1
45-DAY PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMENT PERIOD
SAFER CONSUMER PRODUCTS REGULATIONS – Listing Laundry Detergents 
Containing Nonylphenol Ethoxylates  as a Priority Product
Department of Toxic Substances Control reference number:  2019-01R
NOTICE  IS HEREBY  GIVEN that the Department  of Toxic Substance s Control (DTSC) proposes 
to amend the California Code of Regulations,  title 22, division 4.5, chapter 55, section 69511 , and 
adopt  section 69511. 8. This proposed amendment  pertain s to identification of a Priorit y Produc t 
under the Safer  Consumer Produc ts (SCP) regulations,  approved by the Office of Adminis trative 
Law (OAL) and filed with the Secretar y of State on Augus t 28, 2013 (effective date:  10/01 /2013;  
OAL Regulator y Action Number: Z-2012 -07170 -04).
WRITTEN C OMMENT PERIOD
The written comment  period will close on 12/31/2023 . Only comment s receiv ed at the DTSC 
office or postmarked on or before that date will be considered . Any interes ted person(s) or their 
authorized representative(s) may submit  written comment s relevant  to the proposed regulatory 
action to DTSC in either electroni c or hard-copy formats.
Written comment s may be submitted electronicall y through the SCP Information Management  
System,  CalSAFER at:  https://calsafer.dtsc.ca.gov/ . Please direc t question s or concern s about  
CalSAFER to Michael Ernst at (916) 322-3385 or michael.ernst@dtsc.ca.gov . While DTSC 
prefer s that comment s be submitted through the CalSAFER system,  interes ted persons may 
also submit  their comment s in an email to:  SaferConsumerProducts@dtsc.ca.gov or through 
the DTSC regulation s email address at regs@dtsc.ca.gov . Please include the DTSC reference 
number for this regulation in the subject  of your message.  Direct hard-copy written comments 
to Office of Legislation and Regulator y Review , as specified below .2PUBLIC HEARING
A public  hearing  has not been scheduled for this rulemaking. However, DTSC will conduct a 
hearing if a written request for a public hearing is received from any interested person, or his or 
her duly authorized representative, no later than 15 day s prior to the close of the written 
comment period, pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.8.  Submit a written request for 
a public hearing in an email to SaferConsumerProducts@dtsc.ca.gov or to the Office of 
Legislation and Regulatory Review , as specified below.
Notice Pertaining to Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation
All documents related to these regulations can be made available in alternate format (i.e.,  
Braille, large print, etc.) or in another language, as requested, in accordance with State and  
Federal law. Further, to ensure the public has equal access to all available services and  
information, DTSC will provide disability -related reasonable accommodations and/or  
translator/interpreter needs, upon request. For assistance, please contact the staff person  
below . Note: the range of assistive series available may be limited if requests are made less 
than 10 business days  prior a public  hearing. 
Office of Legislation and Regulatory Review  
Department of Toxic Substances Control  
P.O. Box 806  
Sacramento, California 95812 -0806  
Fax Number: (916) 324 -1808  
TTY/TDD/Speech -to-Speech users may dial 7 -1-1 for the California Relay Service.
AUTHORITY & REFERENCE
Authority
This regulation is being adopted under the following authorities:
·Health and Safety Code (HSC) section 25252 authorizes and requires DTSC to adopt 
regulations to establish a process to identify and prioritize those chemicals or chemical 
ingredients in consumer products that may be considered a Chemical of Concern. This 
section also directs DTSC to reference and use available information from various 
sources but  does not limit DTSC to use only this information.
·HSC section 25253 authorizes and requires DTSC to adopt regulations that establish a 
process for evaluating Chemicals of Concern in consumer products, and their potential 
alternatives, to determine how best to limit exposure to or to reduce the level of ha zard 
posed by a Chemical of Concern.3·HSC section 58012 (added by Gov. Reorg. Plan No. 1, §146, eff. July 17, 1991) grants 
DTSC authority to adopt regulations to execute its duties.
