The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has officially finalized new regulations under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) program, targeting methyl methacrylate (MMA) in nail products. If your company manufactures nail coatings or artificial nails sold in California, or if you advise clients who do, immediate attention is required to meet the upcoming Q2 and Q3 2026 deadlines.
The Scope: What is regulated?
The regulation applies to nail coatings and artificial nails that contain methyl methacrylate (MMA) at concentrations greater than 1,000 parts per million (ppm).
This applies to MMA present as:
- An intentionally added ingredient.
- A residual.
- A contaminant.
Crucial Cut-off: The regulation specifically captures products manufactured on or after April 1, 2026, and sold in California.
Who Must Comply?
The onus is on domestic and foreign manufacturers selling affected products in California. If you are a Canadian manufacturer exporting to the Californian market, you fall under this scope.
Critical Compliance Timeline:
The DTSC has outlined a strict reporting schedule for 2026. Missing these dates can result in non-compliance.
April 1, 2026: The regulation becomes effective.
June 1, 2026 (The PPN Deadline): Manufacturers must submit a Priority Product Notification (PPN) to the DTSC. This notification must list all products sold in California containing MMA > 1,000 ppm.
September 28, 2026 (The Action Deadline): After submitting the PPN, manufacturers must submit one of the following via the CalSAFER portal:
Why is this happening?
The DTSC has identified MMA exposure through normal nail product use as a potential cause of significant adverse impacts, particularly for sensitive subpopulations such as nail salon workers and pregnant people.
Next Steps for Manufacturers:
Audit Formulations: Immediately review product formulations and testing data to determine if MMA levels exceed the 1,000 ppm threshold.
Prepare for PPN: If you exceed the threshold, begin preparing your Priority Product Notification now to ensure submission before the June 1st deadline.
Decide on a Strategy: Determine whether you will reformulate (remove/replace MMA), remove the product from the California market, or conduct an Alternatives Analysis. If you would like us to review your formulations to ensure they comply with the regulations, contact us now.
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