Proposition 65
Prop 65 warning label requirements: the product, shelf, catalog and online checklist
A Prop 65 safe-harbor warning for a consumer product carries the yellow triangle symbol, the word WARNING in bold capitals and the name of at least one listed chemical. It goes on the label, on a shelf sign at the point of display, in the catalog, or on the product display page online. Short-form label wording that names the chemical applies to products manufactured from January 1, 2028.
- Duty to warnAppendix A (summary), Clear and reasonable warnings: "A business is required to warn a person before “knowingly and intentionally” exposing that person to a listed chemical unless an exemption applies."
- Symbol
§25603(a)(1)
§25603(a)(1): "A symbol consisting of a black exclamation point in a yellow equilateral triangle with a bold black outline." - Type size
Short form on the label
Short form on the label: "In no case shall the warning appear in a type size smaller than 6-point type." (§25602(a)(3)-(4)) - Online
§25602(b)(1)
§25602(b)(1): "(A) a warning on the product display page, or (B) a clearly marked hyperlink using the word “WARNING” or the words “CA WARNING” or “CALIFORNIA WARNING” on the product display page that links to the warning, or (C) an otherwise prominently displayed warning provided to the purchaser prior to completing the purchase."
Note: This is a reading of the Proposition 65 warning regulations, not legal advice. Every quotation below is copied word for word from the 30 rule records ClaraDB keeps for 27 CCR Article 6 (sections 25600 to 25607.13), last updated October 8, 2026. Each row says who the duty falls on and the date it runs from.
Who has to give a Prop 65 warning?
A business that knowingly and intentionally exposes a person to a listed chemical; the manufacturer or supplier can warn on the label or send the warning to its buyer's authorized agent in writing.
The duty sits with the business causing the exposure, and the stored summary names four ways out of it. A business with nine or fewer employees is outside it: "Neither the warning requirement nor the discharge prohibition applies to a business that employs a total of nine or fewer employees." So is a newly listed chemical for its first year: "Proposition 65 warning requirements do not apply until 12 months after the chemical has been listed." And no warning is needed where the exposure poses "no significant risk" of cancer, or where it "will produce no observable effect, even at 1,000 times the level in question."
Where a manufacturer or supplier does not put the warning on the product, section 25600.2(b) lets it warn by written notice to the business it sells to, and the notice has to be renewed every year. Section 25600.2 also assigns duties to the retail seller; of those, only the online transition below is in the stored rules.
From August 30, 2018
| Who | What to do | From | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business that exposes a person to a listed chemical | Warn before the exposure, unless an exemption applies | August 30, 2018 | Appendix A (summary), Clear and reasonable warnings: "A business is required to warn a person before “knowingly and intentionally” exposing that person to a listed chemical unless an exemption applies." |
| Manufacturer or supplier not labeling the product | Send a written notice with the warning materials to the authorized agent of the business you sell or transfer the product to | August 30, 2018 | §25600.2(b): "by providing a written notice directly to the authorized agent for the business to which they are selling or transferring the product or to the authorized agent for a retail seller, so long as the business to which they are providing the notice is subject to Section 25249.6 of the Act." |
| Manufacturer or supplier using the written notice | Renew the notice every year while a retail seller sells the product in California | August 30, 2018 | §25600.2(b)(4): "(4) Be renewed annually during the period in which the product is sold in California by a retail seller." |
Enforcement, in the regulation's own summary: "A business found to be in violation of Proposition 65 is subject to civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for each violation."
What has to be on the product label?
The triangle symbol, the signal word in bold capitals, the name of a listed chemical, displayed conspicuously, and repeated in any other language the label uses.
From August 30, 2018
| Who | What to do | From | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer or supplier labeling the product | Put the full warning on the label, or a short-form warning in at least 6-point type | August 30, 2018 | §25602(a)(3)-(4)§25602(a)(3)-(4): "A short-form warning on the label that complies with the content requirements in Section 25603(b) and is provided on a product in a type size that complies with Section 25601(c). In no case shall the warning appear in a type size smaller than 6-point type." |
| Manufacturer or supplier labeling the product | Print the symbol: a black exclamation point in a yellow triangle with a bold black outline | August 30, 2018 | §25603(a)(1)§25603(a)(1): "A symbol consisting of a black exclamation point in a yellow equilateral triangle with a bold black outline." |
| Manufacturer or supplier labeling the product | Start the warning with WARNING:, CA WARNING: or CALIFORNIA WARNING: in bold capitals | August 30, 2018 | §25603(a)(2)§25603(a)(2): "The word “WARNING:” or the words “CA WARNING:” or “CALIFORNIA WARNING:” in all capital letters and bold print, and:" |
| Manufacturer or supplier labeling the product | Name at least one listed chemical in the warning text | August 30, 2018 | §25601(b)§25601(b): "a warning meets the requirements of this subarticle if the name of one or more of the listed chemicals in the consumer product or affected area for which the warning is being provided is included in the text of the warning." |
| Manufacturer or supplier labeling the product | Make the warning prominent enough to be seen, read and understood next to the rest of the label | August 30, 2018 | §25601(c)§25601(c): "consumer product exposure warnings must be prominently displayed on a label, labeling, or sign, and must be displayed with such conspicuousness as compared with other words, statements," |
| Manufacturer or supplier labeling the product | If the label gives consumer information in another language, give the warning in that language too | August 30, 2018 | §25602(d)§25602(d): "(d) Where a sign, labeling, or label, as defined in Section 25600.1, is used to provide a warning that includes consumer information about a product in a language other than English, the warning must also be provided in that language in addition to English." |
What does the full warning say?
