California regulators are seeking stakeholder input on potential regulations for products that contain or generate microplastics. Companies that manufacture, sell, or distribute the identified products should consider submitting comments by January 30, 2026 to help inform the regulatory process. Early engagement provides an opportunity to shape how any future requirements may be structured and to ensure that technical and practical considerations are part of the regulatory record.
California’s Expanding Microplastics Initiative
In November 2025, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (“DTSC”) published a background document summarizing its preliminary research on microplastics in certain consumer products. The products identified represent a subset of those listed in DTSC’s current Priority Product Work Plan, which guides the agency’s regulatory priorities through 2026.
This development follows DTSC’s proposed rulemaking in June 2025 seeking to add microplastics to the Candidate Chemicals List (“CCL”). If microplastics are added to the CCL, DTSC can initiate a rulemaking to designate products containing or generating microplastics as Priority Products. Once the product receives Priority Product designation, responsible entities must perform a comprehensive alternatives analysis and may face regulatory requirements including supply chain and consumer notification obligations, use restrictions, product bans, and engineering or administrative controls.
Products Under Scrutiny
DTSC’s background document identifies the following products as allegedly containing or having the potential to release microplastics:
Artificial Turf and Recreation
- Artificial turf infill
Children’s Products
- Toys that contain primary microplastics
Cleaning Products
- Intentionally added polymers in laundry and dishwashing detergents
- Polymeric fragrance microcapsules in laundry detergents and fabric softeners
- Water-soluble polymers in laundry and dishwashing detergents pods
Food Contact Articles
- Plastic baby feeding bottles
- Plastic beverage bottles and caps
- Plastic cling wraps and films
- Plastic wrappers for snacks and candy
- Polystyrene foam foodware
- Single-use plastic tea bags
Agricultural Products
- Plastic film mulch used in agriculture
Other Consumer Products
- Single-use cigarette filters made of cellulose acetate
- Water-based interior wall paints
The background document also includes an Appendix A listing additional products that DTSC evaluated during its preliminary screening and may target for further research.
Recommended Actions
DTSC is seeking information to help determine whether to designate one or more of these products as Priority Products under its Safer Consumer Products regulatory framework. The comment period closes on January 30, 2026. Comments can be submitted on the CalSAFER website.
Companies should review all products against DTSC’s list, including those in Appendix A, and consider submitting comments that may help inform future regulatory efforts in California. Products targeted in California will likely face regulatory scrutiny elsewhere and could become litigation targets.