Scotch Laminator Recall: Check Model TL1302Z Before You Use It Again

If you have a Scotch thermal laminator at home, school, or work, check the model number before using it again.

3M has recalled Scotch Thermal Laminator model TL1302Z because the machine can overheat and create a fire hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall on October 15, 2026, covering about 53,634 laminators.^[1]

If the label on the bottom of your laminator says TL1302Z, CPSC says to stop using it and unplug it immediately. Do not plug it back in to test whether it seems to be working normally.

Which Scotch Laminator Is Recalled?

This recall specifically covers the Scotch Thermal Laminator model TL1302Z.

CPSC describes the recalled machine as light gray or white with gray accents. The word “Scotch” appears in gray on the front. The laminating slot is approximately 13 inches wide, and the machine has a carrying handle on the right side when viewed from the front.^[1]

The quickest way to determine whether yours is affected is not to judge it by appearance alone.

Turn the unplugged machine over and look for the model-number sticker on the bottom. The affected model number is:

TL1302Z

The model number may also appear on the original packaging.

Don’t Assume Every Scotch Laminator Is Included

The model number matters because 3M has sold several Scotch laminators that look similar.

If your machine does not say TL1302Z, don’t destroy it or submit it under this recall based only on its appearance.

There have also been previous recalls involving other Scotch laminator models. For example, a separate 2022 recall covered certain TL1302-series laminators.^[2]

If your model number is different, search the CPSC recall database for that exact model rather than assuming the October 2026 recall applies.

Why Was the TL1302Z Recalled?

The recalled laminators can overheat, creating a fire hazard.

According to CPSC, 3M has received 63 reports of the laminators smoking, melting, or overheating. Those reports included:

• Five reports of laminators catching fire.
• One report of minor property damage.
• No reported injuries as of the recall announcement.

Those numbers do not tell you whether your individual machine is likely to overheat. They do explain why the official instruction is to stop using an affected laminator rather than continue using it until something looks wrong.

What Should You Do if You Have Model TL1302Z?

CPSC’s instructions are straightforward:

1. Stop using the laminator.
2. Unplug it immediately.
3. Confirm that the model number is TL1302Z.
4. Follow 3M’s recall-registration process to request a full refund.

One detail deserves extra attention: the refund process requires proof that the affected laminator has been disabled.

CPSC says consumers participating in the recall will be asked to submit a photograph showing the laminator after its unplugged power cord has been cut.^[1]

Do not cut the cord until you have first confirmed that your machine is included in the recall.

And, of course, never cut the cord while the appliance is plugged into an electrical outlet.

How the Refund Process Works

3M is offering a full refund for the recalled TL1302Z laminators.

According to the CPSC recall instructions, consumers should:

1. Make sure the laminator is unplugged.
2. Verify that the model is TL1302Z.
3. Complete the online recall-registration process.
4. Follow the recall instructions for disabling the machine.
5. Upload the requested photograph showing the laminator with the unplugged power cord cut.

After the form and required confirmation are received, the refund is mailed to the consumer by check.^[1]

If taking or uploading a photograph is difficult for you, contact 3M before cutting or disposing of anything so you can ask how to complete the process another way.

CPSC lists 3M’s recall phone number as 800-772-4337, available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.^[1]

Can You Throw the Recalled Laminator in the Trash?

Not necessarily.

CPSC says affected machines should be disposed of according to local and state requirements for electronics recycling after the recall steps are completed.^[1]

That means your normal household trash may not be the appropriate place for it.

Before disposing of the machine, check your city or county’s electronics-recycling rules. Depending on where you live, you may have access to a municipal collection site, scheduled electronics event, or participating retailer.

Also, finish the refund-documentation step before getting rid of the machine. Once the laminator is gone, you may no longer have the photographs or identifying information needed for the recall claim.

Where Were the Recalled Laminators Sold?

CPSC says the affected TL1302Z laminators were sold online at Amazon.com from June 2024 through September 2026 for approximately $44 to $56.^[1]

You do not need to rely on your memory of when you purchased it, though. The model-number sticker is the more useful test.

If you still have an order confirmation or receipt, save it with your recall information until your refund has been processed.

What if Your Laminator Looks Similar but Has a Different Model Number?

Don’t assume you’re in the clear, but don’t assume this particular recall covers it either.

3M has had recalls involving other laminators, including a previous Scotch TL1302-series recall and a separate TL909-50 recall.^[2][3]

The safest approach is:

• Write down the exact model number from the bottom label.
• Search that number in the CPSC recall database.
• Follow the instructions for that specific recall, if one exists.

This also helps avoid accidentally following disposal or refund instructions intended for a different product.

What if You Already Used the Laminator Without a Problem?

A history of trouble-free use does not cancel the recall.

The official action for an affected TL1302Z is still to stop using and unplug it.

You do not need to wait for the laminator to smell hot, smoke, melt, or show another visible problem before participating in the recall.

If your machine has already overheated or caused property damage, document what happened before disposing of anything. CPSC also accepts reports from consumers about unsafe products.

A Quick Recall Checklist

If you own a Scotch laminator, use this short check:

• Unplug the machine before inspecting it.
• Look at the sticker on the bottom.
• Check whether the model number is TL1302Z.
• If it is, stop using it.
• Start the official 3M recall process.
• Do not cut the power cord until you have confirmed eligibility and reviewed the recall instructions.
• Take any required photographs before disposal.
• Keep your refund documentation until payment arrives.
• Recycle the disabled appliance according to local electronics rules.

The Bottom Line

The October 2026 Scotch laminator recall is not a general warning about every Scotch laminator. It specifically covers model TL1302Z.

If that model number appears on the sticker on the bottom of your machine, CPSC says to stop using it and unplug it immediately. 3M is offering a full refund through its recall process.

The most important step takes less than a minute: unplug the laminator, turn it over, and read the model number.

If it says TL1302Z, don’t use it again while you decide what to do. Follow the official recall instructions instead.

Information verified October 12, 2026. Recall remedies and company procedures can be updated. Check the current CPSC and 3M recall instructions before disabling or disposing of the product.