AB 1817, the Safer Clothes and Textiles Act, made California the first state to phase out PFAS in clothing and textiles. It took effect January 1, 2025, and tightens on January 1, 2027. Because California is such a large market, many brands treat AB 1817 as their national textile standard.
Here's what the law covers, the limits, the exceptions, and the proof you need.
Key takeaways
- Bans new textile articles with "regulated PFAS" in California.
- Regulated PFAS = intentionally added PFAS or total organic fluorine at or above the limit.
- Limit: 100 ppm TOF since January 1, 2025; 50 ppm from January 1, 2027.
- Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions: until January 1, 2028, with a disclosure label.
What counts as a textile article
The law defines textile articles broadly: goods made from natural, man-made or synthetic fibers or fabrics. That includes:
- Clothing and apparel, including outdoor apparel
- Accessories, handbags, backpacks
- Bedding, towels, table linens
- Drapery and curtains
- Upholstery and furnishing fabrics
Excluded items include carpets and rugs, treatments for converted textiles or leathers, and previously used (secondhand) articles. Certain personal protective equipment and some other items are also carved out. Check the statute for the full list.
What "regulated PFAS" means
A textile article contains regulated PFAS if either is true:
- PFAS were intentionally added to the product or a component for a function, or
- PFAS are present at or above the threshold, measured as total organic fluorine:
- 100 ppm from January 1, 2025
- 50 ppm from January 1, 2027
The second test is important. Even if no one added PFAS on purpose, contamination or residue that pushes TOF over the limit makes the product non-compliant. See total organic fluorine testing explained and preparing for the 50 ppm limit.
The severe-wet outdoor apparel exception
"Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions" means apparel that's not marketed for general consumer use and is designed for outdoor sports experts, for protection against extended exposure to extreme rain or immersion. Think offshore fishing, offshore sailing, whitewater kayaking and mountaineering.
For these products:
- Regulated PFAS are allowed until January 1, 2028.
- Until then, they must carry a clear disclosure: "Made with PFAS chemicals", including on online listings.
A regular rain shell sold to hikers and commuters is unlikely to qualify. See the "Made with PFAS chemicals" label.
The least toxic alternative rule
When removing regulated PFAS, AB 1817 requires manufacturers to use the least toxic alternative. Keep notes on what you considered and why you chose the replacement. That record matters if anyone asks.
Who is responsible
AB 1817 applies to anyone who manufactures, sells or distributes textile articles in California. In practice, retailers push the duty to the brand. Expect buyers to ask for a certificate or declaration that each product meets AB 1817.
California's AB 347 (2024) adds a registration and enforcement framework run by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), with rules due by July 2029. See AB 347 explained.
How to prove AB 1817 compliance
1. Break each product into components
Shell, lining, membrane, insulation, trims, zippers, thread, labels.
2. Collect declarations
Ask each supplier: "Was any PFAS intentionally added? What is the total organic fluorine level?" Get it signed. See our supplier declaration template.
3. Test high-risk components
Water-repellent, stain-resistant, coated or laminated materials should have a recent TOF result below 50 ppm (not just 100 ppm) if you'll sell them after January 1, 2027.
4. Write a conclusion per product
"Compliant with AB 1817 at 50 ppm," with the evidence listed. Date it.
5. Re-check on change
New mill, new finish, new lot strategy: re-check.
Common AB 1817 mistakes
- Testing the shell only. Membranes and zipper tapes often carry the fluorine.
- Using a 100 ppm result for 2027. Results between 50 and 100 ppm will fail from January 1, 2027.
- Claiming the severe-wet exception for everyday rainwear. The definition is narrow.
- Forgetting accessories and bedding. Backpacks, handbags, sheets and towels are textiles too.
Example: a backpack under AB 1817
Backpacks are textile articles. Here's a typical component check for a daypack sold in California:
| Component | Risk | Evidence collected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body fabric (PU-coated nylon, C0 DWR) | High | Declaration + TOF 9 ppm | Compliant at 50 ppm |
| Lining | Low | Declaration | Compliant |
| Water-resistant zipper | High | Declaration + TOF 41 ppm | Compliant, but close; recheck yearly |
| Webbing straps | Medium | Declaration | Compliant |
| Foam back panel | Medium | Declaration | Compliant |
| Labels and thread | Low | Declaration | Compliant |
Conclusion: compliant with AB 1817 at 50 ppm, signed and dated by the sourcing lead.
What retailers will ask for
Expect retail buyers to request:
- A statement that each product complies with AB 1817
- Supporting test reports for high-risk materials
- Confirmation of compliance at 50 ppm from January 1, 2027
- For severe-wet outdoor apparel: confirmation of the disclosure label and the 2028 transition plan
A ready-made file per product turns a week of back-and-forth into a same-day reply. See the audit-ready evidence file.
Questions teams ask
"Does AB 1817 apply to products made before 2025?" It covers new textile articles manufactured, sold or distributed in California. Inventory planning matters; get advice on older stock.
"What about kids' clothing?" It's apparel and covered. Juvenile products also have their own California ban. See PFAS in juvenile products.
"Do we need to test every color?" Not always, but finishes can vary by dye lot and color. Test where risk is high and colors use different finishing routes.
AB 1817 checklist
- Every California textile article listed (apparel, bags, bedding, towels, upholstery fabric)
- Components mapped for each
- Declarations collected per component
- TOF results below 50 ppm for high-risk components sold after January 1, 2027
- Severe-wet classification documented where used, with disclosure labels
- Least toxic alternative reasoning recorded for replacements
- Per-product conclusion signed and dated
Key terms
- Textile article: Goods made of natural, man-made or synthetic fibers, including apparel, bags, bedding and upholstery fabric.
- Regulated PFAS: Intentionally added PFAS, or PFAS at or above the total organic fluorine threshold.
- Total organic fluorine (TOF): The measure used for California's 100 ppm and 50 ppm limits.
- Severe-wet outdoor apparel: Expert gear for extreme rain or immersion, allowed until January 1, 2028 with disclosure.
- DTSC: California's Department of Toxic Substances Control, which enforces under AB 347.
The bottom line
AB 1817 is the national textile standard for many brands. Map every component, collect declarations, test treated parts below 50 ppm before January 1, 2027, and keep a signed file per product. Do that, and California, New York and most retailer programs are largely covered.
How Secuabase helps
We collect declarations for every component, match TOF tests to the right material, flag anything between 50 and 100 ppm before 2027, and give you a per-product AB 1817 file your buyers will accept.
For our first partners we run it free on one product line. Book a quick chat.
FAQ
What does AB 1817 ban?
New textile articles in California with intentionally added PFAS or TOF above 100 ppm (now) or 50 ppm (from 2027).
What textiles are covered?
Clothing, accessories, bags, bedding, towels, drapery, upholstery fabric and more. Carpets and rugs are excluded.
Is outdoor apparel exempt?
Only severe-wet outdoor apparel, until 2028, with a disclosure label.
General information, not legal advice. Facts checked October 2026.
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