Consumer Products Regulation
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This website does not supplant, replace or amend any of the legal requirements of the Consumer Products Regulations. Conversely, this website’s omission or truncation of regulatory requirements does not relieve responsible parties of their legal obligation to fully comply with all requirements of the regulation.
Article 2: Regulation for Reducing Emissions from Consumer Products (Consumer Products Regulation)
Link to Article 2
Who is applicable to the Consumer Products Regulation?
“Except as provided in Sections 94509(i) and 94510, this article shall apply to any person who sells, supplies, offers for sale, or manufactures consumer products for use in the state of California.”
Ref: California Code of Regulations, title 17, section 94507 Applicability
(Cal. Code Regs., tit.17, § 94507)
What is a consumer product?
“’Consumer Product’ means a chemically formulated product used by household and institutional consumers including, but not limited to, detergents; cleaning compounds; polishes; floor finishes; cosmetics; personal care products; home, lawn, and garden products; disinfectants; sanitizers; aerosol paints; and automotive specialty products; but does not include other paint products, furniture coatings, or architectural coatings. As used in this article, the term “consumer product” shall also refer to aerosol adhesives, including aerosol adhesives used for consumer, industrial, and commercial uses.”
Ref: Cal. Code Regs., tit.17, § 94508(a)(29) Consumer Product
Where can I find definitions of consumer product categories for the Consumer Products Regulation?
Consumer product category definitions are listed in Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17, § 94508(a) Definitions.
What is a volatile organic compound (VOC?)
“’Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)’ means any compound contain at least one atom of carbon…” Additional information regarding the definition of a VOC can be found in the Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17, § 94508(a)(138).
Ref: Cal. Code Regs., tit.17, § 94508(a)(138) Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
Where can I find VOC standards for consumer product categories?
Consumer products that meet the definition of a listed category in Cal. Code Regs. § 94508(a) can be subject to a VOC standard. The VOC standard for the consumer product categories can be found at Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17, § 94509(a).
Are there any prohibitions limiting the use of certain compounds for consumer product?
Yes, certain consumer product categories have prohibition of methylene chloride, trichlorethylene, perchloroethylene, para-dichlorobenzene, and alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants. Detailed information of categories with prohibited compounds can be found in Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17 § 94509(m).
Are there any requirements limiting the use of any chemical compound that has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) Value of 150 or greater?
Yes, certain consumer product categories restrict any chemical compound that has a GWP Value of 150 or greater. Detailed information of categories with GWP limit can be found in Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17 § 94509(n).
Are consumer products subject to manufacture date requirements?
Yes, consumer products subject to section 94509 is subject to the product dating requirements as stated in Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17 § 94512(b). Additional information can be found on the Product Dating Requirement page.
Are windshield washer fluids regulated?
Yes, windshield washer fluids are regulated as “Automotive Windshield Washer Fluid” category products. More information about Automotive Windshield Washer Fluid VOC content, labeling requirements, and sell-through information can be found in Windshield Washer Fluids FAQs as well as in the Consumer Products Regulation.
What are charcoal lighter materials?
“’Charcoal Lighter Material’ means any combustible material designed to be applied on, incorporated in, added to, or used with charcoal to enhance ignition. ‘Charcoal Lighter Material’ does not include any of the following: (A) electrical starters and probes, (B) metallic cylinders using paper tinder, (C) natural gas, (D) propane, and (E) fat wood.” Further details regarding CARB certification of Charcoal Lighter Material can be found at Charcoal Lighter Material Information.
Ref: Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17 § 94509(a)(26) Charcoal Lighter Material
Can CARB help to determine the applicable category for my consumer product?
Yes, CARB offers a Product Determination Program to the regulated community by upon request. Product determination is provided in order to encourage and assist stakeholders with compliance to the Consumer Products Regulations. A product determination is one of several forms of guidance that CARB staff can provide to stakeholders. CARB staff will begin by directing the stakeholder to relevant sections of the regulation which pertain to the specific products or raw material components of products for which they are responsible. Additional information regarding guidance, application form, and instructions are located at the Product Determination page.