New Design for the Environment Safer Product Labeling Program Requirements

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that more than 2,500 products are now authorized by the agency under its Design for the Environment (DfE) Safer Product Labeling Program to carry the DfE label. DfE-labeled products do not contain known chemicals of potential concern, including minor product components, like dyes and fragrances. EPA has also announced that it soon will require manufacturers with products that bear the DfE logo to disclose their ingredients to consumers. Products that carry the DfE label include all-purpose cleaners, laundry and dishwasher detergents, drain line maintainers, car and boat care and other products.

Before allowing the DfE logo to be used on a product label, EPA conducts a scientific evaluation to ensure that candidate products are formulated from the safest possible ingredients. The DfE label means that EPA has screened each ingredient for potential human health and environmental effects and that the product contains only ingredients that, in EPA’s scientific opinion, pose the least concern among chemicals in their class.

EPA is also implementing a requirement that new DfE-labeled products list all ingredients (other than trade secrets) on the product label or in another easily accessible location. New DfE-approved products also will have to meet additional life-cycle requirements such as sustainable packaging and limits on volatile organic compounds. The new disclosure and life-cycle requirements will be phased in for existing DfE products.

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