Newsom vetoes California recycled-content labeling bill citing tariff pressures
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 2253 on September 27, a bill that would have expanded recordkeeping requirements for recycled-content claims on apparel and other products starting January 1, 2030. The legislation would have forced manufacturers to keep written records backing recycled-fiber claims on clothing labels, even though it set no minimum recycled‑content threshold.
Under the bill, any product bearing a voluntary recycled‑content claim—whether on a physical tag or a digital label for online sales—would have needed documentation proving the claim. The requirement mirrored existing rules for plastic food containers but would have applied to textiles, footwear and other goods. Companies would have had to create a separate verification system for California while also meeting state packaging and textile recycling obligations. The American Apparel & Footwear Association, California Chamber of Commerce and California Retailers Association were among the groups that urged the governor to reject the measure, warning of higher administrative costs.
“However, I am concerned that expanding these documentation requirements will unduly burden manufacturers and suppliers already facing economic headwinds caused by federal tariff and trade policy actions,” Gavin Newsom, Governor of California said.
“People believe businesses are being honest about their products, oftentimes paying more for sustainable products because they align with their values,” Tasha Boerner, Assemblymember said.
Before this veto, California already required documentation for recycled‑content claims on plastic food containers, but no similar rule existed for apparel or other consumer goods. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and sponsored by Californians Against Waste, was billed as the Protecting Consumers Against Greenwashing Act. In early September, a coalition of industry groups sent a letter to the governor warning that duplicative compliance would raise costs and st
What we know
Newsom rejected AB 2253 on Sept. 27.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2030, it would have extended requirements now aimed at plastic food containers to all products carrying voluntary recycled-content claims on physical labels or digital product labels for online sales.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill expanding recordkeeping requirements for recycled-content claims for apparel and other products.
Manufacturers and suppliers would have had to keep written records backing up recycled-fiber claims on clothing labels.
The bill did not set a minimum recycled-content percentage.