Minnesota’s PFAS ban now excludes youth powersports products
Fox 9 News out of Minnesota recently reported that lawmakers have exempted powersports vehicles from a law that bans “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in products sold to young consumers.
Back on Jan. 1, 2025, Minnesota enacted a law prohibiting PFAS in products for juveniles, which included youth model dirt bikes and ATVs. PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are used for heat resistance and waterproofing, and have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
As earlier reported by Fox 9, this initial ban hurt powersports dealers. General Manager Tom Stifter of Davis Motorsports told the news station that since the Jan. 1 ban, he was stuck with about $35,000 in unsalable inventory.
However, pushback from industry enthusiasts convinced Minnesota lawmakers to carve out an exemption for powersports dealerships. Under the new law, dealers can sell now-exempt vehicles if they’ve been sitting in showrooms for more than six months.
With the new 2026 model line now available, Fox 9 reported that it’s likely dealers will have to sell their older models — ones they were banned from selling since Jan. 1 — at a loss, in order to clear the way for the newer models.
Source: Fox 9 reporting from the Minnesota Legislature.
