Important Notice: Understanding WAC 173-337, the Washington Bisphenol Ban
February 20, 2025
Dear Valued Customer:
We are writing to inform you of a significant regulatory update that bans the use of Bisphenols in Thermal Paper that may impact your business. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 173-337, known as the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule, has introduced new compliance requirements targeting bisphenols, commonly used in thermal paper coatings. These regulations aim to reduce toxic chemicals in consumer products and enhance product ingredient transparency.
What is WAC 173-337?
Adopted in 2023, WAC 173-337 establishes a regulatory framework to limit the use of bisphenols within Washington state. Thermal paper containing bisphenol is prohibited for sale, manufacture, and distribution in the state of Washington. It is essentially a ban on thermal paper that contains bisphenols, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol S (BPS). Effective January 1, 2026 businesses subject to the rule must comply with the regulations.
Products sold or distributed within Washington state must adhere to these regulations. Non-compliance may result in penalties or other enforcement actions.
Important Notice:
REI will not indemnify or defend for WAC 173-337 non-compliance. We strongly encourage all customers to take necessary action to understand and assess their compliance obligations, including transitioning to alternative materials that meet regulatory standards. REI is committed to ensuring our products align with the new requirements, and it is essential that you independently verify how this regulation may impact your business operations.
What should you do?
• Consult Regulatory Experts:Seek guidance to ensure full compliance with WAC 173-337’s chemical management rules.
• Evaluate Your Products:Determine if your product is within the scope of regulation.
• Transition to Compliant Materials:Consider sourcing compliant products without Bisphenols.
Our commitment
We are dedicated to providing direct thermal products that meet regulatory requirements while maintaining high performance. As part of our commitment to safety and sustainability, we are actively working to transition away from restricted substances and will keep you informed on our progress toward compliant and environmentally responsible alternatives.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact your Ricoh Sales Executive. We appreciate your partnership and cooperation in ensuring compliance with these new regulations.
Respectfully,
Dylan Uboldi
Sales & Marketing Division Manager
Ricoh Electronics, Inc.