Reference
This regulation implements, interprets, or makes specific the following statutes: 
·HSC  section s 25252 and 25253.  
INFORMATIVE DIGEST
Policy Statement Overview : 
Background and Effect of the Proposed Regulatory Action :
The SCP regulations were adopted in October 2013 to meet the statutory requirements 
outlined in HSC sections 25252 and 25253. The regulations outline a science -based process 
for evaluating Chemicals of Concern in consumer products and safer alternatives by : 
·Establishing a list of Candidate Chemicals and specifying criteria by which these may 
be designated Chemicals of Concern; 
·Establishing a process to identify and prioritize product and Candidate Chemical 
combinations that may be listed as Priority Products; 
·Requiring manufacturers of a product listed as a Priority Product to notify DTSC within  
60 days of the listing regulation’s effective date ; 
·Requiring manufacturers of a Priority Product to determine how best to reduce 
exposures to  the Chemical(s) of Concern in the product;
·Allowing  DTSC to identify and require implementation of Regulatory Responses 
following completion of an Alternatives Analysis , if needed ; and
·Creating a process for persons  to petition DTSC to add chemicals to the Candidate 
Chemicals list, add or remove Candidate Chemicals lists in their entirety, or to add or 
remove a product -chemical combination from the Priority Products List .
DTSC proposes to amend section  69511  and add section 69511. 8 to Article 11 of the SCP 
regulations. The proposed action will add laundry detergents containing nonylphenol 
ethoxylates (NPEs)  as a Priority Product to the Priority Products List.
This listing applies to any product that is placed into commerce in California that contains  
NPEs , and that may be marketed, sold, or offered for sale as a chemical substance to clean or 
remove soil or unwanted deposits from laundered clothes and textile products, such as sheets 
and tablecloths. This includes , but is not limited to , laundry detergents of any form, including 
granules, liquids, powders, tabs, crystals, or pods, that are used in washing machines, for 4hand washing, or as part of a laundry system. Detergents intended for use as a pre -soak or 
pre-spotter , or with fabric or color protection properties , are also included . 
Following extensive review of the scientific literature and analysis of the known hazard traits of 
NPEs , DTSC determined there is potential for the aquatic environment  to be exposed to NPEs 
and their degradation products  through  the u se of laundry detergents  and there is potential for 
one or more exposu res to cause or contribute to significant or widespread adver se impacts to 
aquatic organisms . NPEs  and their degradation products  can impair growth, development, 
reproduction, and survival in fish, aquatic in vertebrates, and algae  species.  DTSC based this 
determination on an evaluation of available, reliable scientific information pertinent to the 
regulatory criteria. 
Benefits of the Proposed Regulatory Action:
A primary goal  of the SCP regulations  is to prevent or reduce potential  adverse health and 
environmental impacts to the State of California . By listing laundry detergents  contain ing NPEs 
as a Priority Product , DTSC requires manufacturers selling these products into California to 
evaluate whether  NPEs are necessary in laundry detergents or whether there are functionally 
safer alternatives that would reduce exposure to NPEs during manufacturing  and use of 
laundry detergents . A reduction in NPEs would result in  healthier aquatic ecosystems. A 
reduction in exposure to NPEs could assist in the conservation of threatened and endangered 
species, reduce wastewater treatment costs, and increase the use of recycled water.
DTSC cannot pre -determine the alternatives that each manufacturer will propose; therefore, it 
is impossible to accurately predict or quantify the full range of potential benefits associated 
with their development. DTSC’s process  encourages the use of alternatives of least concern 
and prefers  those that provide the greatest level of inherent protection. 
Existing Laws and Regulations:
The SCP regulations established a unique approach to regulating Chemicals of Concern in 
consumer products that grants DTSC authority to take actions to protect people and the 
environment when such actions are outside the scope of other regulatory programs.  There are 
no equivalent federal or state regulations that require product manufacturers to determine if the 
chemical in their product is necessary and whether there is a safer alternative, with the goal of 
protecting consumers and the environment from adverse effects associated with a product 
throughout its lifecycle . 
