A consumer watchdog group says major retailers are selling products online that may violate Maine’s expanded ban on items containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals.” The restrictions, which took effect Jan. 1, are among the most expansive state-level product bans enacted to date.

Maine is one of several progressive states advancing aggressive PFAS policies that often move faster than federal standards. Maine and Minnesota are the first states to ban thousands of everyday products containing PFAS chemicals. For Ohio manufacturers selling into national markets, the resulting patchwork of state requirements can complicate product design, sourcing and compliance across complex supply chains.

“The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association continues to track PFAS developments nationwide and engage policymakers on the need for clear, consistent and science-based standards that protect health and the environment without creating unworkable compliance burdens for manufacturers,” said James Lee, OMA managing director of public policy services. 1/13/2026