(a) Except as specified in subdivision (d) of Section 42035, a covered entity is not in compliance with this chapter and is subject to penalties pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 42035) if, commencing one year from the adoption of regulations pursuant to Section 42031.2, a covered product sold or offered for sale by the covered entity is not subject to an approved stewardship plan, which is submitted by the covered entity or by a stewardship organization that includes the covered entity, that has been approved by the department pursuant to Section 42032.
(b) In order to comply with the requirements of this chapter, a covered entity may establish and implement a stewardship program independently, or as part of a group of covered entities through membership in a stewardship organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (21 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3)).