Rigid Plastic Packaging Container (RPPC) Exemptions and Waivers
The RPPC law provides for exemptions and waivers. Consider the information on this page to determine if an RPPC sold or offered for sale in California is exempt or eligible for a waiver.
RPPC Exemptions
The following products and associated RPPCs are exempt:
- Drugs
- Food
- Cosmetics
- Infant formulation
- Medical food
- Medical devices
- RPPCs destined for shipment to other destinations outside the state
- Toxic or hazardous products regulated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
- Hazardous materials subject to US Department of Transportation regulations or to which recommendations of the United Nations on the transport of dangerous goods are applicable.
- Be sure to fully review the exemption regulations.
- If you are unsure whether your packaging container is an RPPC, review the Container Determination Tools webpage.
- Product manufacturers that have received a Pre-Certification or a Compliance Certification Notice from CalRecycle may qualify for an advisory opinion.
RPPC Waivers
A product manufacturer may submit a petition to receive a waiver from the RPPC requirements for a newly introduced product sold in California.
- Waivers are valid for 12 months from the date when the newly introduced product is first sold or offered for sale in California.
- “Sold or offered for sale” includes remote sales through distributors and online sales.
- A product manufacturer can petition for a waiver within 90 calendar days of receipt of a Compliance Certification Notice
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Or by the end of the certification period for containers introduced after 90 calendar days of the notice.
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For the complete RPPC waiver regulations, see 14CCR section 17946.
Phone: (916) 341-6717 | Email: RPPC@calrecycle.ca.gov | Fax: (916) 319-7337