United States · Electronics

California Proposition 65 Warning in the United States

A practical guide to California Proposition 65 Warning for electronics sold in the United States: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Products sold in California; Online sellers shipping to California consumers

Authority

California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)

Legal basis

California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (Prop 65)

Local representative

Not applicable — the seller is responsible

Timeline

Before selling into California

Cost

Testing and assessment costs vary

If you do not comply

Private enforcement actions and civil penalties

Who needs this

Products sold in California
Online sellers shipping to California consumers

Documents you need

Exposure assessment
Supplier material data
Warning label artwork

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Exposure assessment
Supplier material data
Warning label artwork

How to comply

Check whether listed chemicals may be present
Assess exposure against safe harbor levels
Provide a compliant warning or reformulate
Keep supporting records

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: California Proposition 65 Warning — United States
Product category: Electronics
Authority: California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
Legal basis: California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (Prop 65)

Documents we already have:
  1. Exposure assessment
  2. Supplier material data
  3. Warning label artwork

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under California Proposition 65 Warning in the United States?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before selling into California.

Testing and assessment costs vary.

Common rejection reasons

Warning text or placement not compliant
No exposure assessment on file
Supplier data does not cover the final product

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.