California Proposition 65

What it is: A California state law that requires businesses to warn Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. It also prohibits businesses from knowingly discharging significant amounts of listed chemicals into sources of drinking water.

Why you're receiving this request: If your products are sold or incorporated into products sold in California, your customer needs to know whether any Prop 65-listed substances are present above established thresholds. Prop 65 applies to all products sold or distributed in California regardless of where they are manufactured, so this request can come even if your facility has no direct California presence. The regulated list now covers approximately 900 chemicals and is updated at least annually. Substances of frequent concern in manufacturing include lead, cadmium, phthalates, formaldehyde and nickel compounds. Non-compliance carries private citizen lawsuit exposure in addition to state enforcement, which makes customers vigilant about collecting supplier declarations.

Official resource: OEHHA About Proposition 65