DTSC has assessed all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, as well as 
international treaties or agreements with the force of domestic law, related to the proposed 
Priority Product and the Candidate Chemical in the product. DTSC has determined that no 5state or federal regulations overlap or conflict with this proposal to list laundry detergents 
containing NPEs  as a Priority Product.
Related State Laws and Regulations :
No California state laws or regulations currently address the use of NPEs in laundry 
detergents. DTSC consulted with the California State Water Resources Control Board (State 
Water Board), which has regulatory responsibility for protecting water quality in California, to 
ensure that this rulemaking is in accordance with State Water Board regulations.  DTSC has 
determined that no regulations  overlap or conflict  with the proposal to list laundry detergents 
containing NPEs as a Priority Product. 
Comparable  Federal Regulation or Statute :
These regulations are  not based on, identical to, or in conflict with any federal regulations.
U.S. EPA’s Limited Regulatory Actions:
Section 5 of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes U.S. EPA to issue Significant 
New Use Rules (SNURs) for new or existing chemicals used in a significant ly new way. A 
SNUR requires companies to notify U.S. EPA at least 90 days prior to manufacturing, 
importing, or processing substances for a significant new use, and to submit a notification 
including information about the chemical’s identity, physical characteristics, processing and 
use, and available toxicity data. U.S. EPA has 90 days to evaluate the new use and can 
request more data, prohibit, or limit the manufacture , or allow the use.
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), U.S. EPA proposed a Significant New Use 
Rule (SNUR) for specific nonylphenols and nonylphenol ethoxylates in 2014 , but has yet to 
finalize it. If the proposed SNUR were to be adopted, manufacturers and importers would have 
to report any new uses of the chemicals. Since 2015, when the public comment period closed, 
U.S. EPA has not released any updated information on the status of the proposed SN UR. 
DTSC decided to move forward with this proposed rulemaking becau se it is unknown when or 
if the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule will be finalized and because the NPEs identified in the U.S. 
EPA’s proposed rule are limited and only represent a few of the NPEs that are included in the 
scope of DTSC’s proposal. DTSC's proposed r ule will regulate NPEs through a  regulatory 
framework that is fundamentally different from TSCA ’s.
OTHER APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS PRESCRIBED BY STATUTE
California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA ) Compliance
DTSC has determined that this rulemaking would be  exempt from CEQA (Public Resources 
Code Section 21000, et seq.)  under  the “feasibility or planning study” and “data collection”6exemption s outlined in California Code of Regulations, title  14, section 15 262 and 15306, 
respectively . The project would also be exempt under the common sense exemption. (Cal. 
Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15061, subd. (b)(3).)  A draft Notice of Exemption (NOE) is available for 
review during the public comment period upon request and will be filed with the State 
Clearinghouse if the regulation is finalized .
California Environmental Policy Council Review
Under the provisions of H ealth and Safety Code section 25252.5, the California Environmental 
Policy Council (CEPC) reviewed the framework SCP regulations prior to their adoption in 
October 2013 (the CEPC Resolution may be viewed at: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/cepc/ ). 
Under HSC Section 25252.5(f), the CEPC determined that the proposed regulations would not 
have any significant adverse impact on public health or the environment and could be adopted 
by DTSC without undergoing a multimedia life cycle evaluation.
DTSC determined that further review by the CEPC is not warranted for this rulemaking 
because the requirements of HSC section 25252.5 apply only to the creation of the SCP 
program and not regulations that may be required to implement this program.
Peer Review
DTSC requested  and obtained  an external scientific peer review of the scientific basis of the 
proposed regulation  pursuant to H ealth and Safety Code  section 57004. The result of the 
external scientific peer review is posted to DTSC’s  rulemaking  website at:
https://dtsc.ca.gov/regs/ .
