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B. Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities

as adopted by

The National Conference on Weights and Measures*

1. Background

The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) has long been concerned with the proper units of 

measurement to be used in the sale of all commodities. This approach has gradually broadened to concerns of 

standardized package sizes and general identity of particular commodities. Requirements for individual products were 

at one time made a part of the Weights and Measures Law or were embodied in separate individual Model Regulations. 

In 1971, this “Model State Method of Sale of Commodities Regulation” was established (renamed in 1983); 

amendments have been adopted by the Conference almost annually since that time.

Sections with “added 1971” dates refer to those sections that were originally incorporated in the Weights and Measures 

Law or in individual Model Regulations recommended by the NCWM. Subsequent dates reflect the actual amendment 

or addition dates.

The 1979 edition included, for the first time, requirements for items packaged in quantities of the International System 

of Units (SI), the modernized metric system, as well as continuing to present requirements for U.S. customary

quantities. It should be stressed that nothing in this Regulation requires changing to the SI system of measurement. 

SI values are given for the guidance of those wishing to adopt new SI quantities of the commodities governed by this 

Regulation. SI means the International System of Units as established in 1960 by the General Conference on Weights 

and Measures and interpreted or modified for the United States by the Secretary of Commerce.

This Regulation assimilates all of the actions periodically taken by the Conference with respect to certain food items, 

non-food items, and general method of sale concepts. Its format is such that it will permit the addition of individual 

items at the end of appropriate sections as the need arises. Its adoption as a regulation by individual jurisdictions will 

eliminate the necessity for legislative consideration of changes in the method of sale of particular commodities. Such 

items will be able to be handled through the normal regulation-making process.

2. Status of Promulgation

The table beginning on page 6 shows the status of adoption of the Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of 

Commodities.

*The National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) is supported by the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) in partial implementation of its statutory responsibility for “cooperation with the states in securing 

uniformity in weights and measures laws and methods of inspection.”
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Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities

Table of Contents

Section Page

Preamble ..................................................................................................................................................................101

Section 1. Food Products..........................................................................................................................................101

1.1. Berries and Small Fruits.............................................................................................................................101

1.1.1. Definitions. ................................................................................................................................101

1.1.2. Methods of Sale. ........................................................................................................................101

1.1.3. Marking Requirements for Shipping Containers. ......................................................................101

1.2. Bread. .........................................................................................................................................................101

1.3. Butter, Oleomargarine ................................................................................................................................102

1.4. Flour, Corn Meal, and Hominy Grits..........................................................................................................102

1.5. Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Seafood................................................................................................................102

1.5.1. In Combination with Other Foods. ............................................................................................102

1.5.2. Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Other Mollusks. .........................................................................102

1.5.2.1. Whole Clams, Oysters, Mussels, or Other Mollusks in the Shell................................102

1.5.2.2. Whole Clams, Oysters, Mussels, or Other Mollusks on the Half Shell.......................102

1.5.2.3. Fresh Oysters Removed from the Shell. ......................................................................103

1.5.2.4. Processed Clams, Mussels, Oysters, or Other Mollusks on the Half Shell..................103

1.5.2.5. Canned (heat-processed) Mussels, Clams, Oysters, or Other Mollusks. .....................103

1.6. Fluid Milk Products....................................................................................................................................103

1.7. Other Milk Products. ..................................................................................................................................103

1.7.1. Factory Packaged Ice Cream and Similar Frozen Products. ......................................................103

1.7.2. Pelletized Ice Cream and Similar Pelletized Frozen Desserts...................................................103

1.7.2.1. Method of Retail Sale..................................................................................................103

1.8. Pickles. .......................................................................................................................................................103

1.9. Advertising and Price Computing of Bulk Food Commodities..................................................................103

1.9.1. Total Price Computing...............................................................................................................103

1.9.2. Unit Price Advertising. ..............................................................................................................103

1.9.3. Individual Piece Advertising......................................................................................................104

1.10. Generic Terms for Meat Cuts. ..................................................................................................................104

1.11. Sale of Meat by Carcass, Side, or Primal Cut...........................................................................................104

1.11.1. Prior to Delivery. .....................................................................................................................104

1.11.2. At the Time of Delivery...........................................................................................................105

1.11.3. Exemptions. .............................................................................................................................105

1.11.4. Right of Cancellation. ..............................................................................................................105

1.12. Ready-to-Eat Food....................................................................................................................................105

1.12.1. Definition - Ready-to-Eat Food. ..............................................................................................105

1.12.2. Methods of Sale. ......................................................................................................................105

1.13. Home Food Service Plan Sales.................................................................................................................105

1.13.1. Definitions. ..............................................................................................................................105

1.13.2. Contract and Disclosure Requirements....................................................................................106

1.13.2.1. At the Time of Sale....................................................................................................106

1.13.2.2. At the Time of Delivery.............................................................................................107

1.13.3. Advertisement of Home Food Service Plans. ..........................................................................107

Section 2. Non-food Products...................................................................................................................................107

2.1. Advertising and Price Computing of Bulk Commodities...........................................................................107

2.2. Fence Wire Products...................................................................................................................................108

2.3. Coatings......................................................................................................................................................108
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2.4. Fireplace and Stove Wood..........................................................................................................................108

2.4.1. Definitions. ................................................................................................................................108

2.4.1.1. Fireplace and Stove Wood...........................................................................................108

2.4.1.2. Cord.............................................................................................................................108

2.4.1.3. Representation. ............................................................................................................108

2.4.1.4. Flavoring Chips. ..........................................................................................................108

2.4.2. Identity.......................................................................................................................................108

2.4.3. Quantity. ....................................................................................................................................108

2.4.4. Prohibition of Terms..................................................................................................................109

2.4.5. Delivery Ticket or Sales Invoice................................................................................................109

2.5. Peat and Peat Moss.....................................................................................................................................109

2.5.1. Declaration of Quantity. ............................................................................................................109

2.5.2. Units...........................................................................................................................................109

2.5.2.1. Weight. ........................................................................................................................109

2.5.2.2. Cubic Measure.............................................................................................................110

2.6. Prefabricated Utility Buildings...................................................................................................................110

2.7. Roofing and Roofing Material....................................................................................................................110

2.7.1. Definitions. ................................................................................................................................110

2.7.1.1. Square Meter. ..............................................................................................................110

2.7.1.2. Square..........................................................................................................................110

2.7.1.3. Square Foot..................................................................................................................110

2.7.2. Declaration of Quantity. ............................................................................................................110

2.7.2.1. Common Fractions. .....................................................................................................110

2.7.2.2. Quantity Statement. .....................................................................................................110

2.8. Sealants.......................................................................................................................................................111

2.9. Sod and Turf...............................................................................................................................................111

2.9.1. Application. ...............................................................................................................................111

2.9.2. Definitions. ................................................................................................................................111

2.9.2.1. Sod...............................................................................................................................111

2.9.2.2. Turf..............................................................................................................................111

2.9.2.3. Turf plug......................................................................................................................111

2.9.2.4. Turf sod. ......................................................................................................................111

2.9.2.5. Turf sprig.....................................................................................................................111

2.9.3. Quantity. ....................................................................................................................................111

2.9.3.1. Turf sod. ......................................................................................................................111

2.9.3.2. Turf plugs. ...................................................................................................................111

2.9.3.3. Turf sprigs. ..................................................................................................................111

2.10. Softwood Lumber.....................................................................................................................................111

2.10.1. Definitions. ..............................................................................................................................112

2.10.1.1. Dressed Lumber.........................................................................................................112

2.10.1.2. Boards........................................................................................................................112

2.10.1.3. Timbers......................................................................................................................112

2.10.1.4. Dimension Lumber....................................................................................................112

2.10.1.5. Rough Lumber...........................................................................................................112

2.10.1.6. Matched Lumber........................................................................................................112

2.10.1.7. Patterned Lumber. .....................................................................................................112

2.10.1.8. Shiplapped Lumber....................................................................................................112

