Protect Our Clothes from PFAS Act
The Protect Our Clothes from PFAS Act is a narrowly focused bill that would amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), specifically Chapter 62, which covers garments. The bill’s sole written change is to Additional U.S. Note 2 to Chapter 62 by striking its second sentence. In other words, it would remove a sentence that currently exists in the tariff note used to determine when a garment can be considered water resistant for tariff purposes. While the title signals a concern about PFAS (chemicals often used to impart water resistance), the text provided does not spell out new PFAS standards or bans; the precise policy effect depends on what the removed sentence said. The bill was introduced in the House on February 4, 2025, sponsored by Rep. Pingree and Rep. Moore of Utah, and referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
Key Points
- 1What changes: The bill would strike the second sentence of Additional U.S. Note 2 to Chapter 62 of the HTS, changing the guidance used to classify garments as water resistant for tariff purposes.
- 2Scope of the change: It is a narrow, technical adjustment to tariff classification notes, not a broad regulatory ban or explicit PFAS standard in textile production.
- 3PFAS link: The title references PFAS, but the enacted text does not include a direct PFAS ban or specific PFAS content standards. The impact on PFAS in textiles would depend on the content of the sentence being struck.
- 4Legislative status: Introduced in the House on February 4, 2025; referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. No further committee action or floor action is provided in the text.
- 5Agency and implementation: If enacted, the change would be implemented through the tariff schedule administered by the U.S. Trade Representative and enforced by Customs and Border Protection as part of import classifications.