Prop 65 Changes Coming Soon

Major changes in California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, AKA Prop 65, will have national impact. This law has been around since 1986, but this year it has made headlines, and headaches, for anyone selling products subject to the law. Extending far beyond the collision industry, regulatory updates to Prop 65 the impact how product labels must read. And because labels are mass produced, warnings will be added to products nationally by most manufacturers. Keep reading for a brief overview of the amendments and resources to gain insight and understand impact.

WHAT?

Prop 65 is a California law requiring businesses to provide warnings about exposure to certain chemicals in products. Each year, the state of California publishes a list of chemicals and exposure levels that are linked to cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This list has grown to include over 900 chemicals.

Prop 65 has included requirements on direct labeling of product for years, but the new amendments are stricter. Under the modified law, products must not only warn there are chemicals present, but they must specifically identify what chemicals and how they could affect you if exposed. The law reaches far and wide, touching products from coffee to essential oils.

In the coming weeks and months, you will see changes on product labels and websites to conform with disclosure rules. Other materials will also likely provide reference to Prop 65.

WHO?

Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, and any other individuals involved in selling products in California are affected by these changes and required to ensure customers have appropriate notification.

WHY?

The law is stricter to ensure Californians have greater notice about the potential harmful effects of chemicals in products they use. Many people feel the new specific warnings are more meaningful and helpful for consumers considering products. Even if you don’t live or work in California, you may see Prop 65 warnings on products you use due to the fact they are sold in the state. It is simply impossible for manufacturers to limit labeling or distribution for California only.

WHEN?

We are working with our manufacturers and vendor partners to provide customers and branches with information and resources on the Prop 65 regulations. Updated labeling is required for any product manufactured after August 30, 2018 with a chemical requiring disclosure under Prop 65. This means it is possible to see some products without updated labeling for a few months.

RESOURCES

This article provides a brief overview of the changes coming to Prop 65, but there is still more to know. Please utilize the resources below to further educate yourself and your customers on the implications of the new Prop 65 amendments.

To read about the new Prop 65 Warnings: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/new-proposition-65-warnings

To read Prop 65 in Plain Language: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/general-info/proposition-65-plain-language

To see all chemicals on the Prop 65 List: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list/