California Bill Proposes Transparency for Diaper Ingredients
A proposed bill in California could change how diaper manufacturers disclose the ingredients in their products. Current confidentiality rules protect companies from reporting certain chemicals. However, Assembly Bill 1901 would require full disclosure of all intentionally added ingredients and their purposes by January 1, 2028. This applies to diapers manufactured, sold, or distributed in the state. By the following year, packaging would need to include this information.
Marc Berman, a Democratic State Assembly member and the bill’s author, shared his motivation. “As a new dad, I have a new appreciation for how important it is for parents to make informed decisions when it comes to the health and wellness of their children,” he said.
Opponents of the bill claim current regulations balance consumer and trade-secret protections. Yet, the bill passed the California Assembly 68-1. It is expected to progress in the Senate soon after minimal opposition in committee votes.
Reasons Behind the Bill
A study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology indicates that a child in the U.S. typically uses around 7,000 disposable diapers before toilet training. Concerns about exposure to chemicals in diapers are increasing. Past studies suggest diapers may contain harmful substances, such as phthalates and PFAS, used for fragrance among other reasons. Manufacturers generally do not need to disclose all added ingredients except in New York.
New York’s S2279C law, effective December 2025, requires full disclosure for all diaper types. California’s AB 1901 focuses on children’s diapers but expands disclosure requirements. It mandates ingredient details on a public website, including the purpose and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) noted the issue of undisclosed fragrance ingredients. These can lead to health effects like allergies and skin sensitivity. EWG and Consumer Reports co-sponsor the legislation, backed by groups like the Consumer Federation of California and actress Hilary Swank.
“We all want the best for our children, but the lack of transparency around diaper ingredients prevents us from knowing what ‘the best’ is when buying the one thing that is touching our baby’s skin every minute of their lives for years,” said Assemblymember Berman.
Opposition exists from entities including the California Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products (BAHP). A BAHP spokesperson emphasized their safety standards, stating, “Diapers are designed and manufactured to meet strict safety standards, and decades of real-world use support their safety for infants and children.”
Next Steps for the Bill
Introduced in March, AB 1901 passed the Assembly in May and received bipartisan support in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. It passed the Senate Appropriations Committee, preparing for a full Senate vote.
The Senate Appropriations Committee estimated initial implementation costs at $535,000 for 2027 to 2028. This would increase to $750,000 the following year but lower to $685,000 thereafter.