CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

USA: California Jewelry Regulations Recast

October 2019 - Relevant for: HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

Starting 1 June 2020, the toughest state-wide California Jewelry Regulations become operative. 

The bill¹, which has been signed on 27 September, will amend the jewelry requirements under California Health and Safety Code, and aims to further protect children and adults from chemical exposure. 

For both cadmium and lead level in children’s jewelry, the new limits would align with the federal standards and state laws.
- 100 ppm lead on every accessible component, and 90 ppm lead for surface coating; and
- 300 ppm cadmium for each component, and 75 ppm soluble cadmium for surface coating.

It is noticeable the definition of children’s jewelry has been revised from jewelry intended for 6 years of age to cover those 15 years of age and under. 

And for adult jewelry, the allowable lead limits would be significantly reduced for metals, and specifically adjusted for dyes or surface coating.
- 500 ppm for electroplated or unplated metal, dye or surface coating, or any other materials not mentioned on the regulations (previously class 3 materials);
- 200 ppm for plastic or rubber, including acrylic, polystyrene, plastic beads and stones, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The manufacturer or supplier would require to include additional details about the jewelry covered by the certification, including, among other information, the date or dates on which, and the location or locations where, the jewelry was tested for purposes of certification, testing has to be performed by third-party laboratory.

[1] SB 647