California SB 1053: Start With the Bag’s Actual Use
From 1 January 2026, covered stores generally cannot provide plastic film carryout bags at the point of sale. Compostable material alone does not make a checkout bag permitted.
What changed on 1 January 2026
SB 1053 recast California's carryout-bag rules. For covered stores, the operative 2026 text generally prohibits providing, distributing or selling a carryout bag at the point of sale, while allowing qualifying recycled paper bags and specific statutory exclusions.
The earlier point-of-sale allowance for compostable bags was in a section repealed from 1 January 2026. A compostability certificate may support an environmental claim, but it does not by itself make a plastic film checkout bag lawful.
The buyer’s scope check
Classify the use before choosing material: point-of-sale carryout, precheckout produce/food bag, pharmacy bag, garment bag, waste bag and e-commerce packaging can fall into different rules. Also check any city or county ordinance.
Formats to review by end use
These product lines are shown for specification comparison only. Do not infer California eligibility from a category name or compostability mark; confirm the exact use and current law.
Frequently asked questions
Send the exact bag use, dimensions, handle style and California sales channel so the correct product evidence can be shortlisted for legal review.