Footwear, bags and belts - Proposition 65 settlement announced

21st July, 2010

Proposition 65, otherwise known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986 in the state of California. The Proposition was intended by its authors to protect Californian citizens and the State's drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposure to such chemicals.

Prop 65 does not ban the sale of any product; it requires, however, that warnings are issued advising citizens and consumers of potential risk. Prop 65 only applies in the State of California and covers all products distributed within the State.

The list of chemicals is extensive (in excess of 800) and can be found at

http://www.oehha.org/prop65/prop65_list/files/P65single061110.pdf

Since its conception, Prop 65 has concluded consent agreements on lead, phthalates and other listed chemicals that have been found in a variety of consumer products.

Recently, there has been a settlement involving purses, handbags, clutches, totes, wallets, belts, and footwear for lead content. The settlement is the first to establish lead limits for all footwear and belts. The lead limits required by the settlement have different implementation dates for manufacturing, selling, material type, and product type. The date for opting into this settlement has been delayed until August 11, 2010.

If you are selling product into California and you would like further support on interpretation of Prop 65 and how you can work to ensure compliance contact Victoria Addy on email vikki@blcleathertech.com

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Footwear, bags and belts - Proposition 65 settlement announced