California Prop 65

What is California Prop 65?

California Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, requires businesses to provide warnings when their products expose consumers to chemicals identified by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) as potentially harmful.

Originally focused on reducing lead contamination in drinking water, Prop 65 now applies to a wide range of consumer goods. It mandates that any product sold or distributed in California must include a clear warning if it contains chemicals from the Prop 65 list—even in small amounts.

How Does This Affect Promotional Products?

If your order is being shipped to or distributed in California, the items may need to include a Prop 65 warning label. This ensures compliance with state law and informs recipients about potential exposure to listed substances.

Although Prop 65 shares similarities with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), it is more specific to California and includes labeling requirements that apply even when products meet all federal safety standards.

We work closely with suppliers across the U.S., prioritizing those who are active participants in third-party compliance initiatives such as the Quality Certification Alliance (QCA). These partners take extra steps to ensure adherence to laws like CPSIA and Prop 65.

Need Help Determining Compliance?

If you're unsure whether a specific product meets Prop 65 requirements, please contact us at the number listed on our website. Our team can confirm the item’s compliance status and provide any documentation or certificates you may need for your records.

Additional Resources:

• Proposition 65 in Plain Language: Simplified overview by OEHHA explaining the purpose and scope of the law.>
• Current List of Regulated Chemicals: An up-to-date list of substances regulated under Prop 65.
• Quality Certification Alliance (QCA): An organization that helps ensure suppliers meet high standards in safety, environmental responsibility, and social accountability.