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B 35-38

AN ACT TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 10 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 5, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO PROHIBITING THE IMPORT OF SKINCARE PRODUCTS THAT POSE A DANGER TO GUAM’S CORAL REEFS AND MARINE LIFE

38th Guam Legislature

Summary of Bill B 35-38 OverviewBill Number: B 35-38 Title: AN ACT TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 10 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 5, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO PROHIBITING THE IMPORT OF SKINC

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Bill Summary · B 35-38

Summary of Bill B 35-38

Overview

Bill Number: B 35-38
Title: AN ACT TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 10 TO CHAPTER 63, TITLE 5, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO PROHIBITING THE IMPORT OF SKINCARE PRODUCTS THAT POSE A DANGER TO GUAM'S CORAL REEFS AND MARINE LIFE
Status: Introduced
Introduced: November 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to protect Guam's delicate coral reef ecosystems and marine life by prohibiting the import of certain skincare products that contain chemicals and compounds harmful to these natural resources. The legislation is motivated by growing scientific evidence that some common skincare ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, can have detrimental effects on coral reefs when washed off in the ocean. By restricting the import of these problematic products, the bill seeks to reduce the overall chemical pollution impacting Guam's marine environments.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a new Article 10 in Chapter 63, Title 5 of the Guam Code Annotated to regulate the import of skincare products
  • Prohibits the import, sale, or distribution of any skincare product that contains oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals deemed harmful to coral reefs and marine life
  • Requires the Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) to maintain a list of banned ingredients and publish guidance on acceptable alternative ingredients
  • Empowers the Guam EPA to inspect and test imported skincare products to ensure compliance
  • Imposes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation for non-compliance

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact:
- Importers, distributors, and retailers of skincare products sold in Guam
- Consumers who purchase and use skincare products in Guam
- Guam's coral reef ecosystems and marine life, which would benefit from reduced chemical pollution

By restricting the import of certain harmful skincare products, the legislation aims to protect Guam's natural resources and promote the use of more environmentally-friendly alternatives. This could lead to changes in the local skincare market and increased consumer awareness around sustainable product choices.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill was introduced in the Guam Legislature on November 27, 2025 and is currently in the committee review process. If passed, the new regulations would take effect 90 days after enactment, giving importers and retailers time to adjust their product offerings. The Guam EPA would be responsible for implementing and enforcing the

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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