2.10.1.9. Grade. ........................................................................................................................112

2.10.1.10. Species.....................................................................................................................112

2.10.1.11. Species Group..........................................................................................................112

2.10.1.12. Representation. ........................................................................................................112

2.10.1.13. Minimum Dressed Sizes (width and thickness).......................................................112

2.10.2. Identity.....................................................................................................................................112

2.10.3. Quantity. ..................................................................................................................................113

2.11. Carpet. ......................................................................................................................................................115

2.12. Hardwood Lumber - Retail Sales. ............................................................................................................115
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2.12.1. Definitions. ..............................................................................................................................115

2.12.1.1. Board Foot.................................................................................................................115

2.12.1.2. Surfaced Lumber. ......................................................................................................115

2.12.1.3. Kiln Drying................................................................................................................115

2.12.1.4. Surface Measure. .......................................................................................................115

2.12.1.5. Species.......................................................................................................................115

2.12.1.6. Species Group............................................................................................................115

2.12.1.7. Standard Lengths. ......................................................................................................115

2.12.1.8. Stock Widths. ............................................................................................................115

2.12.2. Identity.....................................................................................................................................115

2.12.3. Surfaced (S4S) Lumber Manufactured to Stock Widths..........................................................115

2.12.3.1. Quantity. ....................................................................................................................115

2.12.3.2. Representations..........................................................................................................116

2.12.3.3 Minimum surfaced sizes for Kiln Dried Lumber (width and thickness).....................116

2.12.4. Random Width Lumber. ..........................................................................................................117

2.12.4.1. Sales of Random Width Hardwood Lumber..............................................................117

2.13. Polyethylene Products. .............................................................................................................................117

2.13.1. Consumer and Non-consumer Products...................................................................................117

2.13.1.1. Sheeting and Film......................................................................................................117

2.13.2. Consumer Products..................................................................................................................117

2.13.2.1. Food Wrap.................................................................................................................117

2.13.2.2. Lawn and Trash Bags. ...............................................................................................118

2.13.2.3. Food and Sandwich Bags. .........................................................................................118

2.13.3. Non-consumer Products...........................................................................................................118

2.13.3.1. Bags...........................................................................................................................118

2.13.4. Declaration of Weight..............................................................................................................118

2.14. Insulation. .................................................................................................................................................119

2.14.1. Packaged Loose-Fill Insulation Except Cellulose....................................................................119

2.14.2. Packaged Loose-Fill Cellulose Insulation................................................................................119

2.14.3. Batt and Blanket Insulation......................................................................................................120

2.14.4. Installed Insulation...................................................................................................................120

2.15. Solid Fuel Products...................................................................................................................................120

2.16. Compressed or Liquefied Gases in Refillable Cylinders..........................................................................120

2.16.1. Application. .............................................................................................................................120

2.16.2. Net Contents. ...........................................................................................................................120

2.16.3. Cylinder Labeling. ...................................................................................................................120

2.16.3.1. Tare weights. .............................................................................................................120

2.16.3.2. Acetylene Gas Cylinder Tare Weights. .....................................................................121

2.16.3.3. Acetylene Gas Cylinder Volumes. ............................................................................121

2.16.3.4. Compressed Gases such as Oxygen, Argon, Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen. .......121

2.17. Precious Metals. .......................................................................................................................................121

2.17.1. Definition.................................................................................................................................121

2.17.1.1. Precious Metals. ........................................................................................................121

2.17.2. Quantity. ..................................................................................................................................121

2.18. Mulch........................................................................................................................................................121

2.18.1. Definition.................................................................................................................................121

2.18.1.1. Mulch.........................................................................................................................121

2.18.2. Quantity. ..................................................................................................................................121

2.19. Kerosene (Kerosine).................................................................................................................................121

2.19.1. Retail Sale from Bulk. .............................................................................................................122

2.20. Gasoline-Oxygenate Blends. ....................................................................................................................122

2.20.1. Method of Retail Sale. .............................................................................................................122

2.20.2. Documentation for Dispenser Labeling Purposes....................................................................122

2.21. Liquefied Petroleum Gas..........................................................................................................................122

2.22. Liquid Oxygen Used for Respiration........................................................................................................123

2.23. Animal Bedding........................................................................................................................................123
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2.23.1. Definitions. ..............................................................................................................................123

2.23.1.1. Compressed Animal Bedding....................................................................................123

2.23.1.2. Useable Volume. .......................................................................................................123

2.23.2. Method of Sale.........................................................................................................................123

2.23.3. Exemption - Non-Consumer Packages Sold to Laboratory Animal Research Industry...........124

2.24. Wiping Cloths...........................................................................................................................................124

2.25. Baler Twine. .............................................................................................................................................124

2.26. Potpourri...................................................................................................................................................124

2.27. Retail Sales of Natural Gas Sold as a Vehicle Fuel. .................................................................................124

2.27.1. Definitions. ..............................................................................................................................124

2.27.1.1. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). ..............................................................................124

2.27.1.2. Gasoline Gallon Equivalent (GGE). ..........................................................................125

2.27.1.3. Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE). ..............................................................................125

2.27.1.4. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)....................................................................................125

2.27.2. Method of Retail Sale and Dispenser Labeling........................................................................125

2.27.2.1. Method of Retail Sale for Compressed Natural Gas..................................................125

2.27.2.2. Dispenser Labeling Compressed Natural Gas. ..........................................................125

2.27.2.3. Method of Retail Sale for Liquefied Natural Gas......................................................125

2.27.2.4. Dispenser Labeling of Retail Liquefied Natural Gas.................................................125

2.28. Communication Paper. .............................................................................................................................125

2.28.1. Definitions. ..............................................................................................................................125

2.28.1.1. Communication Paper. ..............................................................................................125

2.28.1.2. Basis Weight..............................................................................................................125

2.28.2. Method of Retail Sale and Labeling. .......................................................................................126

2.28.2.1. Method of Retail Sale................................................................................................126

2.28.2.2. Labeling.....................................................................................................................126

2.29. Sand, Rock, Gravel, Stone, Paving Stone, and Similar Materials, when Sold in Bulk.............................126

2.30. Ethanol Flex Fuel. ....................................................................................................................................126

2.30.1. How to Identify Ethanol Flex Fuel. .........................................................................................126

2.30.2. Labeling Requirements. ...........................................................................................................126

2.31. Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends. ...............................................................................................................127

2.31.1. Identification of Product. .........................................................................................................127

2.31.2. Labeling of Retail Dispensers..................................................................................................127

2.31.2.1. Labeling of Grade Required. .....................................................................................127

2.31.2.2. EPA Labeling Requirements also Apply. ..................................................................127

2.31.2.3. Automotive Fuel Rating. ...........................................................................................127

2.31.2.4. Biodiesel Blends........................................................................................................127

2.31.3. Documentation for Dispenser Labeling Purposes....................................................................127

2.31.4. Exemption................................................................................................................................127

2.32. Retail Sales of Hydrogen Fuel (H). ..........................................................................................................127

2.32.1. Definitions for Hydrogen Fuel. ..............................................................................................127

2.32.2. Method of Retail Sale and Dispenser Labeling ......................................................................127

2.32.3. Retail Dispenser Labeling. .....................................................................................................127

2.32.4. Street Sign Prices and Advertisements. ..................................................................................128

2.33. Oil.............................................................................................................................................................128

2.33.1. Labeling of Vehicle Engine (Motor) Oil..................................................................................128

2.33.1.1. Viscosity....................................................................................................................128

2.33.1.2. Brand. ........................................................................................................................128

2.33.1.3. Engine Service Category. ..........................................................................................128

2.33.1.4. Tank Trucks or Rail Cars...........................................................................................129

2.33.1.5. Documentation ..........................................................................................................129

2.34. Retail Sales of Electricity Sold as a Vehicle Fuel.....................................................................................129

2.34.1. Definitions. ..............................................................................................................................129

2.34.1.1. Electricity Sold as Vehicle Fuel. ...............................................................................129

2.34.1.2. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). ............................................................129

