US Packaging Labeling and Compliance Guide

A note before you start

This guide is an educational overview of common US packaging and labeling requirements for consumer products. It is not legal advice. Requirements depend on your exact product, claims, ingredients, sales channels and states, and they change over time. Always confirm requirements with a qualified regulatory professional and the relevant agencies (such as the FDA, FTC, USDA and state authorities) before printing packaging.

Why labeling matters for packaging design

Labeling is not an afterthought. Required information takes space, has rules about placement and type size, and must stay legible. Brands that design the beautiful parts first and add the required parts last often discover that the Nutrition Facts panel does not fit, the net quantity is in the wrong place or the type is too small. Plan required information at the start.

Key concepts

• Principal display panel (PDP): the part of the package most likely to be seen by consumers at purchase, usually the front.
• Information panel: the panel immediately to the right of the PDP (as seen by the consumer), often used for required information such as ingredients and company details.
• Statement of identity: the common name of the product, on the PDP.
• Net quantity of contents: how much product is in the package (weight, volume or count), typically on the PDP.

Requirements common to many consumer products

Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and related regulations, many consumer commodities need:

• A statement of identity on the principal display panel
• A net quantity of contents statement, generally in the bottom 30% of the principal display panel, in both US customary (inch-pound) and metric units for many products, with a minimum type size based on the PDP area
• The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor

Many products also need product-specific information, warnings and instructions.

Food

Food labeling is regulated mainly by the FDA (and USDA for meat, poultry and certain egg products). Common elements:

• Statement of identity and net quantity
• Nutrition Facts panel in the current FDA format (some small businesses and some foods may qualify for exemptions)
• Ingredient list in descending order of predominance by weight
• Allergen declaration for the major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame (for example a "Contains:" statement)
• Name and place of business
• Country of origin for certain imported foods
• Claims (nutrient content, health, "organic", "gluten-free") only when they meet specific rules

Food-contact packaging

Packaging materials that contact food are also regulated. Substances that may migrate from packaging into food must be authorized for that use (relevant regulations include 21 CFR parts 174–178, plus food contact notifications). Tell your packaging supplier whether food touches the packaging directly.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics are regulated by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) added requirements such as facility registration, product listing, adverse event reporting and labeling updates. Common outer-container labeling:

• Identity statement on the PDP
• Net contents on the PDP (US customary and metric)
• Ingredient declaration in descending order of predominance using established names
• Name and place of business
• Warning statements where required
• MoCRA contact information for adverse event reporting (a domestic address, US phone number or electronic contact), and fragrance allergen labeling as FDA implements it

Products that are also drugs (for example sunscreens, antiperspirants, acne treatments) need a Drug Facts panel and follow drug regulations.

Dietary supplements

Supplements are regulated by the FDA as a category of food with specific rules:

• Statement of identity including "dietary supplement" or a descriptive term
• Net quantity
• Supplement Facts panel in the FDA format (21 CFR 101.36)
• Other ingredients
• Allergen information
• Name and place of business
• The FDA disclaimer whenever structure/function claims are made

Disease claims are not allowed on supplements.

Hemp and CBD products

Hemp-derived products occupy a complex and changing regulatory space. Federal law, FDA positions and state rules all apply, and many states have specific labeling, testing and packaging requirements (for example child-resistant packaging for certain products, batch numbers, QR codes to certificates of analysis, THC disclosures and warnings). Check current federal and state requirements carefully with a compliance professional. See CBD boxes.

Candles and home fragrance

Candles commonly carry fire-safety guidance; many manufacturers follow ASTM F2058, a voluntary standard for candle fire-safety labeling. Some products also fall under consumer product safety rules. See candle boxes.

Children's products

Products designed for children 12 and under are subject to Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements, which can include testing, certification and tracking labels on the product and packaging. Toys may need choking hazard warnings for small parts.

California Proposition 65

California's Proposition 65 requires a warning if a product can expose consumers to listed chemicals above certain levels, unless an exemption applies. Warnings have specific content and format requirements. Many brands that sell nationally consider Prop 65 when designing packaging.

Environmental claims and symbols

Recycling symbols, "recyclable" claims and other environmental marketing claims are covered by the FTC Green Guides and, in some states, by additional laws. See our sustainable packaging guide.

Barcodes

Most US retailers require UPC (GTIN-12) barcodes obtained through GS1 US. Print barcodes at an appropriate size, in dark bars on a light background, with clear quiet zones, away from folds and curves, and test them.

Measuring the principal display panel

Several labeling rules depend on the area of the principal display panel (PDP), so it helps to know how it is measured. Under FDA rules for food and cosmetics (and similar rules for other consumer commodities):

• Rectangular packages: the PDP area is the height × width of the panel facing the consumer.
• Cylindrical or nearly cylindrical containers: the PDP area is 40% of the height × circumference.
• Other shapes: generally 40% of the total surface area, unless a clearly defined panel exists.