MANDATE ON LOCAL AGENCIES OR SCHOOL DISTRICTS
DTSC has determined  that adoption of this  regulation  will not impose a local mandate or result 
in costs subject to  state  reimbursement pursuant to part 7 of division 4, commencing with 
section 17500, of the Government Code or other nondiscretionary costs or savings to local 
agencies.
COST OR SAVINGS TO STATE OR LOCAL AGENCIES , OR SCHOOL DISTRICTS 
SUBJECT TO REIMBURSEMENT
DTSC determined that adoption of this regulation will not result in costs or savings for any local 
agency or school district required to be reimbursed pursuant to Part 7 of Division 4, 
commencing with section 17500 of the Government Code, or other nondiscr etionary costs or 
savings imposed on local agencies.
Costs or Savings to Any State Agency:7DTSC will absorb additional costs associated with reviewing Notifications, Abridged AA 
Reports, or two -stage AA Reports submitted by manufacturers of laundry detergents  
containing NPEs  by reallocating staff to this new task.  DTSC estimates that the total fiscal 
costs to state government for reviewing all Notifications, Abridged AA Reports, or two-stage 
AA reports submitted by manufacturers will range from $362,081 - $825,302 .
Loca l Agencies:
DTSC determined that adoption of this regulation will not impose a local mandate or result in 
costs  or savings for any local agency  subject to reimbursement pursuant to Part 7 of Division 
4, commencing with section 17500, of the Government Code or other nondiscretionary costs or 
savings to local agencies.
School Districts:
DTSC determined that adoption of this regulation would not result in costs or savings for any 
school district required to be reimbursed pursuant to Part 7 of Division 4, commencing with 
section 17500 of the Government Code .
Federal Funding to the State :
DTSC determined that adoption of this regulation would not result in cost or savings in federal 
funding to the state.  DTSC determined that  no fiscal impact to federal funding or state 
programs exists.
DETERMINATION OF  NO SIGNIFICANT STATEWIDE ADVERSE ECONOMIC 
IMPACT
DTSC determined the proposed regulatory action has no significant  statewide adverse 
economic impa ct directly affecting business . Following a review of available laundry detergent  
market data and survey of affected manufacturers and industry organizations, DTSC 
determined the proposed regulation is not a major regulation and is unlikely to have a 
significant adverse impact on business.
Types of Businesses Affected : Manufacturers of laundry detergents  containing NPEs  have the 
principal duty to comply with the notification and reporting requirements.
Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping , or other Compliance Requirements:  In accordance with 
Government Code sections 11346.3(c) and 11346.5(a)(11), DTSC found that the reporting 
requirements of the proposed regulatory action, which apply to businesses, are necessary for 
the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the State  of California. The specific reporting 
requirements and forms are: 8·Priority Product Notification [section 69503.7]
·Removal/Replacement Notifications:
oChemical of Concern Removal Intent Notification [section 69505.2]
oChemical of Concern Removal Confirmation Notification [section 69505.2]
oProduct Removal Intent Notification [section 69505.2]
oProduct Removal Confirmation Notification [section 69505.2]
oProduct -Chemical Replacement Intent Notification [section 69505.2]
oProduct -Chemical Replacement Confirmation Notification [section 69505.2]
oProduct Cease Ordering Notification [section 69501.2(b)(2)(B)]
·AA Notifications and Reports:
oAA Threshold Notification [section 69505.3]
oAA Extension [section 69505.1(c)]
oPreliminary AA Report [section 69505.4(a)(2), section 69505.5, section 
69505.1(b)(2)(A), section 69505.7]
oFinal AA Report [section 69505.4(a)(3), section 69505.6, section 
69505.1(b)(2)(B), section 69505.7]
oAbridged AA Report [section 69505.4(b)]
oAlternate AA Work Plan [section 69505.4(c)]
oPreviously completed AA [section 69505.4(d)]
The reports and forms that a manufacturer  must submit  depend s on several factors including 
the Priority Products produced, the availability of viable alternatives, and business decisions 
made by the manufacturer. 
