What Is California Proposition 65 Certification Compliance?

California Proposition 65, officially known as the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is also referred to as CA65, CP65, or Prop 65. The law took effect in November 1986.

This regulation applies to a wide range of products — including toys, clothing, electronic products, and more — covering almost all consumer goods. It specifies scenarios involving exposure to hazardous substances. This article provides a detailed explanation of the core requirements, scope of application, testing items, and certification process of Proposition 65, helping enterprises better comply with this regulation.

Core Requirements

1. No dischargeof hazardous substances listed in the proposition into drinking water sources.

2. Clear and reasonable warningsmust be provided if a product contains any listed hazardous substance, unless the exposure level is so low that it poses no risk.

Scope of Application

To date, products involved in Proposition 65 lawsuits include toys, electronics, apparel, accessories, cosmetics, furniture, and virtually all other consumer goods.

Testing Items

Different products and materials are subject to different controlled chemicals and limit requirements.

The main hazardous substances include:

- Lead (Pb)

- Cadmium (Cd)

- Arsenic (As)

- Formaldehyde

- Phthalates

Certification Process

1. Determine test items:Select tests based on the product’s material and intended use.

2. Complete the application form:Provide the product manual, BOM (Bill of Materials), and related documentation.

3. Send samples:Submit 2–3 samples to the testing laboratory.

4. Laboratory testing:Standard turnaround time is 7–10 days, with expedited service available.

5. Obtain report:Upon passing, the certification report is issued — no factory audit required.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. How long is the report valid?

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

02. Is the certification expensive?

Costs vary depending on the product type and material composition.

03. Is a factory audit required?

No. Only product testing is required — there are no audits or ongoing fees.

As a key regulation in the California market, Proposition 65imposes strict requirements on product safety and compliance.

Enterprises should fully understand and comply with its provisions, utilizing professional testing and certification services to ensure products meet California’s market entry standards.

Additionally, companies should continuously monitor regulatory updates and adjust their product strategies and manufacturing processes to adapt to the ever-changing market environment.