California Air Resources Board

Organic compounds emissions from antiperspirants/deodorants, consumer products, and aerosol coating products contribute to the production of photochemical smog, affecting California’s air quality. California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) 2015 Consumer Products Survey analysis indicated that consumer products alone accounted for approximately 250 tons per day of organic compound emissions in California. Reducing organic compound emissions from antiperspirants/deodorants, consumer products, and aerosol coating products is a part of CARB’s goals to improve California’s air quality. Learn more about the Consumer Products Program and the CARB’s Coatings Program.

What is the Consumer Products Regulations?

The California Consumer Products Regulations is a compilation of four articles: Article 1-Antiperspirants and Deodorant Regulation, Article 2-Consumer Products Regulation, Article 3-Aerosol Coating Products Regulation, and Article 4- Alternative Control Plan Regulation. The Consumer Products Regulations sets requirements for antiperspirants/deodorants, consumer products, and aerosol coating products, which includes but not limited to, volatile organic compound standards, maximum incremental reactivity standards, prohibition of toxic air contaminants, prohibition of high global warming potential gases, product dating requirements, and other administrative requirements. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers are subject to the Consumer Products Regulations.

Inspections and Investigations

The Consumer Products Enforcement Section (CPES) is responsible for investigating and enforcing violations of the Consumer Products Regulations. During inspections, staff purchases samples of antiperspirants/deodorants, consumer products, and aerosol coating products from retail outlets throughout California including online retailers. Staff inspects product containers for compliance and select products for laboratory testing. To see past inspection locations, go to the Enforcement Division Visualization System (EDVS).

Violations are Costly

Each day a non-complying product is offered for sale for use in California is considered a separate violation. Health and Safety Code (HSC) establishes CARB’s regulatory and enforcement authority. Section 42402 of the HSC provides for strict liability penalties of up to $10,000 per day plus an increase based on the California Consumer Price Index. The Enforcement Policy describes CARB’s enforcement process and the eight statutory factors which determines the penalty for the violation. Violations that are voluntarily disclosed and not part of an active investigation may be eligible for reduced penalties (see Enforcement Policy). Violations of the Consumer Products Regulations often lead to mutual settlements with CARB. For examples of past settlements, see the Consumer Product Enforcement News or Enforcement Case Settlements.

Get Involved

Subscribe to get email updates on changes to the Consumer Products Regulations and current regulatory activities. Report consumer products concerns anonymously by filing a complaint with the CalEPA Environmental Complaint System.