Tops, bottoms, flanges and shoulders of bottles and jars are not counted.

Minimum type size for net quantity

The minimum height of the net quantity statement grows with the PDP area. For FDA-regulated food and cosmetics, the commonly cited minimums (measured on lowercase letters or the height of numerals) are:

The statement must also be prominent, in bold type, separated from other text, and generally parallel to the base of the package. Net quantity is usually expressed in both US customary units (ounces, fluid ounces, pounds) and metric units (grams, milliliters). Rules differ for some products, so check the specific regulations for your category.

Food labeling in more detail

Nutrition Facts formats

The FDA allows several formats depending on package size and space:

• Standard vertical format for most packages
• Tabular format when vertical space is limited
• Linear format for very small packages with little label space
• Dual-column format for packages that could be eaten in one or several sittings

Very small packages (with less than about 12 square inches of total surface available for labeling) may be allowed to omit the panel if they provide an address or phone number for nutrition information. Some small businesses may qualify for exemptions, often with notification requirements. Confirm eligibility before relying on any exemption.

Allergen labeling

US law requires declaring the major food allergens. Sesame was added as the ninth major allergen, with labeling required from the start of 2023. The allergen can be declared either within the ingredient list (for example "whey (milk)") or in a separate "Contains:" statement immediately after the ingredients. Precautionary statements like "may contain" are voluntary and should be truthful and not misleading.

Claims on food packaging

• Nutrient content claims ("low fat", "high fiber") must meet defined criteria.
• Health claims linking a food to a disease risk must be authorized or qualified.
• Structure/function claims on conventional foods must be truthful and not misleading.
• "Organic" claims are governed by the USDA National Organic Program and require certification for most uses of the USDA seal.
• "Gluten-free" has an FDA definition (less than 20 parts per million gluten).
• "Natural" is loosely defined for food; use carefully.

Country of origin marking

Imported products, and often their retail containers, generally must be marked with the country of origin in a conspicuous place, legibly and permanently, in English (for example "Made in [country]"). Requirements come from US customs rules and vary by product; some foods have separate country-of-origin labeling rules at retail. If your product or its packaging is imported, check marking requirements with your customs broker before printing. Avoid claims like "Made in USA" unless the product meets the FTC's standard that all or virtually all of it is made in the United States.

Cosmetics labeling in more detail

• Ingredient order: ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance; ingredients at 1% or less may be listed in any order after those above 1%; color additives may be listed at the end.
• Fragrance and flavor: may be declared as "fragrance" or "flavor"; MoCRA directs the FDA to set rules for disclosing certain fragrance allergens on labels.
• Warnings: certain products (for example aerosol products and some hair dyes) carry required warning statements.
• Professional-use products: MoCRA added specific labeling for products intended for professional use only.
• Inner and outer containers: if a product has an outer carton, required information must appear on the outer container that consumers see at purchase.

Dietary supplement claims

Structure/function claims (such as "supports immune health") on supplements must be truthful and substantiated, and the label must carry the FDA disclaimer, typically marked with an asterisk:

"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

Manufacturers generally must notify the FDA within 30 days of first marketing a supplement with a structure/function claim. Disease claims are not permitted.

Textiles and apparel

Apparel and textile products are covered by the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Wool Products Labeling Act (fiber content, country of origin, and manufacturer or dealer identity, which can be an RN number), plus the FTC Care Labeling Rule (care instructions). These are typically permanent labels in the garment, but hang tags and packaging must be consistent with them.

Electronics and batteries

Electronics may carry regulatory information such as FCC identifiers or compliance statements, depending on the device; some information can be provided electronically. Products with lithium batteries face shipping regulations that can affect packaging marks and documentation, especially for air shipments. Work with your compliance team and carriers.

Prop 65 warnings on packaging

California's Proposition 65 warnings must follow specific formats to benefit from "safe harbor" protections, including a warning symbol, the word "WARNING", the listed chemical's name in many cases, and a website reference. A short-form warning is allowed on small packages, with updated content requirements phased in by California. If your product may require a warning, plan space on the packaging and confirm the current rules.

Recycling symbols and claims

• Chasing arrows: California law (SB 343) restricts the use of the chasing-arrows symbol and "recyclable" claims to materials that meet state criteria, with enforcement phasing in. Several other states regulate recycling labels too.
• Resin identification codes (a number in a triangle) on plastics indicate resin type, not recyclability.
• How2Recycle labels require membership.
• FTC Green Guides apply nationwide to environmental claims.

Barcode specifications

Always verify printed barcodes with a barcode verifier for retail launches.

