The Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act establishes strict regulations regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New Jersey, prohibiting the sale, distribution, or offering for sale of products with intentionally added PFAS, such as cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatments, food packaging, and cookware, starting two years after the act's effective date. Manufacturers of cookware containing PFAS are required to label their products in both English and Spanish, clearly indicating the presence of these chemicals. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is tasked with conducting research and monitoring related to PFAS and can recommend additional product categories for prohibition based on public health risks.

To enforce these regulations, the act grants the Commissioner of Environmental Protection the authority to issue orders, impose civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 per day for violations, and conduct audits for compliance. The DEP is also responsible for establishing a source reduction program to minimize PFAS in the environment and educate the public about its impacts. The bill allocates $5 million from the General Fund for the DEP to implement these initiatives and mandates annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature for ten years on the effectiveness of the program. Additionally, it ensures the confidentiality of any proprietary information submitted to the DEP, protecting trade secrets from public disclosure.