California regulators have finalized implementation rules for SB 54, advancing one of the nation’s most closely watched extended producer responsibility programs for packaging and paper products and setting the stage for the next phase of compliance planning across the packaging supply chain.

The finalized regulations establish reporting requirements, producer responsibility obligations and recycling performance expectations tied to the state’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. Companies covered under the law now are preparing for upcoming registration, data submission and fee-related deadlines associated with the program.

Circular Action Alliance, the producer responsibility organization selected to help implement SB 54, said the finalized rules provide greater clarity for producers and covered material categories as the program moves toward operational rollout. The organization encouraged companies to continue evaluating packaging portfolios, material data and reporting systems to support compliance preparation.

On the CAA website, Circular Action Alliance California Executive Director Emily Coven describes SB 54 as a systemwide approach that will provide a stable funding mechanism for the state’s existing refuse and recyclable collection and processing systems.