New rules classify microplastics as a candidate chemical, paving the way for stricter oversight of consumer products and driving innovation in safer material alternatives.
California has finalized new microplastics regulations by adding microplastics to the Candidate Chemicals List under the state’s Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program, marking a significant step toward tighter oversight of products that may contribute to microplastic pollution. The regulation enables state authorities to identify and evaluate consumer products containing or generating microplastics and, where necessary, require safer alternatives or other regulatory actions.
The measure, adopted by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), is intended to reduce human and environmental exposure to microplastics, which have been detected in water, soil, air, wildlife, and the human body. While the long-term health impacts continue to be studied, growing scientific evidence has prompted regulators to strengthen preventive measures.
By listing microplastics as a candidate chemical, California is not immediately banning products. Instead, the designation provides DTSC with the authority to prioritize specific product categories for detailed assessment. Manufacturers may subsequently be required to conduct alternatives analyses, redesign products, improve product stewardship, or adopt safer materials if risks are identified.
The new regulation is expected to have broad implications for manufacturers of plastics, textiles, cosmetics, coatings, paints, detergents, packaging, and other consumer products that intentionally contain or may release microplastics during normal use. Companies supplying products to the California market may need to review product formulations, supply chains, and compliance strategies as the SCP program expands.
Industry groups have expressed concern over the decision. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) argued that the listing is overly broad and could create regulatory uncertainty, urging California to adopt a more science-based, source-specific approach for evaluating microplastics before imposing additional requirements.
Environmental organizations, however, have welcomed the move as an important milestone in addressing one of the fastest-growing forms of plastic pollution. They believe the regulation will encourage manufacturers to develop innovative materials and product designs that reduce microplastic generation while supporting broader sustainability and circular economy objectives.
California has long been at the forefront of environmental regulation, and the inclusion of microplastics in the SCP framework reinforces its leadership in tackling emerging pollution challenges. The latest action is expected to influence product d
esign, material innovation, and regulatory discussions well beyond the state, as governments and industries worldwide seek effective strategies to reduce microplastic pollution and improve environmental protection.