1. (a) A manufacturer or distributor of a package or packaging component may submit to the Department an application for a conditional exemption from the provisions of § 9-1902(a) through (c) of this subtitle.

2. (b) On the written application of a manufacturer or distributor, the Department may grant a conditional exemption if the Department finds that:

   1. (1) In order to comply with a health or safety requirement of federal law, lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium have been added to the package or packaging component in the manufacturing, forming, printing, or distribution process; or
   2. (2) The regulated substance is essential to the protection, safe handling, or function of the package contents.

3. (c) A conditional exemption granted under this section:

   1. (1) Expires 2 years after the date the Department grants the exemption; and
   2. (2) If the manufacturer or distributor meets the criteria under subsection (b) of this section, may be renewed for additional periods of 2 years.

Added by Acts 1992, c. 491, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1992. Amended by Acts 2022, c. 138, § 1, eff. July 1, 2022; Acts 2022, c. 139, § 1, eff. July 1, 2022.