By: Joel Ross

If you’ve ever flipped over a charger, cable, or electronic accessory and seen a small label that says something like, “This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm,” you’ve encountered the famous (and sometimes confusing) California Proposition 65 warning.

At BLOKK Technologies, we believe that compliance and transparency are just as important as speed and performance. So let’s break down what Proposition 65 actually means, why it appears on charging products, and how BLOKK ensures its cables are designed and manufactured with safety and compliance in mind.

What Is California Proposition 65?

Proposition 65, officially called The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law designed to protect consumers by warning them when they may be exposed to certain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.

California maintains an official list of more than 900 chemicals — everything from heavy metals and solvents to plastic additives and dyes. The law requires businesses to provide a “clear and reasonable warning” if their product could expose consumers to one or more of these chemicals above established safety levels.

Importantly, Proposition 65 doesn’t ban products or materials; it simply mandates disclosure. The goal is to give consumers the right to know what they might be exposed to. Manufacturers can either:

1. Eliminate or minimize the listed chemicals so that exposure levels fall below state thresholds, or

2. Include a warning label on their product or packaging if those chemicals can’t be fully eliminated.

This system helps consumers make informed decisions — but it can also create confusion. Some products display warnings even when the actual exposure is negligible. Many manufacturers choose to include the label proactively to avoid potential lawsuits or enforcement penalties.

Why Charger and Cable Packaging Often Includes Proposition 65 Warnings

Electronics and charging accessories are a common category for Prop 65 warnings. Why? Because they contain components made of plastic, rubber, or metal — all materials that may involve trace chemicals used in manufacturing.

A few of the most common examples include:

• Lead: Used in some older soldering processes, wire plating, or connector materials. Lead is a well-known Prop 65 substance because of its reproductive toxicity and potential cancer risk.

• Phthalates: These are softening agents used in flexible plastics, such as PVC cable jackets. Several phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, and others) are on the Prop 65 list because of their reproductive toxicity.

• Bisphenols (BPA, BPS): Used in certain plastics and coatings, these chemicals have been added to the Prop 65 list in recent years.

• Flame retardants and stabilizers: Found in some polymer blends to enhance heat resistance or flexibility.

Even though these substances may only appear in trace amounts, Prop 65 law applies based on potential exposure — not overall concentration. So if touching, handling, or using a product could theoretically expose a person to a listed chemical above a specific threshold, a warning is required.

What the Proposition 65 Label Actually Means

Seeing the warning doesn’t necessarily mean a product is unsafe or harmful. It means the manufacturer has chosen one of two paths: either the product contains a chemical on the Prop 65 list above the state’s allowable exposure level, or the company is providing the label out of caution even when exposure is below the threshold.

Because California’s enforcement is strict and penalties can be significant, many companies label all units sold nationwide — even those shipped to states where the law doesn’t apply. That’s why you’ll often see the same warning in Florida or New York that was originally intended for California consumers.

It’s a “right-to-know” label, not a safety rating.

How BLOKK Ensures Its Cables Stay Compliant

At BLOKK Technologies, compliance and safety are built into every step of our design and manufacturing process. Our goal is simple: eliminate or minimize any risk of exposure so we don’t just meet Prop 65 requirements — we exceed them.

Here’s how we do it.

1. Material Selection and Supplier Control

Every BLOKK cable begins with carefully sourced materials. We work with trusted suppliers that provide detailed compliance documentation, including declarations for lead content, phthalates, and other restricted substances.

• Lead-Free Solder and Contacts: Our connectors and internal joints use lead-free alloys that comply with both RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and California Prop 65 standards.

• Phthalate-Free Insulation: Instead of low-cost PVC plasticized with phthalates, BLOKK uses advanced materials like thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and nylon braiding that maintain flexibility without harmful additives.

• High-Quality Nylon Jackets: BLOKK’s signature braided nylon jackets not only improve durability but also reduce the need for chemical softeners and stabilizers that can trigger Prop 65 warnings.