One of four sentences, chosen by whether the named chemicals cause cancer, reproductive harm or both, ending with the P65Warnings.ca.gov address.
Each sentence follows the symbol and the signal word. Fill the brackets with the chemical names.
From August 30, 2018
| Who | What to do | From | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer or supplier warning for a carcinogen | Use the cancer sentence | August 30, 2018 | §25603(a)(2)(A)§25603(a)(2)(A): "For exposures to listed carcinogens, the words, “This product can expose you to chemicals including [name of one or more chemicals], which is [are] known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”" |
| Manufacturer or supplier warning for a reproductive toxicant | Use the reproductive harm sentence | August 30, 2018 | §25603(a)(2)(B)§25603(a)(2)(B): "For exposures to listed reproductive toxicants, the words, “This product can expose you to chemicals including [name of one or more chemicals], which is [are] known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”" |
| Manufacturer or supplier warning for a carcinogen and a different reproductive toxicant | Use the sentence that names each chemical for its harm | August 30, 2018 | §25603(a)(2)(C)§25603(a)(2)(C): "For exposures to both listed carcinogens and reproductive toxicants, the words, “This product can expose you to chemicals including [name of one or more chemicals], which is [are] known to the State of California to cause cancer, and" |
| Manufacturer or supplier warning for a chemical listed for both | Use the sentence for a chemical listed as both | August 30, 2018 | §25603(a)(2)(D)§25603(a)(2)(D): "For exposures to a chemical that is listed as both a carcinogen and a reproductive toxicant, the words, “This product can expose you to chemicals including [name of one or more chemicals], which is [are] known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”" |
What does the short-form warning say, and when does it change?
From January 1, 2028, a short-form label names the chemical; products manufactured and labeled before then may keep the older wording.
The short form is a label method, printed at no less than 6-point type (see the label rows above). For products manufactured from January 1, 2028, the stored rules carry six wordings, two per harm and two for a chemical listed for both. A label may use any one wording from its line.
| Who | What to do | From | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer or supplier, carcinogen | Short form, first cancer option | January 1, 2028 | §25603(b)(3)(A)1§25603(b)(3)(A)1: "Cancer risk from exposure to [name of chemical]. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov." |
| Manufacturer or supplier, carcinogen | Short form, second cancer option | January 1, 2028 | §25603(b)(3)(A)2§25603(b)(3)(A)2: "Can expose you to [name of chemical], a carcinogen. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov." |
| Manufacturer or supplier, reproductive toxicant | Short form, first reproductive harm option | January 1, 2028 | §25603(b)(3)(B)1§25603(b)(3)(B)1: "Risk of reproductive harm from exposure to [name of chemical]. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov." |
| Manufacturer or supplier, reproductive toxicant | Short form, second reproductive harm option | January 1, 2028 | §25603(b)(3)(B)2§25603(b)(3)(B)2: "Can expose you to [name of chemical], a reproductive toxicant. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov." |
| Manufacturer or supplier, carcinogen and a different reproductive toxicant | Short form naming both chemicals, first option | January 1, 2028 | §25603(b)(3)(C)1§25603(b)(3)(C)1: "Risk of cancer from exposure to [name of chemical] and reproductive harm from exposure to [name of chemical]. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov." |
| Manufacturer or supplier, carcinogen and a different reproductive toxicant | Short form naming both chemicals, second option | January 1, 2028 | §25603(b)(3)(C)2§25603(b)(3)(C)2: "Can expose you to [name of chemical], a carcinogen, and [name of chemical], a reproductive toxicant. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov." |
| Manufacturer or supplier, chemical listed for both | Short form for one chemical listed for both, first option | January 1, 2028 | §25603(b)(3)(D)1§25603(b)(3)(D)1: "Risk of cancer and reproductive harm from exposure to [name of chemical]. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov." |
| Manufacturer or supplier, chemical listed for both | Short form for one chemical listed for both, second option | January 1, 2028 | §25603(b)(3)(D)2§25603(b)(3)(D)2: "Can expose you to [name of chemical], a carcinogen and reproductive toxicant. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov." |
| Manufacturer or supplier, product manufactured and labeled before January 1, 2028 | Older short form, cancer | August 30, 2018 | §25603(c)(2)(A)§25603(c)(2)(A): "(A) For exposures to listed carcinogens, the words, “Cancer -- www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”" |
| Manufacturer or supplier, product manufactured and labeled before January 1, 2028 | Older short form, reproductive harm | August 30, 2018 | §25603(c)(2)(B)§25603(c)(2)(B): "(B) For exposures to listed reproductive toxicants, the words, “Reproductive Harm -- www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”" |
| Manufacturer or supplier, product manufactured and labeled before January 1, 2028 | Older short form, cancer and reproductive harm | August 30, 2018 | §25603(c)(2)(C)§25603(c)(2)(C): "(C) For exposures to both listed carcinogens and reproductive toxicants, the words, “Cancer and Reproductive Harm -- www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”" |
The date comes from section 25603(c): "A short-form warning on a product manufactured and labeled prior to January 1, 2028, may use the following content".
