California Proposition 65 Product Compliance

California Proposition 65, officially named the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is commonly referred to as CA65, CP65, or Prop65. This law came into effect in November 1986.

It applies to products such as toys, apparel, electronics, and almost all other consumer goods, with specified exposure scenarios for hazardous substances. This article provides a detailed explanation of the core requirements, scope, testing items, and application process for Proposition 65, helping businesses better comply with the regulation.

Core Requirements

1. No discharge of listed hazardous substances into drinking water.

2. Provide clear and reasonable warningsfor listed substances. Warnings are required unless the exposure level is very low and does not pose a risk.

Scope of California Proposition 65

As of now, products involved in Proposition 65 lawsuits include almost all consumer products, such as:

- Toys

- Electronics

- Apparel

- Accessories

- Cosmetics

- Furniture

Testing Items

Different products and materials have different chemical controls and limit requirements.

Main hazardous substances include:

- Lead (Pb)

- Cadmium (Cd)

- Arsenic (As)

- Formaldehyde

- Phthalates

Application Process

1. Determine testing items– Select tests based on product materials and usage.

2. Fill out the application form– Provide product manuals, BOM (Bill of Materials), and other relevant documents.

3. Send samples– Submit 2–3 product samples to the laboratory.

4. Laboratory testing– Standard testing cycle is 7–10 days; expedited testing is available.

5. Receive report– Once passed, certification is issued; no factory inspection is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the report valid?

Proposition 65 certification does not have a strict validity period. However, as regulations update, the report must be updated accordingly, and old versions become invalid.

Is the certification expensive?

Costs vary depending on the product and its materials.

Is a factory inspection required?

Only product testing is required; no audits or follow-up fees are necessary.