Maryland Environment Section 9-1904
§ 9-1904.
  (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 this subtitle.
  (b)   On the written application of a manufacturer or distributor, the Department may grant a conditional exemption if the Department finds that:
    (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)   The regulated substance is essential to the protection, safe handling, or function of the package contents.
  (c)   A conditional exemption granted under this section:
    (1)   Expires 2 years after the date the Department grants the exemption; and
    (2)   If the manufacturer or distributor meets the criteria under subsection (b) of this section, may be renewed for additional periods of 2 years.