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.

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
    • Or by the end of the certification period for containers introduced after 90 calendar days of the notice. 

For the complete RPPC waiver regulations, see 14CCR section 17946.

Phone: (916) 341-6717  |   Email: RPPC@calrecycle.ca.gov  |  Fax: (916) 319-7102