(May, 2026) Per the National Association of Manufacturers, New Mexico has implemented a new PFAS regulation that combines a phased ban, reporting requirements and a novel product labeling mandate that could affect a wide range of consumer and industrial products.
What’s going on: The rule includes phased bans, reporting requirements and a broad labeling mandate that could apply across a wide range of products containing any amount of PFAS.
Why it matters: PFAS are a broad class of chemicals used across textiles, home appliances, electronics, packaging and many other modern products. With nearly two dozen states having enacted PFAS bans, New Mexico’s rule stands out for the breadth of its labeling requirements and the compliance costs it could impose on manufacturers across sectors.
DLI recently reported that a pilot study by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) found little evidence that drycleaners are a primary source of PFAS contamination.
While low levels of PFAS were detected in some older detergents and spotting agents, the study concluded that most PFAS likely came from treated garments during the cleaning process—not from drycleaning solvents or chemicals themselves. Some contamination was also found in upgradient areas, suggesting outside environmental sources unrelated to drycleaning operations.
Brian Harrell of the North Carolina Association of Launderers and Cleaners (NCALC) praised the findings, noting that the NC DSCA program continues to lead efforts to address environmental concerns while protecting drycleaners from significant cleanup costs.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in stain and water-resistant products, food packaging, cookware, and firefighting foams because they resist breaking down in the environment. Although drycleaners do not use PFAS in their cleaning processes, treated garments, particularly imported textiles, may introduce PFAS into facilities when cleaned.
The study raises ongoing questions about how PFAS contamination will be regulated, remediated, and funded. The EPA is currently developing stricter PFAS regulations, including possible designation of certain PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under CERCLA (Superfund). If adopted, drycleaning sites could face expanded environmental testing and increased cleanup obligations.
Key takeaways:
TCATA will continue to provide PFAS updates as they occur.