The reporting  requirements applicable to responsible entities may be fulfilled by  a consortium, 
trade association, public -private partnership, or other entity acting on behalf of, or in lieu of, 
one or more manufacturer . This does not apply to the Priority Product Notification or 
Alternatives Analysis Threshold Exemption Notification requirements  [section 69501.2(a)(2)] .
DTSC has made an initial determination that the adoption  of this regulation will not exert a 
significant, statewide adverse economic impact directly affecting business, including the ability 
of California businesses to compete with businesses in other states. DTSC has considered 
proposed regulatory alternatives that would lessen any adverse economic impact on business 
and invites interested parties  to submit proposals. Submissions may include the following 
considerations: 
i.The establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that 
take into account the resources available to businesses.
ii. Consolidation or simplification of compliance and reporting requirements for businesses.
iii. The use of performance standards rather than prescriptive standards.
iv. Exemption or partial exemption from the regulatory requirements for businesses.9COST IMPACTS O N REPRESENTATIVE PRIVATE PERSONS OR BUSINESSES
DTSC relied on a variety of sources to estimate the number of manufacturers potentially 
impacted by this proposed regulation. DTSC searched detergent manufacturers listed in the 
State Water Board Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System  and analyzed 
a list of manufacturers that was provided in Hoovers by Dun & Bradstreet (a private data 
vendor). DTSC then searched manufacturers’ websites and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for 
laundry detergents containing NPEs. 
Based on the data collected f rom these data sources, DTSC estimates there are 11 
manufacturers of laundry detergents in California that would be potentially affected by DTSC 
regulation.  DTSC estimates  that costs could range from $5, 280 to $10,560 for individual 
manufacturers to fulfill the SCP regulatory requirements to submit a Priority Product 
Notification and complete  a Product -Chemical Replacement Intent and/or Confirmation 
Notification . Total estimated costs to   California -based manufacturers of laundr y detergents 
containing NPEs  range  from $58,080 to $116,160 .
RESULTS OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Creation of New Businesses or Elimination of Existing Businesses :
DTSC determined that it is:
·Unlikely that this proposal will eliminate or create businesses or jobs in manufacturing of 
laundry detergents ;
·Possible that this proposal could create an unknown number of businesses to assist 
manufacturers of laundry detergents  containing NPEs  in meeting regulatory obligations 
including consulting services, chemical and material science research services, and 
product development support;
·Possible that this proposal could create an unknown number of public or private sector 
jobs in consulting services, product research and design, chemical and material science 
research and support and marketing .
Expansion of Businesses Currently doing Business :
DTSC determined that it is  possible that this proposal could result in the expansion of 
businesses currently doing business within the state, particularly those engaged in regulatory 
consulting services, chemical and material science research and support, product research 
and design and marketing .
Effect on Housing Costs :10DTSC has determined  that the proposed regulation will have no significant effect on housing 
costs.
Effect on Small Businesses :
DTSC made an initial determination that the adoption of this regulation may affect small 
businesses. DTSC estimates  that nine of the 11 potentially impacted manufacturers  are small 
businesses.  Costs to submit Priority Product Notifications and Product -Chemical Replacement 
Intent and/or Confirmation Notification s are expected to be the same for all impacted 
businesses. Moreover,  DTSC estimates that it will take each manufacturer a maximum of 176 
hours at $60/hour to complete a Priority Product Notification and Product -Chemical 
Replacement Intent and/or Confirmation Notification, or a total of $10,560. These are one -time 
notificati ons and therefore, there are no ongoing costs. Manufacturers reported they anticipate 
replacing NPEs in their laundry detergents and do not anticipate conducting an Alternatives 
Analysis. 
