Prop 65 Compliance Guide for Amazon Sellers

California Proposition 65 Compliance for Amazon Sellers in 2025: Attorney Guide to Zero‑Penalty Success

Updated April 21 2025 • By the e‑commerce attorneys at AMZ Sellers Attorney®

Table of Contents

• What Is Proposition 65?
• Amazon’s Prop 65 Policy (2024 Update)
• Risks: 60‑Day Notices & Private Enforcers
• 6‑Step Compliance Plan for Sellers
• Crafting a Compliant Warning Label
• Testing & Certification
• Defending a Prop 65 Claim
• Future‑Proof Checklist
• FAQ

What Is Proposition 65?

California’s Proposition 65—officially the “Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986”— requires businesses to warn consumers when their products expose users to ≥ 1 µg/day of any of 900+ listed chemicals. The law applies to all goods sold or shipped into California, even via e‑commerce platforms.

Amazon’s Prop 65 Policy (Effective November 3 2024)

• ASIN Deactivation: Amazon now removes non‑compliant listings after 14 days’ notice.
• Detail‑Page Warning: Sellers must embed the exact short‑form or long‑form warning text in “Legal Disclaimer.”
• Document Upload: Certificates of Analysis (COA) or Prop 65 test reports are required for flagged ASINs.

Risks: 60‑Day Notices & Private Enforcers

Prop 65 is enforced primarily by private law firms. They send a “60‑day notice” to your California agent and the state Attorney General. If you cannot prove compliance, expect:

1. Mandatory reformulation or labeling
2. Civil penalties up to $2,500 per unit per day
3. Plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees

Data point: 3,077 Prop 65 notices were filed in 2024; 23 % targeted Amazon FBA sellers.

6‑Step Compliance Plan for Amazon Sellers

1. Inventory Chemical Audit

Cross‑reference every BOM and SDS against the Prop 65 list—update quarterly.

2. Laboratory Testing

For materials likely to contain lead, phthalates, cadmium, or BPA, obtain accredited ISO 17025 reports (≤ 12 months old).

3. Warning Determination

Compare exposure estimates to OEHHA “safe harbor” levels; if exceeded, choose short‑form or full warning.

4. Create & Upload Label Artwork

Add the yellow‑triangle symbol and chemical name(s). Minimum font: 6‑pt or larger than surrounding text.

5. Amazon Listing Update

Insert identical warning text into Seller Central → Compliance → “California Prop 65 Warning,” then save.

6. Recordkeeping & Renewal

Keep lab reports and label proofs for 7 years. Schedule a biennial product retest.

Need help? Get a Free Compliance Review →

How to Craft a Compliant Warning Label

<svg>
⚠️ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead,
which is 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.
</svg>

Testing & Certification

Use CPSC‑accepted labs. Specify detection limits below OEHHA safe‑harbor. Attach COA PDF to Amazon’s “Product Documents” tab—visible to both regulators and consumers.

Defending a Prop 65 Claim

1. 12‑Hour Triage: Freeze advertising and FBA shipments into California.
2. Exposure Assessment: Commission a dose‑calculation to challenge plaintiff’s numbers.
3. Reformulation vs. Warning: Evaluate cost benefit; reformulating may avoid permanent labeling.
4. Settlement Strategy: Typical payouts drop 25 % when an attorney presents valid exposure data within 14 days.

Future‑Proof Checklist (2025+)

• Integrate a “Prop 65 flag” column into your SKU master.
• Require Prop 65 clauses in supplier agreements.
• Geo‑blocking California only delays problems—labels are cheaper.
• Monitor OEHHA monthly for new chemicals (last update: December 29 2024—1‑Bromopropane removed from list).

Talk to a Prop 65 Attorney Now

Still Have Questions or need to settle a Proposition 65 case?

Visit our dedicated Proposition 65 service page for more resources.

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