Building a labeling workflow

1. Regulatory brief: a list of required elements for your product, confirmed by a professional.
2. Content master: a single document with approved text for every panel (identity, net quantity, ingredients, warnings, claims).
3. Design layout: place required elements first, then brand design.
4. Internal review: check every word against the content master.
5. Professional review for regulated categories.
6. Proof approval: read the printer's proof, not just your design file.
7. Version control: record which label version is on which production run.

Labeling by product category: a quick reference

Use this as a starting checklist for conversations with your regulatory advisor.

Where to find official information

• FDA: food, dietary supplement and cosmetics labeling guidance
• USDA: meat, poultry and organic labeling
• FTC: Green Guides, Made in USA standard, textile labeling rules
• CPSC: children's products and consumer product safety
• State agencies: Proposition 65 (California), state packaging and recycling laws, hemp regulations
• GS1 US: barcodes

Rules change, so check the current guidance from these sources and confirm with a professional before printing.

Writing ingredient lists that fit

Ingredient lists can be long, especially for cosmetics and complex foods. To make them fit and stay legible:

• Plan the panel size first and estimate text length early.
• Use a clean, condensed typeface that remains legible at small sizes.
• Keep the minimum type size required for your category and good legibility.
• Use the full panel width and avoid wasting space with large margins.
• Avoid placing text across folds or seams.
• Consider a fold-out label or insert only if regulations allow required information there.

Net quantity examples

Formats differ by product and regulation; confirm the correct format for yours.

Common labeling mistakes on packaging

1. Net quantity in the wrong place or too small for the panel size.
2. Missing allergen declarations, especially sesame since it became a major allergen.
3. Claims without substantiation ("clinically proven", "all natural", "eco-friendly").
4. Supplement structure/function claims without the FDA disclaimer.
5. Ingredient names that do not follow required naming conventions.
6. Unlicensed certification logos (organic, FSC, recycling labels).
7. Barcodes that do not scan or use numbers not licensed to the brand.
8. "Made in USA" claims that do not meet the FTC standard.
9. Outdated labels after formula changes.
10. Missing company contact information.

Labeling and e-commerce

Online marketplaces increasingly require that product images and listings match packaging, and some request images of labels for regulated categories. Keep high-quality images of every packaging panel, keep listings consistent with labels, and update both when formulas or claims change.

Labeling changes and packaging inventory

Regulations and formulas change. To avoid large amounts of obsolete packaging:

• Order packaging in quantities that match how often labels might change.
• Keep frequently changing information on labels or stickers rather than printed boxes.
• Track label versions and the dates they were used.
• Plan transitions so old stock is used before new rules take effect where allowed.

Working with a regulatory professional

A regulatory consultant or attorney can review your labels efficiently if you prepare well:

1. Send product details: formula or ingredients, intended use, claims and where you sell.
2. Send the full label text in a document, not just artwork.
3. Send the artwork proof showing layout and type sizes.
4. List your questions (claims, exemptions, state requirements).
5. Ask for written feedback you can keep on file.

Reviews are much cheaper before printing than after a recall or retailer rejection.

Labeling for small businesses

Small businesses may qualify for certain exemptions (for example, some nutrition labeling exemptions for small food businesses, often with notification requirements). Exemptions have conditions and can change, so confirm eligibility before relying on one. Even when exempt from a specific requirement, other labeling rules still apply.

Children's products: a closer look

Products designed or intended primarily for children 12 and under are "children's products" under US consumer product safety law. Depending on the product, requirements can include third-party testing by an accepted laboratory, a Children's Product Certificate, permanent tracking information on the product and its packaging (such as manufacturer, date and batch), and age-appropriate warnings, including small-parts choking hazard warnings for certain toys intended for children ages 3–6. Packaging must not conflict with these requirements. Work with a compliance specialist for children's products.

Proposition 65 in more detail

California's Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings when products can expose consumers to listed chemicals above certain levels. The warning content and placement follow regulations; on-product warnings commonly appear on the label or packaging, and online sellers must also provide warnings on product pages in some cases. California has updated short-form warning requirements over time. Determining whether a warning is required is a technical and legal question; consult a specialist.

Compliance FAQ, extended

Who is responsible for labeling compliance: the brand or the printer? The brand. Printers check print quality; brands are responsible for content.

Can I print "natural" on my product? Use caution; meanings vary by category, and claims must not be misleading.

Do I need a country of origin on my packaging? Imported products and their containers generally need country-of-origin marking; check with a customs broker.

What if regulations change after I print packaging? Plan transitions with your advisor; some changes allow time to use existing stock.

Packaging claims glossary

• Statement of identity: the common name of the product.
• Net quantity: amount of product in the package.
• PDP: principal display panel.
• Information panel: panel to the right of the PDP used for required information.
• Structure/function claim: a claim about how a supplement affects the body.
• Nutrient content claim: a claim like "low fat" with defined criteria.
• Health claim: a claim linking a food to disease risk, which must be authorized or qualified.
• Green claim: an environmental marketing claim covered by the FTC Green Guides.
• GTIN: global trade item number encoded in barcodes.
• Lot code: a batch identifier for traceability.

