Packaging and Labeling

Package labels give consumers helpful information to help them make informed purchasing decisions. The Division of Weights and Measures has adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s uniform standards for packaging and labeling, contained in NIST Handbook 130. These standards parallel regulations adopted under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. They deal with quantity declaration; prominence and placement labeling requirements for consumer and non-consumer packages; requirements for specific commodities, packages, and containers; variations and exemptions allowed; and retail sale price representations.

You can obtain a copy of NIST Handbook 130 Uniform Laws and Regulations by contacting the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402, telephone (202) 783-3238. There is a fee for this publication.

For further information contact the Device and Commodity Program.