What goes on a shelf sign?
A product-specific warning on a posted sign, shelf tag or shelf sign at each point of display, or one an electronic device gives automatically at purchase.
The stored rules do not say whether the supplier or the store posts the sign.
| Who | What to do | From | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seller warning at the point of display | Put a product-specific warning on a sign or shelf tag where the product is displayed, or deliver it electronically at purchase | August 30, 2018 | §25602(a)(1)-(2)§25602(a)(1)-(2): "(1) A product-specific warning provided on a posted sign, shelf tag, or shelf sign, for the consumer product at each point of display of the product. (2) A product-specific warning provided via any electronic device or process that automatically provides the warning to the purchaser prior to or during the purchase of the consumer product, without requiring the purchaser to seek out the warning." |
What goes on the online listing and in a catalog?
Online: the warning on the product display page, a link marked WARNING, CA WARNING or CALIFORNIA WARNING, or a warning shown before the purchase is completed. Catalog: the full warning, next to the item.
From August 30, 2018
| Who | What to do | From | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online seller | Show the warning on the product display page, through a clearly marked WARNING link, or before checkout | August 30, 2018 | §25602(b)(1)§25602(b)(1): "(A) a warning on the product display page, or (B) a clearly marked hyperlink using the word “WARNING” or the words “CA WARNING” or “CALIFORNIA WARNING” on the product display page that links to the warning, or (C) an otherwise prominently displayed warning provided to the purchaser prior to completing the purchase." |
| Catalog seller | Print the warning in the catalog next to the item; a label short form may be reused | August 30, 2018 | §25602(c)§25602(c): "(c) For catalog purchases, a warning that complies with the content requirements of Section 25603(a) must also be provided in the catalog in a manner that clearly associates it with the item being purchased. If a short-form warning is being provided on the label pursuant to Section 25602(a)(4), the warning provided in the catalog may use the same content." |
Transition for online sellers: §25602(b)(2): "For internet purchases made before January 1, 2028, a retail seller is not responsible under Section 25600.2(e)(4) for conspicuously posting or displaying the new warning online until 60 calendar days after the retailer receives a warning or a written notice under Section 25600.2(b) and (c)". The 60 days apply to purchases made before January 1, 2028.
What does furniture need?
A label with the furniture wording, plus a NOTICE sign at the entrance or point of display, or a notice on each receipt.
From August 30, 2018
| Who | What to do | From | The law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture manufacturer or supplier | Label the furniture with the furniture warning, which points to P65Warnings.ca.gov/furniture | August 30, 2018 | §25607.13(a)(1)(C)§25607.13(a)(1)(C): "which is [are] known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/furniture.”" |
| Furniture seller | Also post an 8 1/2 by 11 inch sign in 28-point type, or print a 12-point notice on each receipt | August 30, 2018 | §25607.12(a)(1)(A)-(B)§25607.12(a)(1)(A)-(B): "(A) A notice or sign no smaller than 8 ½ by 11 inches displayed either at each public entrance or point of display, and printed in no smaller than 28-point type, or (B) A notice printed or stamped in no smaller than 12-point type on each receipt." |
| Furniture seller | Use the NOTICE wording on that sign or receipt | August 30, 2018 | §25607.13(a)(2)(B)§25607.13(a)(2)(B): "(B) The words, “Some furniture products can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm. Please check the product label for warning information.”" |
What does this page not cover?
Warnings for food, alcohol, premises and occupational exposures, other product-specific methods in 25607, and the retail seller's own duties in 25600.2.
Other warning methods. Article 6 also sets warnings for exposures other than consumer products and product-specific wordings in section 25607 beyond furniture. They are not among the 30 stored rules, so they are not on this checklist.
Who is the retail seller. Section 25600.2 divides responsibility between the manufacturer, producer, packager, importer, supplier or distributor and the retail seller; only its written notice, annual renewal and online transition are stored and quoted here.
Whether your product needs a warning. That turns on the chemical list and the exposure level. Check the product against the list before you label it.
Sources and last check
Quotations are from the 27 CCR text ClaraDB stores with its rules (California Code of Regulations on Westlaw) and from OEHHA's April 2025 consolidation for the summary and the penalty. The rules were last updated on October 8, 2026.
| Source | What it supports | Last checked |
|---|---|---|
| 27 CCR 25600-25607.13, Proposition 65 clear and reasonable warnings | Label, full and short-form wording, symbol, type size, language, shelf sign, online, catalog, furniture, written notice | October 8, 2026 |