2.34.1.3. Fixed Service. ............................................................................................................129
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2.34.1.4. Variable Service. .......................................................................................................129

2.34.1.5. Nominal Power..........................................................................................................129

2.34.2. Method of Sale.........................................................................................................................129

2.34.3. Retail Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Labeling..................................................130

2.34.4. Street Sign Prices and Other Advertisements. .........................................................................130

2.35. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). ....................................................................................................................131

2.35.1. Definition.................................................................................................................................131

2.35.1.1. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).......................................................................................131

2.35.2. Labeling of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)...................................................................................131

2.35.2.1. Retail Dispenser Labeling..........................................................................................131

2.35.2.2. Documentation for Retailers of Bulk Product. ..........................................................131

2.35.2.3. Labeling of Packaged Product...................................................................................131

2.35.2.4. Documentation for Bulk Deliveries...........................................................................131

Section 3. General.....................................................................................................................................................132

3.1. Presentation of Price...................................................................................................................................132

3.2. Allowable Differences: Combination Quantity Declarations. ...................................................................132

3.2.1. Beverageware: Pressed and Blown Tumblers and Stemware. ..................................................132

3.3. Labeling of Machines that Dispense Packaged Commodities....................................................................132

3.4. Railroad Car Tare Weights. ........................................................................................................................132

3.4.1. Newly Stenciled Tare Weights. .................................................................................................132

3.4.2. Allowable Difference.................................................................................................................133

3.4.3. Verification or Change of Tare Weights....................................................................................133

3.4.4. Special Cars. ..............................................................................................................................133

Section 4. Revocation of Conflicting Regulations....................................................................................................133

Section 5. Effective Date ..........................................................................................................................................133
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Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities

Preamble

The purpose of this regulation is to require accurate and adequate information about commodities so that purchasers 

can make price and quantity comparisons.

(Added 1989)

Section 1. Food Products[NOTE 1, page 101]

1.1. Berries and Small Fruits

1.1.1. Definitions. – “Small fruits” includes, but is not limited to, cherries, currants, and cherry tomatoes. 

“Berries” includes all fruit whose names end in the term “berry.”

(Added 1991)

NOTE 1: Packages subject to this Section and the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act shall be labeled in units 

of the International System of Units (SI) and U.S. customary systems of measure effective February 14, 1994, [except 

for seed (see Section 10.10. Packaged Seed) and camera film and recording tape (see Section 11.22. Camera Film, 

Video Recording Tape, Audio Recording Tape, and Other Image and Audio Recording Media Intended for Retail Sale 

and Consumer Use), and as specified in the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation under Section 11.32. SI 

Units, Exemptions - Consumer Commodities]. SI units may appear first.

(Added 1982) (Amended 1990 and 1993)

1.1.2. Methods of Sale. – Berries and small fruits shall be offered and exposed for sale and sold by weight [NOTE 2,

page 101] or by volume. If sold by volume, they must:

(Amended 1991)

(a) be in measure containers that are either open or else covered by uncolored transparent lids or other 

wrappings that do not obscure the contents, and

(b) have capacities per Section 1.1.2.(b)(1) or Section 1.1.2.(b)(2). When selling berries and small fruits by 

volume in measure containers, whether or not covered, the measure containers themselves shall not be 

packages for labeling purposes.

(1) SI Capacities – 250 milliliters, 500 milliliters, or 1 liter.

(Added 1979) (Amended 1985)

(2) U.S. Customary Capacities – 1⁄2 dry pint, 1 dry pint, or 1 dry quart.

NOTE 2: When used in this regulation, the term “weight” means “mass.” (See paragraphs K. “Mass” and “Weight” 

in Section I. Introduction of NIST Handbook 130 for an explanation of these terms.)

1.1.3. Marking Requirements for Shipping Containers. – If two or more measure containers are placed in a 

shipping package, the crate or package shall show the number of measure containers and the quantity of contents 

of each.

(Added 1971) (Amended 1979, 1985, 1989, and 1991)

1.2. Bread. – Bread kept, offered, or exposed for sale, whether or not packaged or sliced, shall be sold by weight. 

The wrappers of bread that is sold and expressly represented at the time of sale as “stale bread” shall not be considered 

packages for labeling purposes.

(Added 1971) (Amended 1979, 1980, 1985, 1987, 1991, and 1992)
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1.3. Butter, Oleomargarine, Margarine, Butter-Like, and/or Margarine-Like Spreads. –Shall be offered and 

exposed for sale and sold by weight. “Butter-like and/or margarine-like spreads” are those products that meet the 

Federal Standard of Identity for butter or margarine and oleomargarine, except that they contain less than 80 % fat 

and may contain other safe and suitable ingredients.

(Added 1971) (Amended 1979, 1985, 1986, and 1994)

1.4. Flour, Corn Meal, and Hominy Grits. – Wheat flour, whole wheat flour, graham flour, self-rising wheat flour, 

phosphated wheat flour, bromated flour, corn flour, corn meal, and hominy grits, whether enriched or not, shall be 

packaged, kept, offered, or exposed for sale and sold by weight.

(Amended 1994)

1.5. Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Seafood. [NOTE 3, page 102] – Shall be sold by weight, except that whole shellfish in the 

shell may be sold by weight, measure, and/or count. Shellfish are aquatic animals having a shell, such as mollusks 

(for example, scallops) or crustaceans (for example, lobster or shrimp).

(a) When meat, poultry, fish, or seafood is kept, offered or exposed for sale from bulk (e.g., direct service 

counters) by the portion or piece according to a pre-determined fixed weight, the product identity and net 

weight shall be displayed, as well as the unit price at which it is offered for sale. This information shall 

appear on a label or sign immediately adjacent to the meat, poultry, fish, or seafood and must be presented 

in an easy-to-read type style and color. The font size of the net weight and unit price declaration shall be 

equal to or greater than the font size used for the product identity.

(b) The unit price required under Sections 1.5.(a) shall be in terms of the unit price per kilogram or unit price per

pound and not in common or decimal fractions of the permitted units. A supplemental declaration of a price 

per unit (i.e., price per ounce) is permitted. 

(c) Similar or competing commodities kept, offered, or exposed for sale from bulk in any single display or facility 

shall have unit prices posted or advertised in the same terms uniformly and consistently expressed (i.e., all in 

either prices per kilogram or prices per pound; not in differing units) to readily facilitate value comparison. 

(Amended 1988 and 2016)

NOTE 3: See Section 1.12. Ready-to-Eat Food for additional requirement.

1.5.1. In Combination with Other Foods. – When meat, poultry, fish, or seafood is combined with some other 

food element to form a distinctive food product, the quantity representation may be in terms of the total weight 

of the product or combination, and a quantity representation need not be made for each element provided a 

statement listing the ingredients in order of their predominance by weight must also appear on the label.

NOTE: See Interpretations and Guidelines Section 2.2.13. Declaration of Identity: Consumer Package and 

Labeling Regulation (UPLR). 

(Amended 1989)

1.5.2. Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Other Mollusks.

1.5.2.1. Whole Clams, Oysters, Mussels, or Other Mollusks in the Shell (fresh or frozen). – Shall be 

sold by weight (including the weight of the shell, but not including the liquid or ice packed with them), dry 

measure (e.g., bushel), and/or count. In addition, size designations may be provided.

1.5.2.2. Whole Clams, Oysters, Mussels, or Other Mollusks on the Half Shell (fresh, cooked, smoked, 

or frozen, with or without sauces or spices added). – Shall be sold by weight (excluding the weight of the 

shell) or by count. Size designations may also be provided.

(Added 1989)
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1.5.2.3. Fresh Oysters Removed from the Shell. – Shall be sold by weight, drained weight, or by fluid 

volume. For oysters sold by weight or by volume, a maximum of 15 % free liquid by weight is permitted.

(Amended 1991)

1.5.2.4. Processed Clams, Mussels, Oysters, or Other Mollusks on the Half Shell (fresh or frozen). –

Shall be sold by net weight excluding the weight of the shell. The term “processed” means removing the 

meat from the shell and chopping it or cutting it or commingling it with other solid foods.