Labeling for multiple markets

If you sell in Canada, Europe or other markets as well as the US, labeling requirements differ: languages, units, ingredient naming, symbols and regulatory statements. Designing one package for several markets is possible but complex, often requiring multilingual panels or market-specific labels. Plan international labeling early with specialists for each market, and consider separate packaging versions if requirements conflict.

Keeping records

Keep records of label versions, approval dates, regulatory reviews, ingredient specifications and supplier documentation. Records help you answer retailer questions, respond to inquiries from authorities and manage recalls if they ever happen. A simple folder per product, with a version log, is enough for most small brands.

Labeling workflow example

A small skincare brand launching a moisturizer might follow these steps:

1. List requirements for a cosmetic: identity, net contents (US and metric), ingredients in descending order, name and place of business, any warnings, and MoCRA contact information.
2. Write the label text in a master document and have it reviewed.
3. Design the carton with required elements placed first.
4. Check type sizes for net contents and legibility.
5. Get a regulatory review of the final artwork.
6. Approve the printer's proof, checking every word against the master document.
7. Archive the approved version with the date.

The same workflow applies to other categories with category-specific requirements.

When information changes

If a formula, supplier or address changes, check every packaging item that carries that information: cartons, labels, inserts, website listings and marketplace listings. A label change log helps you find everything that needs updating.

Labeling resources checklist

• [ ] Regulatory requirements list for your category
• [ ] Master label text approved
• [ ] Ingredient specifications from suppliers
• [ ] Nutrition or supplement facts analysis (if applicable)
• [ ] Barcode numbers registered with GS1
• [ ] Claims substantiation file
• [ ] Professional review notes
• [ ] Version log of label artwork

Summary: what to remember

• Plan required information before designing the beautiful parts of the package.
• Measure the principal display panel to find the minimum net quantity type size.
• Declare major allergens, including sesame, clearly for food.
• Use the FDA disclaimer for supplement structure/function claims.
• Check country-of-origin marking for imported products.
• Make environmental claims specific and substantiated.
• Use licensed GS1 barcodes and verify scanning.
• Have a regulatory professional review final artwork, and keep records.

Common mistakes to avoid

Treating the label as an afterthought. When required statements are squeezed in after the design is approved, they end up too small, on the wrong panel or crowded against folds. Reserve space for the identity statement, net quantity, ingredient or supplement facts, responsible-party details and barcode before any decorative layout starts.

Measuring type size on screen. Minimum type heights are measured on the printed package, usually by the height of a lowercase letter or the overall character height depending on the rule. Zooming on a monitor hides the problem. Print the panel at 100% and measure it with a ruler.

Copying another brand's claims. A competitor's wording may rest on evidence you do not have, or it may simply be non-compliant. Every claim on your package, from 'natural' to 'recyclable', needs support you can produce if asked.

Using a generic recyclable symbol. A chasing-arrows symbol without qualification can mislead when the package is not accepted in most local programs. Say exactly which component is recyclable and how, or use a recognized on-pack recycling label program.

Skipping barcode verification. A barcode that looks fine can still fail at checkout because of low contrast, a quiet zone that is too narrow, or a reduction in size. Ask for a verification report or test scans on the printed proof before the full run.

Never reviewing the label again. Formulas, suppliers, net contents and rules change. Schedule a label review whenever any of those change, and at least once a year.

Planning labeling into your design

1. List all required elements for your category before designing.
2. Estimate the space each needs (especially facts panels and ingredient lists).
3. Choose a box size that leaves room for required panels.
4. Design the PDP with identity and net quantity in the right places.
5. Use a modular back panel that adapts across SKUs.
6. Have a regulatory professional review the final artwork.

Tip: Keep frequently changing information (batch numbers, best-by dates, lot codes) in a clear area for a label or stamp, rather than printing it into the artwork.

For category detail, see the label sections in our cosmetic packaging guide and candle packaging guide.

Sources and further reading

Official and standards-body pages we used for this guide. Rules and standards are updated from time to time, so check the current version before you rely on them.

• FDA Cosmetics Labeling Guide: panel layout, ingredient lists and required statements.
• FDA: Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA): registration, listing and label contact requirements.
• FDA: Packaging & Food Contact Substances: rules for materials that touch food.
• FTC: Complying with the Made in USA Standard: when an origin claim is allowed.
• California Proposition 65: information for businesses: when a warning label may be needed in California.
• FTC Green Guides (16 CFR Part 260): how US regulators interpret environmental claims such as recyclable and compostable.

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