Benefits of the Regulation on the Health and W elfare of California Residents, Worker 
Safety, and the State’s Environment :
DTSC  made an initial determination that the adoption of this regulation may  positively  affect 
the health and w elfare of the State’s environment . A reduction in exposure to NPEs  could 
benefit the health of California’s wildlife. The development of safer alternatives benefits 
California ’s environment. DTSC cannot predetermine the alternatives that each manufacturer 
will propose; therefore, it is impossible to accurately predict or quantify the full range of 
potential benefits associated with their development. DTSC ’s process  encourages the use of 
alternatives of least concern and prefers  those that provide the greatest level of inherent 
protection. In general, economic benefits to California workers and business owners may 
include expanded employment opportunities in the fields of consulting , marketing , research, 
and product development . 
CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES
DTSC must determine  that no reasonable alternative it considered or that has otherwise been 
identified and brought to the attention of DTSC would be more effective in carrying out the 
purpose for which the action is proposed, would be as effective and less burdensome to 
affected private persons than the proposed action, or would be more cost -effective to affected 
private persons and equally effective in  implementing the statutory policy or other provision of 
law. DTSC’s consideration of alternatives is avai lable in the Initial Statement of Reasons 
included as part of this proposed regulation.11CONTACT PERSONS
Inquiries regarding technical aspects of the proposed regulation or CEQA documents may be 
directed to  Michael Ernst  of DTSC at  916-322-3385  ormichael.ernst@dtsc.ca.gov , or if 
unavailable,  Nancy Ostrom  of DTSC at 916-445-3077 , or nancy.ostrom@dtsc.ca.gov . 
However, such oral inquiries are not part of the rulemaking record.
A public comment period for the rulemaking has been established commencing on  November 
10, 2023,  and closing on  December  31, 2023. Statements, arguments, or contentions 
regarding the rulemaking and/or supporting documents must be submitted in writing or 
presented orally or in writing at a public hearing , if a hearing is requested,  in order for them to 
be considered by  DTSC before it adopts, amends, or repeals these regulations .
DTSC will accept statements, arguments  or contentions, and/or supporting documents 
regarding this rulemaking submitted in writing either through CalSAFER or by mail, or they 
may be presented orally or in writing at a public hearing , if a hearing is requested .
AVAILABILITY OF TEXT OF PROPOSED REGULATIONS , INITIAL STATEMENT OF 
REASONS , AND OTHER RULEMAKING DOCUMENTS
Copies of the Notice of Proposed Action, Initial Statement of Reasons, all the information upon 
which this proposal is based, and the express terms of the proposed regulation  (also known as 
the proposed regulatory text) are posted to DTSC’s Internet website at 
https://dtsc.ca.gov/regs/ .
After the close of the comment period, DTSC may adopt the proposed regulation. If 
substantial , sufficiently related  changes are made  to the regulatory  text, the modified full text  
(with the changes clearly indicated)  will be made available for comment for at least 15 days 
prior to adoption. Only persons who request the specific proposed regulation, attend a public  
hearing,  if a hearing is requested,  or provide written comments on this  specific regulation  will 
be sent a copy of the modified text if substanti al, sufficiently related  changes are made.
Once DTSC finalizes the regulat ory text, DTSC will prepare  a Final Statement of Reasons  that 
updates the Initial Statement of Reasons, summarizes how DTSC addressed comments , and 
includes other materials . A copy of the Final Statement of Reasons will also be posted on 
DTSC’s Internet site at https://dtsc.ca.gov/regs/ , along with the date the rulemaking is filed with 
the Secretary of State and the effective date of the regulation.
ALL OTHER QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/INQUIRIES/UPDATES
Please direct all written comments, procedural inquiries, and requests for documents by mail, 
e-mail,  or fax to the Office of Legislation and Regulatory Review , as specified above . To be 12included in this regulation package’s mailing list and to receive updates of this rulemaking, 
please visit https://dtsc.ca.gov/dtsc -e-lists/ and subscribe to the applicable E -List or e -mail: 
regs@dtsc.ca.gov .Page 1 of 3 PROPO SED REGULATO RY TEXT 
Novemb er 2023 
SAFER CONSUMER PRODUCTS RE GULATIO NS – Listing Laundr y Detergents 
Containing Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs) as a Priority Product 
Department of Toxic Substances Control reference number: 2019-0 1R 
Am
end section 69511 and adopt section 69511. 8, to article 11, chapter 55, division 4.5 of 
title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, to read as follows: 
Sectio n 69511. Genera l. 