(Amended 1989)

1.5.2.5. Canned (heat-processed) Mussels, Clams, Oysters, or Other Mollusks. – Shall be sold by net 

weight. A maximum of 41 % free liquid by weight is permitted for canned oysters.

(Added 1986 and 1971) (Amended 1982, 1985, 1986, and 1989)

1.6. Fluid Milk Products. – All fluid milk products, including, but not limited to milk, lowfat milk, skim milk, 

cultured milks, and cream, shall be sold in terms of fluid volume.

(Amended 1995)

1.7. Other Milk Products. – Cottage cheese, cottage cheese products, and other milk products that are solid, semisolid, viscous, or a mixture of solid and liquid, as defined in the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance of the U.S. Public Health 

Service, as amended in 1965, shall be sold in terms of weight.

(Amended 1995)

1.7.1. Factory Packaged Ice Cream and Similar Frozen Products. – Ice cream, ice milk, frozen yogurt, and 

similar products shall be kept, offered, or exposed for sale or sold in terms of fluid volume.

(Amended 1995)

1.7.2. Pelletized Ice Cream and Similar Pelletized Frozen Desserts. – A semi-solid food product 

manufactured at very low temperatures using a nitrogen process and consisting of small beads of varying 

sizes. Bits of inclusions (cookies, candy, etc.) that also vary in size and weight may be mixed with the pellets. 

1.7.2.1. Method of Retail Sale. – Packaged pelletized ice cream or similar pelletized frozen desserts shall 

be kept, offered, or exposed for sale on the basis of net weight. 

NOTE: This method of sale for pelletized ice cream shall be enforceable after April 17, 2010, and after 

August 2, 2011, for similar pelletized frozen desserts.

(Added 2010) (Amended 2011)

1.8. Pickles. – The declaration of net quantity of contents on pickles and pickle products, including relishes but 

excluding one or two whole pickles in a transparent wrapping, which may be declared by count, shall be expressed in 

terms of liquid measure. Sales of pickles from bulk may be by count.

(Added 1971)

1.9. Advertising and Price Computing of Bulk Food Commodities.

1.9.1. Total Price Computing. – The price of food commodities sold from bulk by weight shall be computed in 

terms of whole units of weight (i.e., price per kilogram, pound, gram, ounce, etc.) and not in common or decimal 

fractions.

(Amended 2016)

1.9.2. Unit Price Advertising. – The unit price of food commodities sold from bulk shall be advertised or 

displayed in terms of the price per whole units of weight units in kilograms or pounds only, not in common or 

decimal fractions of a kilogram or pound or in ounces. A supplemental declaration of a price per unit (i.e., price 
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104

per ounce) is permitted in font size no larger than the whole unit price. This supplemental declaration may be 

expressed in common or decimal fractions or in ounces.

(Added 1976) (Amended 1985, 1987, 1991, and 2016)

1.9.3. Individual Piece Advertising. – The unit price and net weight of any food commodity offered or exposed 

for sale from bulk by the portion or piece, according to a pre-determined fixed weight, shall be advertised or 

displayed to include a declaration of the individual item price, a unit price in terms of kilogram or pound and net 

weight in terms of kilograms or pounds or decimal fractions, thereof. The font size of the net weight and the unit 

price declaration shall be equal to or greater than the font size used for the product identity.

(Added 2016)

NOTE: For specific requirements on Meat, Poultry, Fish and Seafood refer to Section 1.5. Meat, Poultry, Fish, 

and Seafood. 

(Added 2016)

1.10. Generic Terms for Meat Cuts. – A declaration of identity for meat cuts shall be limited to generic terms, such 

as those listed in the Uniform Retail Meat Identity Standards.

The following abbreviations may be used:

BAR B Q Barbecue POT-RST Pot Roast

BI Bone In RND Round

BNLS Boneless RST Roast

DBLE Double SHLDR Shoulder

LGE Large SQ Square

N.Y. (NY) New York STK Steak

PK Pork TRMD Trimmed

(Added 1976)

1.11. Sale of Meat by Carcass, Side, or Primal Cut. – The seller of a carcass, side, quarter, or primal cut on a gross 

or hanging weight basis shall provide to the buyer a written statement giving the following information at the times 

indicated:

(Amended 1985)

1.11.1. Prior to Delivery. 

(a) the name and address of the seller (firm);

(b) the date of the contract;

(c) the name and address of the buyer;

(c) the total net weight (hanging weight) of the carcass, side, or primal cut prior to cutting or processing;

(e) the USDA quality grade and yield grade of the meat to be supplied, if so represented;

(f) the price per pound for each species (not including any inducements) and the total price of the sale order;

(g) the estimated cutting loss on the order in terms of percentage and weight (e.g., 40 %, 72.5 kg [160 lb]);

(h) a list by name and estimated count of each cut to be derived from each primal source;

(i) additional costs, listed separately, for cutting, wrapping, freezing, and finance charges, if any; and
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(j) that the buyer may keep the cutting loss.

(Added 1985)

1.11.2. At the Time of Delivery.

(a) the name and address of the buyer and seller;

(b) the date of delivery;

(c) the total net weight of the meat delivered;

(d) a list, by name and count, of each cut derived from each primal cut; and

(e) a separate indication of the quantity of any meat or other commodity(s) received by the purchaser as an 

inducement in connection with the purchase of the carcass, side, or primal cut.

(Added 1985)

1.11.3. Exemptions. – This subsection shall not apply to the sale of any carcass, side, quarter, or primal cut of 

meat that individually or collectively has a gross or hanging weight of 22.6 kg (50 lb) or less.

(Added 1985)

1.11.4. Right of Cancellation. – The buyer shall have the right to cancel any carcass, side, quarter, or primal cut 

meat contract until midnight of the third business day after the day on which the buyer executed the contract or 

after the day on which the seller provided the buyer with a fully executed copy of the contract, whichever is later.

(Added 1985 and 1977) (Amended 1980 and 1985)

1.12. Ready-to-Eat Food.

1.12.1. Definition - Ready-to-Eat Food. – Restaurant style food offered or exposed for sale, whether in 

restaurants, supermarkets, or similar food service establishments, that is ready for consumption, though not 

necessarily on the premises where sold. Ready-to-Eat Food does not include sliced luncheon products, such as 

meat, poultry, or cheese when sold separately.

NOTE: The sale of an individual piece of fresh fruit (like an apple, banana, or orange) is allowed by count.

(Added 2004)

1.12.2. Methods of Sale. – Ready-to-Eat Food sold from bulk or in single servings packed on the premises may 

be sold by weight, measure, or count (count includes servings).

(Amended 1993)

1.13. Home Food Service Plan Sales.

1.13.1. Definitions.

As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

(a) Home Food Service Plan. – The offering for sale to a consumer, in the consumer’s home, any food 

item, or food item in combination with any nonfood item and/or services, whether or not a membership 

fee or similar charge is involved.

(b) Seller. – Any person, partnership, corporation, or association, however organized, engaged in the sale

of a home food service plan.
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(c) Buyer. – Both the actual and prospective purchaser, but does not include persons purchasing for resale.

(d) Contract. – All of the collective written agreements subscribed by a buyer at the time of sale relating to 

the purchase of a home food service plan, except promissory notes or other financing agreements.

(e) Food Item. – Each edible product sold as part of a home food service plan, including, but not limited to, 

each constituent part or kind of meat cut from a primal source, each kind of whole poultry or poultry

part, seafood products, and other like products.

(f) Nonfood Item. – Each inedible product sold as part of a home food service plan, including, but not 

limited to, paper products, health and beauty products, detergents, cleaners and disinfectants, rolls of 

wrapping, and like products. The term does not include food items and durable consumer goods such as 

appliances.

