New Washington State Regulation Bans Bisphenols in Thermal Paper: What You Need to Know

A significant regulatory update is coming that may affect your business if you use or distribute thermal paper in the state of Washington. The Washington State Department of Ecology has finalized a rule under the Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting rule (WAC 173-337) that prohibits the use of Bisphenols in thermal paper—specifically Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS)—commonly found in thermal paper coatings.

What Is WAC 173-337?

Adopted in 2023, WAC 173-337 creates a framework designed to reduce toxic chemicals in consumer products and increase transparency around product ingredients. As part of this initiative, Washington has become the first U.S. state to formally ban thermal paper that contains Bisphenols.

The rule goes into full effect January 1, 2026. After this date, it will be illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute thermal paper containing Bisphenols in Washington state.

Why This Matters

Thermal paper is widely used for receipts, labels, and shipping documents. If your business operates in Washington or ships products there, this regulation may impact your materials and compliance requirements.

Non-compliance could lead to penalties or enforcement actions, and it's important to understand that some manufacturers and suppliers, including Ricoh (REI), will not offer indemnity or legal protection related to violations of this regulation.

What Should You Do?

To stay ahead of this change and ensure your business is in compliance, we recommend the following steps:

• Consult Regulatory Experts: Seek guidance from professionals familiar with chemical management and state-specific compliance.
• Review Your Products: Determine whether any of your thermal paper products contain BPA or BPS.
• Switch to Compliant Materials: Start transitioning to bisphenol-free thermal paper products now to avoid supply disruptions later.

Our Commitment to You

At Print.Save.Repeat., we're committed to offering high-performance thermal products that are both safe and compliant. We're actively working to phase out restricted substances in our product lines and will continue to provide updates on our progress.

If you're unsure whether your current thermal labels meet these new requirements, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team for product recommendations and guidance on compliant alternatives.

Together, we can support safer products and a healthier planet—without compromising quality or performance.