United States · Packaging

California SB 54 Packaging EPR in the United States

A practical guide to California SB 54 Packaging EPR for packaging sold in the United States: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Brands placing packaged goods on the market in the United States; Importers and distance sellers shipping into the United States

Authority

CalRecycle

Legal basis

California Public Resources Code section 42040

Local representative

A local entity or authorised representative is required

Timeline

Registration before first placement; reporting is periodic

Cost

Fees scale with material type, weight, and recyclability

If you do not comply

Fines, sales restrictions, and marketplace delisting

Who needs this

Brands placing packaged goods on the market in the United States
Importers and distance sellers shipping into the United States

Documents you need

Producer registration or scheme membership
Packaging volume and material declarations
Recycling or EPR fee payments
Environmental or sorting labelling

Compliance checklist

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Producer registration or scheme membership
Packaging volume and material declarations
Recycling or EPR fee payments
Environmental or sorting labelling

How to comply

Classify packaging by material and component
Register as a producer or join a compliance scheme
Declare volumes and pay the applicable fees
Apply the required sorting or recycling label

Brief for your lab or agent

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Request: California SB 54 Packaging EPR — United States
Product category: Packaging
Authority: CalRecycle
Legal basis: California Public Resources Code section 42040

Documents we already have:
  1. Producer registration or scheme membership
  2. Packaging volume and material declarations
  3. Recycling or EPR fee payments
  4. Environmental or sorting labelling

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under California SB 54 Packaging EPR 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

Registration before first placement; reporting is periodic.

Fees scale with material type, weight, and recyclability.

Common rejection reasons

No producer registration or scheme membership
Volumes under-declared
Wrong material classification
Missing sorting or recycling label

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.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs California SB 54 Packaging EPR in the United States?

Brands placing packaged goods on the market in the United States. Importers and distance sellers shipping into the United States. The importer of record normally holds the evidence.

What documents do I need for California SB 54 Packaging EPR?

Producer registration or scheme membership; Packaging volume and material declarations; Recycling or EPR fee payments; and environmental or sorting labelling.

What is the first step for California SB 54 Packaging EPR?

Classify packaging by material and component, then register as a producer or join a compliance scheme. Registration before first placement; reporting is periodic.

How long does California SB 54 Packaging EPR take?

Registration before first placement; reporting is periodic.

How much does California SB 54 Packaging EPR cost?

Fees scale with material type, weight, and recyclability.

What happens if I sell without it?

Fines, sales restrictions, and marketplace delisting.

Who regulates California SB 54 Packaging EPR in the United States?

CalRecycle.