The list of hazardous substances involved in California’s Proposition 65 is extensive, including approximately 900 chemicals. These chemicals include both naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals, and they can be additives or ingredients in pesticides, common household products, foods, drugs, dyes or solvents. Additionally, these chemicals may be used in the manufacturing and construction industries or as by-products of chemical processes, such as motor vehicle exhaust.

Chemicals on the list are regularly updated based on the latest scientific research and assessments to ensure that they reflect current understanding of the hazards of the chemicals. For example, on December 17, 2021, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added tetrahydrofuran, 2-ethylhexyl 2-acrylate, methyl 2-acrylate, and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (industrial Level) and other four substances have been added to the list of hazardous substances because they are carcinogenic.

If companies contain chemicals on these lists in their products, they are required by law to provide clear warning labels to inform consumers of possible exposure risks, unless the exposure level is so low that it does not pose a significant health risk. Violating the requirements of California Proposition 65 may result in fines of up to $2,500 per day. Therefore, it is very important for businesses selling products in or into California to understand and comply with the requirements of California Proposition 65.

California 65 service content

The California Bill 65 control list itself does not set limits for substances. For the control limits of hazardous substances in products, refer to the U.S. federal courts and various lawsuits or agreements. In these documents, there may be agreements on certain types of products in certain types of products. Limit requirements for substances and test methods. High-risk substances involved in cases over the years include lead, cadmium, phthalate, bisphenol A and other substances.

In 2021, California's 65 hazardous substances list has been updated twice. The 8 new substances updated last year will surely become the focus of law enforcement. These 8 substances involve many products, so they have a significant impact on related products exported to the United States. 

California 65 Testing Project

1. Total lead content—only test accessible parts;

2. Total cadmium content - only accessible parts are tested for jewelry. Other categories are tested only when requested by customers, and only accessible parts are tested;

3. Phthalene content—only test accessible parts;

4. Formaldehyde content - toys are required to test clothing used in role-playing and games, textiles and leather in direct contact with the skin, and other products are required to test textiles and leather that are in direct contact with the skin;

5. Flame retardant content—for PU foam materials used in upholstered furniture, cushions, car seat cushions, etc.

California 65 testing process

1. Submit a test application;

2. Prepare test materials (product manual, parts list, test application form);

3. Product testing;

4. Issue a test report if the test is qualified.

California 65 certification application information

1. Provide 2-3 sets of samples;

2. Product instruction manual;

3. Bill of Materials (BOM);

4. Certification application form (form provided by our company).

California 65 certification testing cycle

Depends on the project, normally it takes 5~10 working days.