Reusable Bag Standards

Just because you reuse a bag, that doesn’t mean it meets the reusable bag standards as defined by law.  The next few pages are dedicated to detailed descriptions of technical compliance issues for reusable bags.  You will find easy info for questions like how thick a mil is, how many PPM (Parts per Million) lead is allowed in packaging, and exactly what is considered one use of reusable bags.

If you digging into these details a bit ho-hum, the best way to avoid them is to buy from a manufacturer who will help you comply.  At 1 Bag at a Time, we’re bag specialists and we make it our business to produce bags that will meet or exceed reusable bag standards defined by any law.  We are on the list of LA County list of confirmed compliant manufacturers who have proven their products comply with the law in LA County, and we’ll be happy to work with you, find your bag laws and ensure compliance by the products we sell.

If you’re a store in California, it is important to note that if the bag law SB270 is passed in November 2016, stores will be allowed to sell bags only from certified producers beginning in 2018.  The state will begin an online certification process in July 2017 and will have a list of compliant manufacturers available for stores to check before buying.   Labeling requirements will change with this law, so plan to work down your bag stock in late 2017 and replenish for 2018 when the full measure of bag standards take effect.  Remember that lead time is 10-12 weeks for most products, so you will want to order by September 15 to ensure bags for January.  During the holidays, there can be slow downs so plan ahead and order early.

Under the California law, if it passes, stores are not considered bag manufacturers unless they submit all the documents necessary to become certified as a producer.  California stores that do not want to become certified bag manufacturers will be required by the state to sell bags made by a certified producer by July 2016.