Packaging Labels
United States Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA or Act), enacted in 1967, directs the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration to issue regulations requiring that all "consumer commodities" be labeled to disclose net contents, identity of commodity, and name and place of business of the product's manufacturer, packer, or distributor.
So you need to say on your package:
- What is the product.
- What are the contents.
- Who and where is the company.
Children’s products that are designed or intended primarily for use by children ages 12 or younger must have distinguishing permanent marks (generally referred to as “tracking labels”) that are:
- Affixed to the product and its packaging and
- Provide certain identifying information.
All tracking labels must contain certain basic information, including:
- Manufacturer or private labeler name;
- Location and date of production of the product;
- Detailed information on the manufacturing process, such as a batch or run number, or other identifying characteristics; and
- Any other information to facilitate ascertaining the specific source of the product.
All tracking label information should be visible and legible.
Compliance with the tracking label requirement will help improve the effectiveness and response rates for future recalls. It also helps CPSC staff and companies in the chain of commerce. When a component has been identified as the source of a hazard or violation, the tracking label helps identify other products that may contain the same component.
And most importantly:
By code, they mean a Batch ID. Your manufacturer will add a Batch ID number to each order. This allows your manufacturer to look up the date and location of each batch they create. As long as you have a Batch ID, you have fulfilled that requirement, because all the necessary info can be retrieved through this ID number. The batch number is typically placed next to the barcode.
United States Customs & Border Patrol
According to their website:
Every article of foreign origin entering the United States must be legibly marked with the English name of the country of origin unless an exception from marking is provided for in the law.
The marking must be legible. This means it must be of an adequate size, and clear enough, to be read easily by a person of normal vision.
The marking should be located in a conspicuous place. It need not be in the most conspicuous place, but it must be where it can be seen with a casual handling of the article. Markings must be in a position where they will not be covered or concealed by subsequent attachments or additions. The marking must be visible without disassembling the item or removing or changing the position of any parts.
In summary, add “Made in China” to your box or wherever your manufacturer is located.
Additional Labels
Here are some other labels you might consider putting on your box:
©
This symbol shows you have officially registered your product with the US Copyright Office.
®
This symbol shows you have officially registered your logo with the US Patent & Trademark Office. Also, the TM symbol is often used incorrectly. This means your logo is not registered but you have simply adopted the use of the logo.
All Rights Reserved
This is another non-official term. The phrase just basically means you are holding onto the rights provided to you by copyright laws. As opposed to owning the copyright, but letting others freely use it. You do not need to legally declare this distinction.
Actual Components May Vary
No two batches of products will ever be identical, there will always be tiny inconsistencies. So this gives a fair warning to something that should already be universally understood. Might as well add the warning.
Adult Supervision Recommended
Adds a little extra protection. Might as well add.