Washington State to Ban BPS in Thermal Paper by 2026: What Businesses Need to Know

By: POS Supply Solutions

Washington State has announced new regulations impacting the future of thermal receipt paper. Starting January 1, 2026, the sale, offer for sale, or manufacture of thermal receipt paper containing bisphenols (such as BPA and BPS) will be prohibited under Washington’s Safer Products for Washington initiative.

This means that all businesses — from retailers and restaurants to service providers — will need to transition to Non-Phenol Thermal Receipt Paper Rolls before the effective date.

What This Means for Merchants
Although enforcement begins in 2026, businesses are encouraged to begin the transition early. Doing so helps avoid supply chain issues, ensures equipment compatibility, and demonstrates a proactive approach to compliance. Recommended next steps include:

Reviewing your current receipt paper stock to confirm whether it contains BPS.

  • Working with your supplier to identify and source non-phenol alternatives.
  • Testing new paper rolls with your thermal printers to ensure performance and print quality.
  • Educating your team on the upcoming change and its timeline.

Non-Phenol Thermal Receipt Paper Rolls are made without BPA, BPS, or any other phenol-based developers. They deliver the same reliable print performance and are compatible with most thermal receipt printers.

Plan Ahead to Stay Compliant
By making the switch now, Washington businesses can avoid last-minute disruptions and ensure a smooth transition before the 2026 deadline. Washington also offers a reimbursement program to help businesses offset costs for replacing bisphenol thermal paper or upgrading POS equipment. For more details, visit the Washington Department of Ecology.


About POS Supply Solutions
“Our Mission Is To Keep Your Business On A Roll”

Founded in 1999, POS Supply Solutions has been providing high-quality Point of Sale (POS) and transaction supply solutions to businesses for over 25 years. We offer the largest selection of POS supplies in the country including thermal paper rolls, carbonless paper rolls, printer ribbons, cleaning cards, credit card supplies, thermal labels and more. Our products can be found in applications from cash registers and fuel pumps, to ATMs and kiosks. We serve a full spectrum of industries including hospitality, retail, financial, gas stations, healthcare and wireless, to name a few. For more information, please visit www.possupply.com.