By starting with safe, premium materials, we reduce chemical exposure risk from the beginning — not as an afterthought.

2. Testing and Verification

Every cable design is independently tested to verify compliance with U.S. and international standards. Third-party laboratories analyze materials for listed chemicals, including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and bisphenols.

These tests use extraction and migration methods — simulating how chemicals might leach from a surface under normal consumer use. Only when exposure levels are verified to be below California’s “safe harbor” limits do we approve materials for production.

This testing not only ensures compliance but also builds confidence for BLOKK’s retail and wholesale partners. Our clients can rest assured that BLOKK products meet the highest standards of safety and consistency.

3. Exposure Analysis and Documentation

Prop 65 is all about exposure — not just the presence of chemicals. BLOKK’s engineering team reviews each product’s potential exposure scenario. For example, how often would a user handle the cable? How long would skin contact last? Would heat or moisture increase chemical migration?

By documenting these factors and combining them with lab test data, we can confidently determine that BLOKK cables do not expose users to Prop 65-listed substances above the state’s allowable limits.

This documentation is retained and updated annually, giving our distributors and retailers verifiable proof of compliance.

4. Proper Labeling When Necessary

In rare cases, if a material or component from an outside supplier includes a listed substance that cannot yet be fully replaced, BLOKK follows California’s labeling requirements precisely.

This includes:

• Providing clear, visible Prop 65 language on the packaging.

• Listing the specific chemical name if required.

• Displaying the warning both on the product package and in online listings before checkout for California-based buyers.

This ensures full legal compliance and transparency for consumers — while we continue to work toward fully eliminating any need for such warnings.

5. Continuous Improvement and Reformulation

Prop 65 isn’t static — the chemical list is updated annually. That means ongoing vigilance is required to remain compliant. BLOKK’s manufacturing partners are audited regularly to ensure that new materials, adhesives, dyes, or coatings introduced into production stay within approved limits.

If a chemical is newly added to the list, BLOKK proactively reevaluates its product lines and, when necessary, reformulates components to maintain compliance. Our goal is to stay ahead of the regulations — not react after the fact.

Why BLOKK’s Approach Matters

Consumers are more aware than ever of what’s in the products they use every day. Cheap, unregulated imports often cut corners with substandard materials that might contain excessive lead, phthalates, or other toxins — but BLOKK refuses to compromise quality or compliance for short-term savings.

Our Prop 65-conscious approach benefits not only end users but also the vending operators, hotel distributors, and retail partners who trust our brand. By ensuring full transparency and compliance, BLOKK helps protect your business from potential regulatory issues while giving you a product that reflects your own commitment to quality and safety.

A Quick Summary: Why BLOKK Cables Are Proposition 65 Compliant

• All components are screened and verified for Prop 65-listed substances.

• BLOKK uses lead-free solder, phthalate-free polymers, and non-toxic nylon materials.

• Every production batch is lab tested to confirm exposure levels are below California’s “safe harbor” limits.

• Comprehensive documentation supports compliance for wholesalers, retailers, and end users.

• Transparent labeling practices ensure clarity and confidence at every stage.

The Bigger Picture: Safety and Trust Through Engineering

Proposition 65 represents more than just a compliance hurdle — it’s a reminder that every material choice affects consumer safety. At BLOKK, we view it as an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in quality control and ethical sourcing.

By designing cables that meet both performance and safety standards, BLOKK provides partners with a product line that is durable, reliable, and responsible. Our nylon cables don’t just charge devices quickly; they represent a higher standard of manufacturing integrity.

When you choose BLOKK, you’re not only choosing fast charging speeds and rugged construction — you’re choosing a brand committed to transparency, compliance, and long-term trust.

BLOKK: Strong. Fast. Reliable. And Compliant.

From materials sourcing to final packaging, every BLOKK cable embodies the principles of safety and accountability. While Proposition 65 may be a California law, BLOKK treats it as a nationwide standard. Because when it comes to protecting customers, there’s no room for compromise.

That’s the BLOKK difference — cables built to perform, built to last, and built the right way.