One of the ways the SCP Regulations advance the design, development, and use of products that are chemically safer for people and the environment is through the Alternatives Analysis process. This process requires the manufacturers of Priority Products available for sale in California to conduct a comprehensive analysis to determine whether there are any safer alternatives to the Chemical of Concern in their product or other ways to make a safer product. The analysis can also be conducted by another entity acting on behalf of the manufacturer, such as a consortium, trade association, public-private partnership, or non-profit organization.

The Alternatives Analysis process takes a life cycle approach

As described in the SCP Regulations, an Alternative Analysis compares an existing Priority Product with potential alternatives, such as a substitute chemical or a redesign of the product. The process requires evaluating certain factors at each stage of the product’s life cycle.

The Alternatives Analysis Guide facilitates compliance with the regulatory requirements

We developed the Alternatives Analysis Guide to help responsible entities understand and complete an Alternatives Analysis that fulfills the SCP regulatory requirements. The Guide provides useful approaches, methods, resources, tools, and brief examples.

In June 2017, we released version 1.0 of the Guide. In July 2020, we updated to version 1.1 to meet accessibility standards. We are currently working to update the Guide to include further environmental justice and economic considerations.

If you have feedback or suggestions for how to improve the Guide, please reach out to us at SaferConsumerProducts@dtsc.ca.gov.