California Proposition 65

California Environmental Protection Agency

1986 Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act

The 1986 Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act is commonly known as California Proposition 65.

According to the requirements of Proposition 65, the California government updates a list of chemicals every year, and currently, over a thousand chemicals have been listed. The proposition stipulates that 12 months after a chemical is listed on the regulated chemicals list, if a product contains these chemicals and poses an exposure risk to consumers, the manufacturer must post a warning label; otherwise, they may face lawsuits and high compensation risks.

Products subject to California Proposition 65 in the United States:

Electronic and electrical products and their raw materials, children's and adult clothing, raincoats, footwear, aprons, tablecloths, placemats, pillows, cushions, carpets, seat cushions, wallets, handbags, shoulder bags, and more.

Common testing items for California Proposition 65:

1. Heavy metals: such as lead, cadmium, etc.  
2. Phthalates  
3. Formaldehyde  
4. Flame retardants  
5. Bisphenol A (BPA)

Common questions about California Proposition 65 testing:

1) When is a warning label required?

Answer: When a product contains chemicals on the list, a warning label is required; otherwise, if a lawsuit is filed and it is deemed potentially harmful, high fines may be imposed.

2) Does Proposition 65 set limit values for chemicals on the list?

Answer: No. Proposition 65 focuses on the public's 'right to know.' Whether the product meets safety standards should be governed by other U.S. regulations (such as CPSIA) or referenced through litigation cases.