(g) Unit Price. – The price of a food or nonfood item sold as part of a home food service plan, computed to 

the nearest tenth of 1 cent when less than 1 dollar, and to the nearest cent when 1 dollar or more. The 

unit price, exclusive of any service charge(s), shall be expressed in terms of the price per unit of weight, 

measure, or count set forth in the “Uniform Unit Pricing Regulation” in the current edition of NIST 

Handbook 130.

(h) Service Charge. – The total price for any additional features, services, and processing associated with 

the purchase of a home food service plan, whether stated in terms of membership fees or otherwise.

(i) Primal Source. – Refers to the following cuts:

(1) for beef, the primal sources are the round, flank, loin, rib, plate, brisket, chuck, and shank;

(2) for veal and lamb or mutton, the primal sources are the leg, flank, loin, rack (rib), and shoulder; and

(3) for pork, the primal sources are the belly, loin, ham, spareribs, shoulder, and jowl.

1.13.2. Contract and Disclosure Requirements.

1.13.2.1. At the Time of Sale:

(a) At the time of sale, the Seller shall provide the Buyer with a single document, referred to in this 

subsection as the “written agreement,” which shall clearly and conspicuously disclose the following:

(1) the name, address, and telephone number of the Seller and the name and address of the Buyer;

(2) the date of the contract;

(3) the price of the food and nonfood items of the home food service plan;

(4) the service charge or the price of any service charges associated with the home food service plan;

(5) the total price of the home food service plan, including the price of the food and nonfood items, and 

the price of any service charge; and

(6) a statement that the Buyer shall have the right to cancel the home food service plan contract until 

midnight of the third business day after the date on which the Buyer executed the contract or after 

the day on which the Seller provided the Buyer with a fully executed copy of the contract, whichever 

is later, by giving written notice of cancellation to the Seller. Compliance with requirements of 

federal statutes, rules, or regulations governing form of notice of right of cancellation shall be 

deemed satisfactory notice of the requirements of this regulation.
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(b) In addition to the above disclosures required in the written agreement, the following disclosures are 

required to be given to the Buyer at the time of sale:

(1) A written list of all food and nonfood items to be sold, which shall include:

i. the identity of each unit and, where applicable, the USDA quality grade of the item, if so 

graded; the primal source; and the brand or trade name;

ii. the quantity of each item sold;

iii. the estimated serving size by net weight of each piece of meat, poultry, and seafood item 

offered for sale under the home food service plan, provided, however, that such estimates shall 

not differ from the actual weight at the time of delivery by more than 5 % and the dollar value 

of the meat, poultry, and seafood items delivered is equal to or greater than that represented to 

the Buyer; and

iv. the net weight, measure, or count of all other food and nonfood items offered for sale.

(2) A current unit price list stating in dollars and cents the price per kilogram or pound or other 

appropriate unit of measure, and the total sale price of each item to be delivered. This price list shall 

clearly and conspicuously make reference to the fact of whether there are additional costs disclosed 

in the written agreement relating to any “service charges” associated with the purchase of the home 

food service plan.

(3) If a membership is sold, a written statement of all terms, conditions, benefits, and privileges 

applicable to the membership.

(1) If a service charge is included, a written statement specifically identifying the service(s) provided 

and the price(s) charged for them.

1.13.2.2. At the Time of Delivery:

(a) At the time of delivery, the Seller shall provide a receipt, for signature by the Buyer, disclosing the 

following information:

(1) the identity of the item and the net quantity of the contents in terms of either weight, measure, 

or count, as required by applicable law. The net weight of each food item delivered shall be 

within the limit specified in Section 1.13.2.1.b(i)(iii) Contract and Disclosure Requirements; 

and

(2) the unit price and total sales price of each food and nonfood item. The unit price shall be the 

same as that specified on the unit price list given to the Buyer at the time of sale.

1.13.3. Advertisement of Home Food Service Plans. – Any advertisement of a home food service plan which 

discloses item pricing information in accordance with the provisions of this section shall set forth, in a clear and 

conspicuous manner, whether there are any service charges or other additional costs associated with the purchase 

of the home food service plan.

(Added 1992)

Section 2. Non-food Products [NOTE 1, page 101]

2.1. Advertising and Price Computing of Bulk Commodities. – The price of bulk commodities or commodities not 

in package form and sold by weight shall be advertised, displayed, and computed in terms of whole units of weight 

(i.e., grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, etc.), and not in common or decimal fractions.

(Added 1989)
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108

2.2. Fence Wire Products. – Rolls of fence wire products shall be sold by:

(a) Gauge of wire.

(b) Height in terms of inches or centimeters, if applicable.

(c) Length in terms of rods, meters, or feet.

(Added 1979)

2.3. Coatings. – Asphalt paints, coatings, and plastics shall be sold in terms of liquid measure.

(Added 1971)

2.4. Fireplace and Stove Wood. – For the purpose of this regulation, this section shall apply to the sale of all wood, 

natural and processed, for use as fuel or flavoring.

(Amended 1999)

2.4.1. Definitions.

2.4.1.1. Fireplace and Stove Wood. – Any kindling, logs, boards, timbers, or other wood, natural or 

processed, split or not split, advertised, offered for sale, or sold for use as fuel.

(Amended 1991)

2.4.1.2. Cord. – The amount of wood that is contained in a space of 128 ft3 when the wood is ranked and 

well stowed. For the purpose of this regulation, “ranked and well stowed” shall be construed to mean that 

pieces of wood are placed in a line or row, with individual pieces touching and parallel to each other, and 

stacked in a compact manner.

2.4.1.3. Representation. – This shall be construed to mean any advertisement, offering, invoice, or the like 

that pertains to the sale of fireplace or stove wood.

2.4.1.4. Flavoring Chips. – Any kindling, logs, boards, timbers, or other natural or processed, split or unsplit 

wood that is advertised, offered for sale, or sold for flavoring smoked or barbequed foods.

(Added 1999)

2.4.2. Identity. – A representation may include a declaration of identity that indicates the species group (for 

example, 50 % hickory, 50 % miscellaneous softwood). Such a representation shall indicate, within 10 % 

accuracy, the percentages of each group.

2.4.3. Quantity. – Fireplace and stove wood shall be advertised, offered for sale, and sold only by measure, using 

the term “cord” and fractional parts of a cord or the cubic meter, except that:

(a) Packaged natural wood. – Natural wood offered for sale in packaged form in quantities less than 

0.45 m3 (1

/8 cord or 16 ft3) shall display the quantity in terms of:

(1) liters, to include fractions of liter, and may also include a declaration of quantity in terms of cubic 

foot or feet to include fractions of a cubic foot.

(Amended 2010 and 2016)

NOTE: Implementation for the requirement for use of the liter in (1) package may continue to show the 

dim3 level instead of liter (L) for three years after the effective date of this regulation to allow for the use 

of current packages inventories.

(Added 2016)
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(b) Artificial compressed or processed logs. – A single fireplace log shall be sold by weight, and packages 

of such individual logs shall be sold by weight plus count.

(c) Stove wood pellets or chips. – Pellets or chips not greater than 15 cm (6 in) in any dimension shall be 

sold by weight. This requirement does not apply to flavoring chips.

(Amended 1976 and 1991)

(d) Flavoring chips. – Flavoring chips offered for sale in packaged form in quantities less than 0.45 m3

(

1

/8 cord or 16 ft3) shall display the quantity in terms of:

(1) liters, to include fractions of liters, and may also include a declaration of quantity in terms of cubic 

foot or feet to include fractions of a cubic foot.

(Added 1998) (Amended 2010 and 2016)

NOTE: In determining the appropriate Method of Sale, a clear distinction must be made as to whether the 

wood is being sold primarily as fuel (some wood is sold as fuel but flavoring is a byproduct) or strictly as a 

wood flavoring.

(Added 2010)

(Amended 1976, 1991, 1998, 2010, and 2016)

2.4.4. Prohibition of Terms. – The terms “face cord,” “rack,” “pile,” “truckload,” or terms of similar import 

shall not be used when advertising, offering for sale, or selling wood for use as fuel.

