HR-5260 : Still Just a Bill

The PFAS Free Military Purchasing Act, also known as H.R. 5260, aims to restrict the Department of Defense's acquisition of items containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

• Initial Restriction (April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2025): Prohibits the acquisition of nonstick cookware/utensils and stain-resistant treated furniture, carpets, and rugs containing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
• Expanded Restriction (Beginning April 1, 2025): Broadens the prohibition to include items containing or produced using PFOS, PFOA, Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA), Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), Perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA or FOSA), and Hexafluoropropylene Oxide (HFPO) Dimer Acid (GenX).
• Covered Items (Beginning April 1, 2025): Defines "covered items" to include non-stick cookware/food service ware, food packaging, cleaning products, carpeting, rugs/curtains/upholstered furniture, sunscreen, and certain clothing/shoes.
• Reporting Requirement: Mandates annual reports from the Secretary of Defense to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees detailing steps taken to identify and limit the acquisition of covered items containing PFAS.

The bill does not require disposal of items acquired before April 1, 2025, nor does it mandate testing for PFAS absence.