies report information on PFAS substances imported into the US (or manufactured in the US). If your company
imported any seals, components, packaging, or other articles containing any PFAS (including PTFE, FKM, FFKM, and others), even if it was from your company’s facility overseas, then you must report this to EPA. TO REPORT: The online reporting system for submitting reports is expected to be open in April 2026. The NEW EXTENDED reporting deadlines are now October 13, 2026, and April 13, 2027, depending on your company’s specific operations and situation. Additional resources to help members understand this rule are below.
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Title: Canadian Government Webinar Slides on new PFAS Requirement Date: September 11, 2024 Description: The Canadian Government held a webinar on September 11, 2024, to explain the new reporting requirement. The slides are attached. Another webinar is planned for November 2024. | Title: New Canadian PFAS Requirement Date: July 27, 2024 Description: In late July, Canada released a reporting requirement pertaining to PFAS which applies to those in Canada who import items or manufacture in the country. |
Title: Valve Industry Implications: Understanding New EPA PFAS Reporting Rule Presenter: Joe Green, Partner, Kelley Drye Date: January 18, 2024 Description: EPA's new PFAS Reporting Under TSCA Section 8(a)(7) rule, which was announced on October 11, 2023, has implications for industrial valve manufacturers, distributors and suppliers who manufacture or import products containing PFAS materials, including PTFE. While it is only a one-time reporting requirement, the rule asks for information from 2011 forward and has a reporting deadline of either May or November of 2025. VMA encourages all member companies to review this rule to understand any implications and requirements for your company.
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Title: EPA Final Rule on Toxic Substances Control Act Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Date: October 11, 2023 Description: Read EPA’s final rule on the reporting requirement for manufacturers and importers of any items containing PFAS, including PTFE, FKM, FFKM, and other PFAS commonly
used in our industry. Please note there are two reporting deadline dates depending on our company’s specific situation. As always, it is suggested you check with your own legal counsel on all compliance items. You may also find more information
here, including information on how to report and how to use EPA’s online reporting system.
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State Regulatory Requirements and Information
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In addition to the Federal Government, some US states are developing their own approach to address PFAS in their respective state. VMA is tracking the activities of all the states and is providing those updates at the start of this page. Once
VMA becomes aware that specific legislation or regulatory requirements in a state is passed, it will be listed below.
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Title: Maine Reporting Requirement: Public Law 2021, c. 477, An Act To Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution Date: July 15, 2021 Description: Maine’s PFAS in Products Program (Public Law 2021, c. 477) requires manufacturers of products (including those who assemble or offer for sale a product with
their name on it in the State of Maine) with intentionally added PFAS to report the intentionally added presence of PFAS in those products beginning January 1, 2025. Additionally, effective 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. VMA has submitted comments requesting the CUU
designation for the industrial valve industry, however companies are still required to provide a report to Maine on products sold in Maine with intentionally added PFAS. Read additional information here.
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Background Information |
Looking for general information to help get up to speed on the issue of PFAS as it relates to our industry? We recommend starting with these resources. |
Title: PFAS Chemicals and PTFE: Should the Valve Industry Be Concerned? Date: January 1, 2022 Description: This article, published in Valve Magazine, provides a good overview of where PFAS substances can be found in the industrial valve industry. Author: Greg Johnson, CEO, United Valve
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