2.4.5. Delivery Ticket or Sales Invoice. – A delivery ticket or sales invoice shall be presented by the seller to 

the purchaser whenever any non-packaged fireplace or stove wood is sold. The delivery ticket or sales invoice 

shall contain at least the following information:

(a) the name and address of the vendor;

(b) the name and address of the purchaser;

(c) the date delivered;

(d) the quantity delivered and the quantity upon which the price is based, if this differs from the delivered 

quantity;

(e) the price of the amount delivered; and

(f) the identity, in the most descriptive terms commercially practicable, including any quality representation 

made in connection with the sale.

(Added 1975)

2.5. Peat and Peat Moss. – Applies only with respect to organic matter of geological origin, excluding coal and 

lignite, originating principally from dead vegetative remains through the agency of water in the absence of air and 

occurring in a bog, swampland, or marsh, and containing an ash content not exceeding 25 % on a dry weight basis 

[dried in an oven at 105 oC (221 oF) until no further weight loss can be determined].

2.5.1. Declaration of Quantity. – The declaration of quantity of peat and peat moss shall be expressed in terms 

of weight units or in cubic measure units.

2.5.2. Units.

2.5.2.1. Weight. – Peat and peat moss sold in terms of weight shall be offered and exposed for sale only in 

kilograms and/or pounds.
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2.5.2.2. Cubic Measure. – Peat and peat moss sold in terms of cubic measure shall be offered and exposed 

for sale only in liters and/or cubic feet. If the commodity is labeled in terms of compressed cubic 

measurement, the quantity declaration shall represent the quantity in the compressed state.

(Added 1971) (Amended 1975, 1979, 1983, and 1997)

2.6. Prefabricated Utility Buildings. – Shall be offered for retail sale on the basis of usable inside space as follows:

(a) length, measured from inside surface of wall panels at the base;

(b) width, measured from inside surface of wall panels at the base;

(c) height, measured from the base to the top of the shortest wall panel.

Inside dimensions in SI units shall be declared to the nearest 0.01 meter; inside dimensions in U.S. customary units 

shall be declared to the nearest inch.

If total usable inside space is declared in a supplemental declaration, it shall be to the nearest cubic decimeter or cubic 

foot.

(Added 1975)

2.7. Roofing and Roofing Material. – Shall be sold by the square meter only if sold in SI units, by the square, or by 

the square foot only if sold in U.S. customary units.

(Amended 1979)

2.7.1. Definitions.

2.7.1.1. Square Meter. – The quantity of roofing or roofing material that, when applied according to the 

directions or instructions of the manufacturer, will cover one square meter exclusive of side laps or side 

joints.

(Added 1979)

2.7.1.2. Square. – The quantity of roofing or roofing material that, when applied according to directions or 

instructions of the manufacturer, will cover an area of 100 ft2 exclusive of side laps or side joints, provided, 

in the case of roofing or roofing material of corrugated design, the side lap or side joint shall be one full 

corrugation.

2.7.1.3. Square Foot. – The quantity of roofing or roofing material that, when applied according to the 

directions or instructions of the manufacturer, will cover 1 ft2 (144 in2

) exclusive of side laps or side joints.

2.7.2. Declaration of Quantity. – When the declaration of quantity on a package of roofing or roofing material 

contains the term “square,” it shall include, plainly and conspicuously, a numerical definition of the term “square.”

Example:

“One square covers 100 ft2 of roof area.”

2.7.2.1. Common Fractions. – The use of the common fraction one-third (1⁄3) is specifically authorized in 

the quantity statement of a package of roofing or roofing material when, and only when, used as the common 

fraction of the “square.”

2.7.2.2. Quantity Statement. – The primary declaration if in U.S. customary units shall only be in terms of 

squares or square feet, and if in metric units shall only be in terms of square meters. There is no prohibition 

against the use of supplementary quantity declarations, such as shingle dimensions, but in no case shall the 
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111

weight of the material be stated or implied. However, the use of numerical descriptions for rolls of felt 

roofing material may continue to be used.

(Added 1971) (Amended 1979)

2.8. Sealants. – Caulking compounds, glazing compounds, and putty shall be sold in terms of liquid measure, except 

that rope caulk shall be sold by weight.

(Added 1971) (Amended 1981)

2.9. Sod and Turf.

2.9.1. Application. – For the purpose of this regulation, this section shall apply to all sod, including turf sod, turf 

plugs, and turf sprigs.

2.9.2. Definitions.

2.9.2.1. Sod. – Shall mean “turf sod,” “turf plugs,” or “turf sprigs” of a single kind or variety or a mixture 

of kinds and varieties.

2.9.2.2. Turf. – The live population of one or more kinds of grasses, legumes, or other plant species used 

for lawns, recreational use, soil erosion control, or other such purposes.

2.9.2.3. Turf plug. – A small section cut from live turf of those kinds of turf normally vegetatively 

propagated (such as zoysia grass) that when severed contain sufficient plant material to remain intact.

2.9.2.4. Turf sod. – A strip or section of live turf that when severed contains sufficient plant material to 

remain intact.

2.9.2.5. Turf sprig. – A live plant, stolon, crown, or section cut from stolonifera plants used as turf.

2.9.3. Quantity. – Sod shall be advertised, offered for sale, and sold by measure or by a combination of count 

and measure as prescribed by this subsection.

2.9.3.1. Turf sod. – Turf sod shall be advertised for sale and sold in terms of the square meter, square foot, 

or square yard, as appropriate.

(Amended 1979)

2.9.3.2. Turf plugs. – Turf plugs shall be advertised for sale and sold in terms of count, combined with a 

statement of the plug diameter.

2.9.3.3. Turf sprigs. – Turf sprigs shall be advertised for sale and sold in terms of the liter or bushel.

(Added 1976) (Amended 1979)

2.10. Softwood Lumber. – Applies to softwood boards, timbers, and dimension lumber that have been surfaced; to 

other products set forth in the lastest version of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Voluntary Product Standard PS 

20-15, “American Softwood Lumber Standard,” Tables 1 through 4; but shall not apply to rough lumber or lumber 

(other than products in the tables) remanufactured or joined so as to have changed the form or identity, such as 

individually assembled or packaged millwork items. “Nominal sizes”are customary dimensions to describe 

approximate, rather than actual, sizes of lumber. “Nominal sizes” were originally derived from the dimensions of 

rough lumber before surfacing and are always greater than the actual or minimum dressed dimensions; thus, a dry 

“2 × 4” is surfaced to the actual dimensions of 11⁄2 in × 31⁄2 in (38 mm × 89 mm). The requirements in Section 2.10.1. 

Definitions refer to actual sizes of lumber. Examples of nominal sizes and minimum dressed sizes for board and 

dimension lumber are shown in Table 1. Softwood Lumber Sizes. A more complete listing of nominal size categories 

are found in the latest version of PS 20-15, “American Softwood Standard” in Tables 1 through 4. 

(Amended 2016)
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2.10.1. Definitions.

2.10.1.1. Dressed Lumber. – Lumber that has been surfaced by a machine (to attain smoothness of surface 

and uniformity of size) on one side (S1S), on two sides (S2S), one edge (S1E), two edges (S2E), or a 

combination of sides and edges (S1S1E, S1S2E, S2S1E, S4S).

(Amended 2016)

2.10.1.2. Boards. – Lumber 38 mm (11⁄2 in) or less in actual thickness and 38 mm (11⁄2 in) or more in actual 

width. Lumber less than 140 mm (51⁄2 in) in actual width may be classified as strips.

(Amended 2016)

2.10.1.3. Timbers. – Lumber 114 mm (41⁄2 in) or more in smallest dimension. Timbers may be designated 

as beams, stringers, posts, caps, sills, girders, or purlins.

2.10.1.4. Dimension Lumber. – Lumber from 38 mm (11⁄2 in) to, but not including, 114 mm (41⁄2 in) in 

actual thickness, and 38 mm (11⁄2 in) or more in actual width. Dimension lumber may be designated as 

framing, joists, planks, rafters, or studs.

