Prop 65 for Ecommerce: Where the Warning Must Appear

Selling to California? Read this first

One missing warning can turn a normal product listing into a compliance headache.

Prop 65 is not just an offline rule

If California shoppers can buy your product online, your store may need to show a warning before they purchase.

The rule is simple

If a warning is required, customers must see it before checkout—not after the order is placed.

So where should it go?

The safest move is placing the warning right on the product page where shoppers can’t miss it.

Hidden link? Bad idea

If the warning is buried, vague, or hard to notice, it may not do the job. Visibility matters.

Product images can do extra work

Many brands add the warning inside product images too—so it shows up while people scroll, not just when they read.

Packaging matters too

Online warning first. Packaging warning too. Both can matter when a product requires Prop 65 disclosure.

Selling on Amazon or Etsy? Same problem

Marketplace listings need clear warnings too. You can’t assume the platform handles it for you.

Why brands don’t ignore this

Prop 65 issues can trigger legal notices, penalties, and expensive cleanup later.

The smartest brands make it obvious

A clear warning protects your business, builds trust, and keeps your store from getting caught off guard.