California Air Resources Board

The California Consumer Product Regulation is applicable to any person that sells, supplies, offers for sale, or manufactures for sale or use in California a chemically formulated consumer product.  The type of regulated entities includes manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers.  The Regulation defines consumer product categories and establishes limits for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and other compounds for each category.  The Regulation also includes administrative requirements for labeling.

Why Regulate Consumer Products?

Consumer products are a significant source of VOCs.  In 2015, consumer products accounted for about 169 tons per day of VOC emissions in California alone.  These VOCs react with other pollutants and sunlight to form ground-level ozone and particulate matter (PM 10), the main ingredients in smog.  Reducing VOC emissions from consumer products plays a significant part in CARB's effort to reduce smog in California.  The Regulation also limits toxic air contaminates, high global warming potential gasses, and other environmental pollutants in specified categories.

Inspection Activities

Investigators in the Consumer Products Program purchase samples of regulated consumer products from outlets throughout California including online retailers.  They inspect product containers for compliance with labelingrequirements and select products for laboratory testing.  This program is responsible for investigating violations and presenting findings for suitable resolution.

Violations are Costly

Everyday a non-complying product is offered for sale can be considered a day of violation. Health and Safety Code section 42402 provides for strict liability penalties of up to $10,000 per day.  Manufacturers, distributors and retailers are advised to stock their inventories with the newest complying products in order to avoid violations and to help provide a healthier environment.