California Proposition 65 (formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) is one of the most influential consumer protection laws in the United States. It requires businesses to provide warnings if their products expose consumers to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Over 900 substances are currently listed, and the list continues to grow as scientific evidence evolves (1,2).

For companies and manufacturers, complying with Proposition 65 is not just a legal requirement—it is a vital part of responsible business practice. Non-compliance can result in costly litigation, penalties, and reputational damage. Lawsuits under Prop 65 are often filed by private enforcers, and settlements frequently include both financial penalties and mandatory reformulation or labeling requirements. In an increasingly competitive global market, these risks can quickly become a significant burden for any brand (3,4,5).

At the same time, Prop 65 compliance demonstrates a company’s commitment to consumer safety, product transparency, and global market readiness. Many international regulations—such as those in the European Union and Australia—are aligned with the same principles of chemical safety. By proactively addressing Prop 65 requirements, manufacturers not only ensure access to California’s massive consumer market, but also strengthen their ability to meet standards worldwide (6,7,8).

Ultimately, Proposition 65 compliance is about more than avoiding penalties. It is about safeguarding consumer trust, protecting public health, and positioning your products for sustainable growth. Companies that embrace compliance show their customers and partners that they take safety seriously, turning regulatory requirements into a competitive advantage (9,10,11).

At VDEx, we help businesses navigate the complexities of chemical compliance—ensuring your products meet Prop 65 standards and beyond, so you can focus on building safe, trusted, and successful brands.

References

[1] California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). About Proposition 65 – https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/general-info/proposition-65

[2] OEHHA. Chemicals Listed Under Proposition 65 – https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list

[3] OEHHA. Proposition 65 Enforcement – https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/general-info/proposition-65-enforcement

[4] California Attorney General. Proposition 65 Settlements – https://oag.ca.gov/prop65/settlements

[5] California Health & Safety Code, Section 25249.7 – Civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation per day

[6] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). REACH Regulation – https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach

[7] European Union. CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) – https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/clp

[8] Australian Government, Department of Health. Chemical Safety – https://www.health.gov.au/topics/environmental-health/chemical-safety

[9] OEHHA. Proposition 65 in Plain Language – https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/general-info/proposition-65-plain-language

[10] Environmental Law Foundation. Prop 65 and Consumer Trust – https://elflaw.org/prop-65

[11] Harvard Business Review. Why Transparency Builds Consumer Trust – https://hbr.org/2015/05/the-truth-about-transparency