CONEG / Toxics in Packaging Legislation

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The CONEG (Coalition of Northeastern Governors) standard, now law in 19 U.S. states including California, New York, Washington, and Illinois, bans intentional addition and sets a brutal 100 ppm total limit on four heavy metals in any packaging or packaging component:

• Lead (Pb)  
• Cadmium (Cd)  
• Mercury (Hg)  
• Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI)

This covers every box, blister pack, plastic shrink film, label, tape, pallet wrap, ink, adhesive, or staple that accompanies a product sold in those states, even online sales shipped to one address. Recycled board, coated paper, and laminated films are the biggest hidden traps.

Non-compliance triggers immediate consequences: state-level sales bans, forced nationwide recalls, fines up to $100,000 per violation, customs holds on containers, and major retailers rejecting entire supplier loads. Brands caught in violation face public recourse and six-figure settlements. One printed label with 110 ppm lead can make your whole shipment illegal across half the U.S. market.

Leading retailers and e-commerce platforms now demand signed CONEG/TPCH Certificates of Compliance backed by third-party lab reports before accepting new packaging. 

No certificate = no shelf space.

Professional heavy-metal packaging tests, supplier declarations, and compliance documentation are no longer optional. They are the only way to keep shipping and selling without disaster. Don’t let 100 ppm destroy millions in revenue. 

Perform a risk assessment  or Book a compliance review and secure your CONEG compliance now before your next container becomes unsellable waste.