CVS Restricted Chemical Program

Applies to CVS Private Label Products

CVS is updating the data collection process for Private Label registrations, including Formulated Products, Kits and Battery-Containing products, to ensure all required information for the CVS Restricted Chemical Program is collected efficiently and consistently.


The CVS Restricted Chemical Program has been part of CVS Private Label registrations since 2018. This update streamlines the data collection process and ensures participation when all of the following conditions are met:

  1. The product is registered as a Private Label
  2. CVS is selected as a Retailer on the registration
  3. The product includes a UPC prefix is 050428 on any associated UPCs


As part of the update, the CVS Private Label name is now a drop-down selection on the Retailer area of the registration.


Recertification Impact

Existing registrations that meet the conditions above but do not currently include CVS Restricted Chemical data will be required to recertify and provide the missing information.


Article Data Collection Revision

Across the United States and Canada, regulations continue to evolve for specific chemical groups such as PFAS and Phthalates. These regulations vary in scope and may require:

  • Identification of chemical presence for reporting purposes (Supplier and Retailer), and/or
  • Compliance with sales restrictions or prohibitions


WERCSmart will collect data relevant to the following chemical groups:

  • Bisphenols
  • Flame Retardants
  • Formaldehyde
  • PFAS
  • Phthalates
  • Heavy Metals


The release expands upon the 2025 Article data collection, which focused exclusively on PFAS. Within this update, the WERCSmart Portal will require:

  • Declarations of Compliance when the chemical group is found not to be within the product; or
  • When the chemical group is found to be present, specific chemical identification for the group is required.


Recertification Impact

If you’ve created Article registrations (non-formulated products, such as a dishtowel), you will need to update the data based on the current regulatory standards for the various chemical groups beyond PFAS and resubmit the registration


FAQ

What is an “Article” in WERCSmart? 

An Article is a non-formulated product, such as textiles, household items, or finished goods that are not mixtures (for example, a dish towel).


Why is Article Data collection updated?

Regulations across the U.S. and Canada increasingly require information about specific chemical groups used in finished products. These requirements may include reporting chemical presence or complying with sales restrictions.


What information will I need to provide? 

Depending on your product, you need to:

  • Survey your suppliers of the product’s parts to determine whether specific chemical groups are present or not in the finished product; and
  • Provide a Declaration of Compliance document if testing or surveys of your suppliers have been conducted; or
  • Provide specific chemicals identified in the chemical group when present in the finished product.


Does this mean testing is required? 

No. Testing is not automatically required. You should provide the information available to you, which may include existing test results or supplier confirmations.


Will existing Article registrations need to be updated? 

Yes. If you have existing Article registrations, you will need to:

  • Update chemical group data to reflect current requirements beyond PFAS, and
  • Resubmit the registration for the revised assessment.


What does recertification mean? 

Recertification requires reviewing your existing registration, providing any newly required information, and resubmitting the registration to ensure it meets current program requirements.


When should I take action? 

You should review your registrations as soon as possible after the release to determine whether recertification is required.


Which regulations are driving the collection of chemical group data in article registrations?

Here are some helpful links to some of the specific State laws that shaped this article's update in the WERCSmart Portal:

 

A complete list of statutes and regulations that can be assessed using data collected during WERCSmart article registration is available in the WERCSmart Support Center.


Where can I get help if I have questions? 

If you need assistance:

  • Review the guidance provided within the WERCSmart Support Center.
  • Contact your WERCSmart support representative for help with your registration.