Explanation of California Proposition 65 (CA65) Standard

California Proposition 65, officially known as Proposition 65, is also referred to as CA65, CP65 Certification, or Prop65 Certification. Its formal title is the “1986 Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act”. This California law requires that consumers in California be warned if they are exposed to chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

Overview of the Standard

CA65 is a complex standard that focuses on chemicals that may pose health risks to humans.

1. The California government updates the list of regulated chemicals annually.

2. Currently, there are nearly 1,000 chemicalsidentified as carcinogenic, teratogenic, or otherwise toxic to reproduction.

3. If your product contains any of these chemicals and consumers may be exposed during use, a warning label is mandatory.

4. Failure to comply may lead to lawsuits and significant financial penalties.

Main Chemicals Tested Under CA65

For general consumer electronics, the key chemicals tested include:

1. Phthalates:DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIDP, DnHP, etc.

2. Heavy metals:Lead, cadmium

3. Formaldehyde

4. Flame retardants

5. BISphenol A (BPA)

> Note: Specific testing items may vary depending on the type of product.

CA65 Testing Standards

Lead in PVC (soft wires and insulation):

1. Includes PVC insulation, thermoset coatings, and/or thermoplastic cable jackets (for products not frequently touched).

2. Limit: Lead ≤ 200 ppm (San Francisco Ordinances CGC-07-460934 & CGC-06-449269).

PVC for bicycles:

1. Includes handles and cables.

2. Lead limits:

①　≤ 300 ppm for standard parts

②　Wheels >20": Lead ≤ 300 ppm

③　Wheels ≤20": Lead ≤ 30 ppm

3. San Francisco Ordinance CGC-06-454917.

Copper containers with welded parts:

①　Examples: Copper trays, planters, teapots, sinks, flower pots, tea coasters.

②　Lead ≤ 6 ppb (average of at least 6 samples, San Francisco Ordinance CGC-06-456750).

Food and beverage PVC soft containers:

1. Examples: Lunch boxes, insulated containers.

2. Lead limits:

①　Inner layer ≤ 200 ppm

②　Outer layer ≤ 600 ppm

3. San Francisco Ordinances CGC-05-444522 & CGC-05-444524.

Cosmetics:

1. Examples: Lipsticks, lip gloss.

2. Lead limits:

①　Lipsticks/lip gloss ≤ 0.35 ppm

②　Other cosmetics ≤ 0.5 ppm

3. ACSC Ordinance RG07325184.

Scope of CA65

CA65 applies to a wide range of products, including:

①　Handbags, shoes, belts, clothing, fashion accessories

②　Kitchenware, copper products, sports equipment

③　Hand tools, furniture, electronics, and appliances

Special Note:For Halloween products, CA65 specifically emphasizes limits on arsenic, cadmium, formaldehyde, lead, and phthalates.

CA65 Testing Process

1. Identify product type:Laboratories determine applicable regulations and testing requirements based on product type.

2. Determine test points:Identify which parts of the product to test and the number of samples required.

3. Prepare samples:Send prepared samples to the laboratory for testing.

4. Issue test report:Once testing is passed, the laboratory issues a CA65 Test Report.

Validity of CA65 Reports

①　CA65 reports do not have a strict expiration date, but they are not permanent.

②　Reports must be updated when regulations change; older reports become invalid.

iec 62133-2:2017 Certification Turnaround

Typically takes 5 working days.