NJ S 1042 / A 1421 (2026) — View source legislation
New Jersey's S 2560, signed into law in 2024, bans PFAS in all food packaging with an effective date of January 1, 2028 — the latest compliance deadline among enacted US PFAS food packaging laws. The longer phase-in period gives the supply chain significant lead time, but it also means that New Jersey businesses have no excuse for being unprepared when the deadline arrives. Penalties are structured with escalation: first offenses face civil penalties, while repeat offenses can reach $25,000, and criminal penalties are available for egregious violations.
New Jersey's penalty escalation structure is worth understanding. The law provides for $10,000 in civil penalties for first offenses, with subsequent offenses jumping to $25,000. The availability of criminal penalties for serious or willful violations puts New Jersey in the same enforcement category as Connecticut. For food businesses in the densely populated New Jersey market — with its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia — the combination of high penalties and a large enforcement target population makes compliance planning a priority.
The January 2028 effective date makes New Jersey the final major domino in the Northeast's PFAS food packaging regulatory wall. By that point, every state from Maine to New Jersey will have an active PFAS food packaging ban, creating a de facto regional standard. Food businesses operating anywhere in the Northeast should plan for comprehensive PFAS-free packaging now, using the New Jersey timeline as the outer boundary for full regional compliance.
NJ S 1042 / A 1421 (2026)
Plant-fiber based packaging only
Prohibits PFAS in fiber-based food packaging sold in New Jersey. Part of the Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act. Longer phase-in period than most states.
Civil: up to $1,000 per violation
Civil administrative penalties ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 per violation.
Exemptions
New Jersey's PFAS ban primarily covers manufacturer and distributor in the supply chain. Food service operators are not directly covered under this statute. Many businesses choose to request PFAS-free documentation from packaging suppliers.
Use the Lead Time for Thorough Preparation
With a January 2028 deadline, businesses have time to conduct a comprehensive packaging audit, evaluate alternative suppliers, and test PFAS-free products before the ban takes effect.
Understand the Escalating Penalty Structure
New Jersey penalties escalate from $10,000 (first offense) to $25,000 (repeat offenses), with criminal liability available. Plan compliance to avoid any violations — the cost of repeat non-compliance is substantial.
Align with Northeast Regional Standards
By 2028, every Northeastern state will have PFAS food packaging bans. If you operate across the region, adopt PFAS-free packaging across all locations now rather than managing state-by-state compliance timelines.
Establish Supplier Compliance Agreements Early
Begin requiring PFAS-free certifications from packaging suppliers in advance of the deadline. Include S 2560 compliance language in supplier contracts or purchase agreements to formalize the requirement.
Use our free compliance checker to verify your food packaging meets New Jersey's PFAS regulations.
Run Free Regulation CheckLegal Disclaimer
This page provides general information about New Jersey's PFAS food packaging regulations and is not legal advice. Regulations may change; always verify current requirements with the relevant regulatory authority. PFAS Packaging Check is an information tool — consult qualified legal counsel for advice specific to your situation.