SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 169.23 to summarize multiple recent settlements involving a variety of consumer goods under California Proposition 65 (Prop 65).

Prop 65, or the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, applies to all businesses operating in California. It is a unique piece of legislation that requires the state of California to publish a list of chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. The list currently contains approximately 900 substances.

Among the provisions of Prop 65 is a requirement that, unless exempt, businesses must provide a clear and reasonable warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical. Companies have 12 months to comply with this requirement once a chemical is listed.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep stakeholder informed about regulatory and market changes that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 169.23 summarizes multiple recent Prop 65 settlements relating to the following chemicals:
• One or more phthalates
• Lead
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• N-nitrosodiethylamine and n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDEA and NDMA)

A varied selection of consumers goods is covered in these settlements, including as examples:
• Phthalates – gym quick clips, vinyl tablecloths, furniture covers
• Lead – ceramic piggy banks, hose menders, metal and glass boxes
• PFOA – gas tank covers, kid’s lunch boxes
• BPA – bike helmets, water bottle cages, face masks
• NDEA and NDMA – latex resistance bands for exercise

In addition to a summary of the settlements, the SafeGuardS also includes expert commentary on the settlements involving PFOA.

It should be noted, settlement agreements are only legally binding on named parties, but they do provide an indication of how manufacturers and suppliers should progress when operating in California.

SGS Prop 65 Services
With a global network of laboratories, SGS can offer comprehensive testing, product assessment and consultancy services related to California Proposition 65. SGS can assist your risk management strategy in consumer goods, such as DIYs, electrical and electronics, hardgoods products, juvenile products, and textile & toy products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Prop 65 Services. [www.sgs.com/en/services/california-proposition-65]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full California Proposition 65: Reformulation of Chemicals in Consumer Products SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2023/07/safeguards-8723-california-proposition-65-reformulation-of-chemicals-in-consumer-products]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA.
Tel: +1 312 414 9394

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sgs.com/cp
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,700 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.