SG 137/26
US state of California phases out bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in paper proofs of purchase.
In January 2026, California introduced a bill to regulate BPA and other bisphenols in paper receipts (SafeGuardS 29/26).
On September 30, 2026, the governor of California signed AB 1604 (Chapter 882, 2026) into law. The new law prohibits the intentional addition of BPA and other bisphenols in paper proofs of purchase, commonly known as paper receipts, under a phased implementation schedule.
What does this regulation require and when does it apply?
Key highlights of the new law include:
- Defining ‘proof of purchase’ as a receipt issued at the point of sale for the retail purchase of food, alcohol, other tangible personal property, or for the provision of services
- Defining ‘bisphenol’ as a chemical consisting of two phenol rings connected by a single linker atom, with possible additional substituents on the phenol rings or linker atom
- Prohibiting the intentional addition of BPA and other bisphenols in paper proofs of purchase, with requirements phased in over 12 months (See Table 1 below)
- Authorizing the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to adopt rules to implement and interpret the new law
| Substance | Scope | Requirement | Effective date |
| BPA | Paper proofs of purchase | Prohibited if intentionally added | January 1, 2028 |
| Bisphenols | January 1, 2029 |
Table 1. Summary of requirements under AB 1604 (Chapter 882, 2026)
Who is impacted?
AB 1604 affects stakeholders across the paper receipt supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in California.
California now joins several US jurisdictions in prohibiting BPA or bisphenols in receipt or thermal paper, including Connecticut (Gen Stat § 21a-12e ‘Thermal receipt paper containing bisphenol-A: Prohibition; enforcement), Illinois (415 ILCS 5/22.61 ‘Regulation of BPA in business transaction paper), New York, Suffolk County (Article IX Restrictions on Receipts Containing BPA (Local Law No. 8-2013 ‘Safer Sales Receipt Act’)) and Washington (173-337-114 WAC ‘Safer products restrictions and reporting’, SafeGuardS 69/23)
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