2.10.1.5. Rough Lumber. – Lumber that has not been dressed, but that has been sawed, edged, and trimmed 

at least to the extent of showing saw marks, or other primary manufacturing marks in the wood, on the four 

longitudinal surfaces of each piece for its overall length.

(Amended 2016)

2.10.1.6. Matched Lumber. – Lumber that has been worked with a tongue on one edge of each piece and a 

groove on the opposite edge to provide a close tongue and groove joint by fitting two pieces together; when 

end-matched, the tongue and groove are worked in the ends also.

2.10.1.7. Patterned Lumber. – Lumber that is shaped to a pattern or a molded form, in addition to being 

dressed, matched, or shiplapped, or any combination of these workings.

2.10.1.8. Shiplapped Lumber. – Lumber that has been worked or rabbeted on both edges of each piece to 

provide a closelapped joint by fitting two pieces together.

2.10.1.9. Grade. – The commercial designation assigned to lumber meeting specifications established by a 

nationally recognized grade rule writing organization.

2.10.1.10. Species. – The commercial name assigned to a species of trees.

2.10.1.11. Species Group. – The commercial name assigned to two or more individual species having 

similar characteristics.

2.10.1.12. Representation. – A “representation” shall be construed to mean any advertisement, offering, 

invoice, or the like that pertains to the sale of lumber.

2.10.1.13. Minimum Dressed Sizes (width and thickness). – The standardized width and thickness at 

which lumber is dressed when manufactured in accordance with the U.S. Department of Commerce 

Voluntary Product Standard PS 20-15), “American Softwood Lumber Standard,” or latest edition, and 

regional grading rules conforming to the latest version of PS 20-15. (See Table 1. Softwood Lumber Sizes

containing examples of some minimum dressed sizes.)

(Amended 2016)

2.10.2. Identity. – Representations shall include a declaration of identity that specifies the grade or grades, 

species or species group, and whether the lumber is unseasoned (green) or dry.
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2.10.3. Quantity. – Representations shall be in terms of:

(a) the number of pieces; 

(b) the minimum dressed width and thickness or actual width and thickness, except that the use of nominal 

dimensions shall be allowed as long as:

(1) the term “nominal” or “nom” is also used, and

(2) the actual or minimum dressed sizes are prominently displayed to the customer either by means of 

a table or label.

(c) either the length of individual pieces or the lineal footage.

(Amended 2016)
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Table 1. Softwood Lumber Sizes

Examples of the minimum dressed sizes at the time of manufacture for both unseasoned (green and dry lumber in 

the latest version of the U.S. Department of Commerce in Voluntary Product Standard PS 20-15.

Product Classification

(Nominal Size)

Minimum Dressed Sizes**

Unseasoned Dry

Inches Inches Millimeters Inches Millimeters

Surfaced Lumber*

2 × 2 19/16 × 19/16 40 × 40 11⁄2 × 11⁄2 38 × 38

2 × 21⁄2 19/16 × 21/16 40 × 52 11⁄2 × 2 38 × 51

2 × 3 19/16 × 29/16 40 × 65 11⁄2 × 21⁄2 38 × 64

2 × 4 19/16 × 39/16 40 × 90 11⁄2 × 31⁄2 38 × 89

2 × 6 19/16 × 55/8 40 × 143 11⁄2 × 51⁄2 38 × 140

2 × 8 19/16 × 71⁄2 40 × 190 11⁄2 × 71⁄4 38 × 184

2 × 10 19/16 × 91⁄2 40 × 241 11⁄2 × 91⁄4 38 × 235

2 × 12 19/16 × 111⁄2 40 × 292 11⁄2 × 111⁄4 38 × 286

Board Lumber

1 × 2 25/32× 19/16 20 × 40 3⁄4 × 11⁄2 19 × 38

1 × 3 25/32× 29/16 20 × 65 3⁄4 × 21⁄2 19 × 64

1 × 4 25/32 × 39/16 20 × 90 3⁄4 × 31⁄2 19 × 89

1 × 6 25/32 × 55/8 20 × 143 3⁄4 × 51⁄2 19 × 140

1 × 8 25/32 × 71⁄2 20 × 190 3⁄4 × 71⁄4 19 × 184

1 × 10 25/32 × 91⁄2 20 × 241 3⁄4 × 91⁄4 19 × 235

1 × 12 25/32 × 111⁄2 20 × 292 3⁄4 × 111⁄4 19 × 286

*The dry thicknesses of nominal 3 in and 4 in lumber are 21⁄2 in (64 mm) and 31⁄2 in (89 mm); unseasoned thicknesses 

are 29

/16 in (65 mm) and 39/16 (90 mm). Widths for these thicknesses are the same as shown above.

**PS 20-15 defines dry lumber as being 19 % or less in moisture content and unseasoned lumber as being over 19 % 

moisture content. The size of lumber changes approximately 1 % for each 4 % change in moisture content. Lumber 

stabilizes at approximately 15 % moisture content under normal use conditions.

(Added 1971) (Amended 2016)

(Added 1971) (Amended 1990, 1993, and 2016)
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2.11. Carpet. – Anyone who sells carpet shall provide the purchaser with written statements at the time of sale giving 

the following information:

(a) The name and address of the manufacturer.

(b) The style name and roll number of the carpet.

(c) The generic name of the fiber and the type of backing material.

(d) The amount delivered (exact size shipped).

(e) The price per square meter if sold in SI units, or the price per square foot if sold in U.S. customary units, and 

the total price.

(Added 1977) (Amended 1979 and 1999)

2.12. Hardwood Lumber - Retail Sales. – The requirements of this section apply to retail sales of hardwood lumber, 

but not to hardwood flooring, molding, or other pre-formed products.

2.12.1. Definitions.

2.12.1.1. Board Foot. – The U.S. customary unit of volume measurement for hardwood lumber. A board 

foot is the volume of a board 1 ft long, 1 ft wide, and 1 in thick or its equivalent (144 in3 of wood).

2.12.1.2. Surfaced Lumber. – Lumber that has been surfaced for the purpose of attaining smoothness of 

surface and uniformity of size.

2.12.1.3. Kiln Drying. – A specialized process used to minimize dimensional changes in service. Hardwood 

lumber used for most products must have moisture removed by placing it in a drying kiln with controlled 

humidity and heat for a period of time determined by the initial and the final moisture content, the species, 

and the thickness.

2.12.1.4. Surface Measure. – A rounded area measurement for hardwood lumber. The surface measure 

shall be determined by multiplying the full width of the piece in inches and fractions by the standard length 

(see Section 2.12.1.7. Standard Lengths) in feet, dividing by 12, and rounding up or down to the nearest 

whole square foot. (Fractions less than or equal to one-half square foot are rounded down and those greater 

than one-half square foot are rounded up.)

2.12.1.5. Species. – The commercial name assigned to a species of trees.

2.12.1.6. Species Group. – The commercial name assigned to two or more individual species having similar 

characteristics.

2.12.1.7. Standard Lengths. – 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 feet. Fractional lengths are 

rounded down to the next lower standard length (for example, if a board is 6 ft 8 in long, its length is rounded 

down to 6 ft).

2.12.1.8. Stock Widths. – Special items manufactured to predetermined widths, normally for retail sale.

2.12.2. Identity. – Representations shall include a declaration of identity that specifies the species or species 

group.

2.12.3. Surfaced (S4S) Lumber Manufactured to Stock Widths.

2.12.3.1. Quantity. – Representations shall be in terms of one of the following:
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116

(a) by linear measure when surfaced width and thickness are stated; or

(b) by count when length and surfaced width and thickness are stated; or

(c) by surface measure (square feet) when a thickness is stated.

2.12.3.2. Representations. – The use of nominal dimensions shall be allowed if the table of Minimum 

Surfaced Sizes for Kiln Dried Hardwood Lumber or the actual dimensions are prominently displayed to the 

customer, and the term “nominal” or “nom” is used in conjunction with any representation of nominal 

dimensions.

