U.S. EPA: Safer Choice Certificate

Global Regulatory Affairs Consulting Agency, KGMP CORP.

U.S. EPA: Safer Choice Certificate

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U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certificate: Essential Requirements for U.S. Market

Over 400 businesses rely on the Safer Choice program to demonstrate product safety and performance to consumers, commercial buyers, and government purchasers. With nearly 2,000 certified products available across North America, Europe, and China, the label enhances consumer confidence and supports U.S. companies in global markets.

KGMP offers expert scientific and regulatory support to help companies achieve certification and comply with evolving regulatory requirements. With extensive industry experience, KGMP assists global clients in navigating specific regulations for successful product commercialization.

KGMP U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certificate Service

Chemical ingredient review	Ingredient safety evaluation	Product performance test	U.S. EPA evaluation and approval

Safer Choice Label

The EPA certifies approximately 1,900 products under the Safer Choice label, reflecting rigorous standards for safety and sustainability. This certification enables companies to lead in safer product development, using low-hazard ingredients while maintaining high performance. The program evaluates physicochemical properties, toxicological impacts, and environmental persistence. Safer Choice-labeled products are used not only by manufacturers but also in businesses, offices, sports facilities, hotels, schools, and other institutions.

Stringent Criteria for Safer Choice Label

• Ingredient Safety: The U.S. EPA evaluates all ingredients, regardless of concentration, against strict health and environmental criteria, including carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, aquatic toxicity, and environmental persistence.
• Product Performance: Certified products must meet Safer Choice category-specific performance standards and perform comparably to conventional alternatives.
• Packaging: Packaging must comply with Safer Choice sustainability criteria, with partners required to improve environmental impact over time.
• pH Standards: Products must meet pH requirements to minimize skin and eye irritation.
• VOCs: Volatile organic compound (VOC) content is restricted to reduce indoor air pollution and respiratory risks.

Q) What does the Safer Choice label mean?

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The Safer Choice label indicates that EPA scientists have rigorously evaluated all ingredients to ensure compliance with strict health and environmental standards. Choosing Safer Choice-certified products helps protect both families and the environment by promoting safer chemical use.

Q) How is Safer Choice different from other eco-labels?

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Safer Choice focuses on chemistry, leveraging over 40 years of EPA expertise to assess chemical safety beyond predefined hazardous lists. It evaluates a comprehensive range of health and environmental impacts using data, modeling, and expert judgment. Additionally, Safer Choice collaborates with companies to identify safer chemical alternatives.

Q) How does the Safer Choice label benefit businesses and the economy?

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Safer Choice not only certifies products but also guides companies in adopting safer alternatives, helping them differentiate in the market. The label meets growing consumer demand for sustainable products and is backed by EPA’s scientific expertise. Businesses earning the label gain access to an expanding market, including major retailers and government purchasers, fostering growth and green job creation.

Q) How does Safer Choice treat liquid detergent packets?

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EPA prohibits the Safer Choice label on liquid detergent packets due to safety risks, particularly to young children. These products have been linked to poisoning incidents, including fatalities, at higher rates than non-packet detergents. Safer Choice may reconsider this sector after further research on toxicity and exposure prevention, using standards like ASTM F3159-15. Partners had until June 30, 2017, to remove the label from such products.

Q) Does Safer Choice certify ice-melt products?

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EPA no longer certifies ice-melt products due to environmental and pet safety concerns. Manufacturers must remove the Safer Choice label from new ice-melt products by February 2027. While previously focused on reducing sodium and chloride content, this approach no longer addresses stakeholder concerns. EPA will keep ice-melt criteria available online for transparency while labeled products remain on the market. Users should follow product label instructions for proper application.

Q) Are fragrances allowed in Safer Choice-certified products?

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Fragrances meeting Safer Choice Criteria are permitted. For those preferring fragrance-free options, Safer Choice offers a Fragrance-Free Safer Choice label for products without fragrance ingredients.

Remember that different regulations apply in each country.

Contact us today to discover how our EPA Safer Choice Certificate services can benefit your business.

KGMP simplifies compliance with complex cosmetic regulations.

K-GMP supports clients in ensuring the quality, safety, and performance of their supply chains while complying with local and global regulations, from ingredients to final cosmetics.

The Global KGMP network offers a comprehensive range of one-on-one customized consultancy support for all types of cosmetic products. We are committed to staying up-to-date with regulatory environments, trends, and industry requirements.

For detailed information about our cosmetic regulation compliance services, please contact our expert directly.

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