California Adds Microplastics to Chemical List
The state has classified microplastics as candidate chemicals to allow for potential future regulatory oversight.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Chemistry
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On October 1, 2026, California's Department of Toxic Substances Control added microplastics to the state's Candidate Chemicals List. This administrative action enables the agency to evaluate consumer products containing these particles for potential future regulation.
Why it matters
Microplastics are highly persistent in the environment and exhibit high mobility, prompting concerns about their long-term impact on wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. This designation establishes a formal pathway for the state to identify and assess products that may require safer alternatives.
Microplastics are defined by the state as plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in their longest dimension. This classification is a prerequisite for the Safer Consumer Products program to evaluate environmental impact.
The players
Department of Toxic Substances Control
The California state agency responsible for protecting people and the environment from hazardous waste.
The details
The listing does not currently ban any products or mandate immediate compliance requirements from manufacturers. Future regulation would require a separate, formal rulemaking process that includes a public comment period before any specific item is labeled a Priority Product.
Timeline
In 2015, California implemented a ban on microbeads in personal care products.
A microplastic regulation review was published in August 2026.
On October 1, 2026, the DTSC added microplastics to the Candidate Chemicals List.
The Big Picture
This action extends the regulatory reach of the Safer Consumer Products program, which governs how the state manages toxic components in consumer goods.
While this designation does not impact current product availability, it paves the way for future requirements that may force manufacturers to switch to safer materials. Residents may eventually see changes in product ingredients if specific items are later deemed Priority Products.
The takeaway
This regulatory update shifts the focus toward identifying and mitigating the persistence of plastic particles in consumer items. Consumers should stay informed as future rulemaking processes may eventually lead to shifts in product design and chemical usage.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and regulatory updates in California Chemistry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Food Packaging Forum.
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Should states prioritize stricter regulations on consumer products containing microplastics?