(a)This article specifies product -chemical combinations listed as Priority Product s
pursuant to section 69503. 5.
(b)The following product -chemical combinations are listed as Priority Products :
(1)Children’s foam -padded sleeping products containing tris(1,3 -dichloro-2- propyl)
phosphate (TDCPP) or tris(2 -chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP); 
(2)Spray polyurethane foam systems containing unreacted methylene diphenyl
diisocyanates ; 
(3)Paint or varnish strippers containing methylene chloride;   
(4)Carpets and rugs containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
(5)Treatments containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances for use on
converted textiles or leathers .; 
(6)[RESERVED]; and
(7)[RESERVED]; and
(8)Laundry detergents containing nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) .
Note: Authority cited: Sections 25252, 25253, and 58012, Health and Safety Code . 
Reference: Sections 25252 and 25253, Health and Safety Code . Page 2 of 3 Sectio n 69511. 8. Laundry Detergents Containing Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs ). 
(a) “Laundry detergent containing nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)” means any product 
intended to clean or remove soil or unwanted deposits from laundered clothes and textile 
products, such as sheets and tablecloths. This includes but is not limited to laundry 
detergents of any form, including granules, liquids, powders, tabs, crystals, or pods, that 
are used in washing machines, for hand washing, or as part of a laundry system. 
Detergents intended for use as a pre-soak or pre- spotter or with fabric or color protection 
properties are als o include d. 
(b) Candidate Chemical. For purposes of this chapter, the following Candidat e 
Chemical is identified as the basis for the product defined in subsection (a) being 
listed as a Priorit y Product : 
(1) NPEs, a class of chemicals meeting either of these definitions : 
1. “4-Nonylphenol , branched and linear ” described as ethoxylat ed substances with a 
linear and/or branched alkyl chain with a carbon number of 9 covalently bound in 
position 4 to phenol, ethoxylated covering Unknown or Variabl e Compositi on, 
Complex Reaction Products and Biological Materials (UVCB ) and well -defined 
substances, polymers and homologues, which include any of the individual 
isomers and/or combinations thereof ; or   
2. “Nonylphenol  ethoxylates ” described with the formula C9H19 -
C6H4OH(CH2CH2O)n , where n = 2 - 50, normally between 6 and 12.   
(2) NPEs also include the following degradation products: nonylphenol , nonylphen ol 
carboxylates, and shorter chain NPEs (i.e., nonylphenol mono ethoxylate and 
nonylphenol diethoxylate) that have broken down from longer chain NPEs . 
(c) Hazard traits associated with NPEs include : 
(1) Bioaccumulation, 
(2) Environmental persistenc e, 
(3) Immunotoxicity, 
(4) Wildlife developmental impairment , 
(5) Wildlife growth impairment , 
(6) Wildlife reproductive impairment , and 
(7) Wildlife survival impairment . 
(d) Environmental and toxicological endpoints associated with NPEs include: 
(1) Changes in circulating immune cell numbers , 
(2) Malformations, adverse impacts on rate of development and metamorphosi s in 
aquatic species, Page 3 of 3 (3) Abnormalities in growth rates and body size in aquatic species, 
(4) Adverse changes in reproductive endocrine function, structure and function of 
reproductive organs, including intersex organs, secondary sex characteristics, and 
vitellogeni n production, and 
(5) Death and narcosis . 
(e) For purposes of this chapter, the Candidate Chemical identified in subsection (b) is 
designated as the Chemical of Concern for the product defined in subsecti on (a). 
(f) The Preliminary Alternatives Analysis Report for this Priority Product shall be submitted 
within 180 days after the effective date of this regulati on. 
Note: Authority cited: Sections 25252, 25253, and 58012, Health and Safety Code . 
Reference: Sections 25252 and 25253, Health and Safety Code.