California's new cadmium in children's jewelry law (California Health and Safety Code section 25214.2), takes effect on Jan. 1, 2012. It will prohibit the manufacturing, shipping, and sale of children's jewelry or any of the jewelry's components containing more than 0.03 percent (300 ppm) of cadmium as determined by a total weight test. California defines children as 6 and under.
The new restrictions on cadmium apply to small and large manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers in California, including people who make and sell their own jewelry, tattoo and body piercing shops, vending machines, etc., according to California's Department of Toxic Substances Control. Any person who is not in compliance with the law may be subject to fines of up to $2,500 per day for each violation.
In addition, manufacturers and suppliers are required to provide certification that their jewelry does not contain cadmium in violation of the law. Such certification can be in the form of either: a certification document or via a display on the shipping container or on the packaging of the jewelry. The state's Department of Toxic Substances Control can answer vendors' questions via e-mail: [email protected], or by calling 1-800-728-6942. From outside California, call 1-916-255-3618. It is the agency's policy to answer inquiries either the same day or the next business day.
Jewelry makers and designers of children's jewelry who seek more information on the new law can visit the Department of Toxic Substances Control webpage Cadmium Information for Businesses.
California joins Illinois and Minnesota as states that have now placed in effect cadmium in children's jewelry laws. Because the various state laws to regulate cadmium in children's jewelry vary in terms of the definition of children, as well as the kinds of testing required, MJSA is monitoring all cadmium legislation on the state level, and sharing it with members. An updated chart showing the status of various state bills regulating cadmium in children's jewelry is available from MJSA. to request a chart, or call 1-800-444-6572; 1-401-274-3840.
