7A: Lessons From California's Safer Consumer Products Program

Westin Galleria Houston 

Room: Galleria II 

CM Credit Hours: 0.75 

The California Safer Consumer Products (SCP) program requires manufacturers of listed products ("priority products") to conduct an alternatives analysis (AA) to determine whether safer product chemistries are feasible. If a product is listed, failure to comply with the AA requirement can result sales of the product being prohibited in California. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released its 2024-2026 Priority Product Work Plan, which gives companies an indication of products that may be selected for listing. The work plan identifies broad product categories, including paints, building materials, beauty and personal care products, cleaning products, children's products, and microplastics. Although SCP has been criticized for listing products too slowly, DTSC has recently expanded staffing and has stated it expects the rate of product listing to increase.

Having co-authored three alternatives analysis reports approved under the SCP program, the presenters know the requirements are challenging in scope and timing. This presentation will reflect on the lessons learned from these experiences, strategies that worked, and helpful tools.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Describe key aspects of California's Safer Consumer Products Alternatives Analysis framework
• Develop holistic evaluations of alternatives and avoid regrettable substitutions.
 

Alternatives Assessments

Domain IV: Regulatory Compliance

Polling

Quiz

Intermediate