2.12.3.3 Minimum surfaced sizes for Kiln Dried Lumber (width and thickness). – Table 2. Minimum 

Surfaced Sizes for Kiln Dried Hardwood Lumber shows the minimum sizes for the stock widths listed. This 

table includes dimensions for thicknesses of 1 in and 2 in thick stock lumber. Hardwood lumber is also 

manufactured in thicknesses of 11⁄4 in (1 in surfaced) and 11⁄2 in (13/16 in surfaced). For other thicknesses, use 

the nominal and minimum widths from the table. For example: a board with the nominal dimensions of 

11⁄4 in x 4 in would have minimum thickness of 1 in and minimum width of 31⁄2 in.

Table 2. Minimum Surfaced Sizes for Kiln Dried Hardwood Lumber

SI Units for Thickness and Width Thickness and Width in Inches

Minimum Sizes in Millimeters Nominal Sizes Minimum Sizes

38 × 89 2 × 4 11⁄2 × 31⁄2

 38 × 140 2 × 6 11⁄2 × 51⁄2

 38 × 184 2 × 8 11⁄2 × 71⁄4

 38 × 235 2 × 10 11⁄2 × 91⁄4

 38 × 286 2 × 12 11⁄2 × 111⁄4

19 × 19 1 × 1 3⁄4 × 3⁄4

19 × 38 1 × 2 3⁄4 × 11⁄2

19 × 63 1 × 3 3⁄4 × 21⁄2

19 × 89 1 × 4 3⁄4 × 31⁄2

 19 × 140 1 × 6 3⁄4 × 51⁄2

 19 × 184 1 × 8 3⁄4 × 71⁄4

 19 × 235 1 × 10 3⁄4 × 91⁄4

 19 × 286 1 × 12 3⁄4 × 111⁄4

The dry thickness of nominal 11⁄2 in lumber is 13/16 in. The dry thickness of nominal 11⁄4 in lumber is 1 in. Sizes are 

shown in inches and millimeters. Minimum sizes in millimeters are calculated by multiplying the size in inches by 

25.4 and rounding to the nearest millimeter. The rule for rounding is: round up for numbers greater than 0.50 mm 

and round down for numbers less than or equal to 0.50 mm. In case of a dispute on size measurements, the inch 

measurement takes precedence. Nominal and minimum widths for these thicknesses are shown above. The SI 

equivalents for 1 in and 13

/16 in lumber are 25.4 mm and 30.1 mm, respectively.
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2.12.4. Random Width Lumber.

2.12.4.1. Sales of Random Width Hardwood Lumber. – Sales of random width hardware lumber

measured after kiln drying shall be quoted, invoiced, and delivered on the basis of net board footage with no 

addition of footage for kiln drying shrinkage or surfacing. Sales of hardwood lumber measured and sold 

prior to kiln drying or surfacing shall be quoted, invoiced, and delivered on the basis of net board footage 

before kiln drying or surfacing. If the lumber is to be kiln dried or surfaced at the request of the purchaser, 

the kiln drying or surfacing charge shall be clearly shown and identified on the quotation and invoice.

(Amended 1993)

2.13. Polyethylene Products.

2.13.1. Consumer and Non-consumer Products. – Offered and exposed for sale shall be sold in the terms given 

in Section 2.13.1.1. Sheeting and film.

2.13.1.1. Sheeting and Film.

Consumer products shall include quantity statements in both SI and U.S. customary units.

Consumer products:

(a) length and width (in SI and U.S. customary units)

(b) area (in square meters and square feet)

(c) thickness (in micrometers and mils [NOTE 4, page 117]

)

(d) weight (in SI and U.S. customary units)

Non-Consumer Products:

(a) length and width (in SI or U.S. customary units)

(b) area (in square meters or square feet)

(c) thickness (in micrometers or mils [NOTE 4, page 117]

)

(d) weight (in SI or U.S. customary units)

(Added 1982) (Amended 1979, 1993, and 1998)

NOTE 4: 1 mil = 0.001 in = 25.4 micrometers (μm). 1 micrometer = 0.000 039 37 in.

(Amended 1993)

2.13.2. Consumer Products. – At retail shall be sold in the terms given in Section 2.13.2.1. Food wrap, 

Section 2.13.2.2. Lawn and trash bags, and Section 2.13.2.3. Food and sandwich bags.

2.13.2.1. Food Wrap.

(a) length and width

(b) area in square meters and square feet

(Amended 1979)
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118

2.13.2.2. Lawn and Trash Bags.

(a) count

(b) dimensions

(c) thickness in micrometers and mils

(Amended 1993)

(d) capacity [NOTE 5, page 118]

2.13.2.3. Food and Sandwich Bags. – The capacity statement does not apply to fold-over sandwich bags.

(a) count

(b) dimensions

(c) capacity [NOTE 5, page 118]

NOTE 5: See Section 10.8.2. Capacity of the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation.

2.13.3. Non-consumer Products. – Shall be offered and exposed for sale in the terms given in Section 2.13.3.1. Bags. 

(Package shall be labeled in SI or U.S. customary units and may include both units.)

(Amended 1998)

2.13.3.1. Bags.

(a) count

(b) dimensions

(c) thickness in micrometers or mils

(d) weight

(e) capacity [NOTE 5, page 118]

2.13.4. Declaration of Weight. – The labeled statement of weight for polyethylene sheeting and film products 

under Sections 2.13.1.1. Sheeting and film, and 2.13.3.1. Bags, shall be equal to or greater than the weight 

calculated by using the formula below. The final value shall be calculated to four digits, and declared to three 

digits, dropping the final digit as calculated (for example, if the calculated value is 2.078 lb, then the declared net 

weight shall be 2.07 lb).

For SI dimensions:

M = T × A × D/1000, where:

M = net mass in kilograms

T = nominal thickness in centimeters

A = nominal length in centimeters times nominal width [NOTE 6, page 119] in centimeters

D = minimum density in grams per cubic centimeter as defined by the latest version of ASTM 

Standard D1505, “Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient 

Technique” and the latest version of ASTM Standard D883, “Standards Terminology Relating to 

Plastics.” 
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119

For the purpose of this regulation, the minimum density (D) for linear low density polyethylene plastics (LLDPE)

shall be 0.92 g/cm3 (when D is not known).

For the purpose of this regulation, the minimum density (D) for linear medium density polyethylene plastics 

(LMDPE) shall be 0.93 g/cm3 (when D is not known).

For the purpose of this regulation, the minimum density (D) for high density polyethylene plastics (HDPE) shall 

be 0.94 g/cm3 (when D is not known).

For U.S. customary dimensions:

W = T × A × 0.03613 × D, where:

W = net weight in pounds

T = nominal thickness in inches;

A = nominal length in inches times nominal width [NOTE 6, page 118] in inches

D = minimum density in grams per cubic centimeter as defined by the latest version of ASTM 

Standard D1505, “Standard Test Method for Density of Plastics by the Density-Gradient 

Technique” and the latest version of ASTM Standard D883, “Standards Terminology Relating to 

Plastics.” 

0.03613 is a factor for converting g/cm3 to lb/in3

For the purpose of this regulation, the minimum density (D) for linear low density polyethylene plastics (LLDPE) 

shall be 0.92 g/cm3 (when D is not known).

For the purpose of this regulation, the minimum density (D) for linear medium density polyethylene plastics 

(LMDPE) shall be 0.93 g/cm3 (when D is not known).

For the purpose of this regulation, the minimum density (D) for high density polyethylene plastics (HDPE) shall 

be 0.94 g/cm3 (when D is not known).

(Added 1977) (Amended 1980, 1982, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, and 2012)

NOTE 6: The nominal width for bags in this calculation is twice the labeled width.

2.14. Insulation.

2.14.1. Packaged Loose-Fill Insulation Except Cellulose. – The label shall declare:

(a) the type of insulation and the net weight with no qualifying statement; and

(b) the minimum thickness, maximum net coverage area, and minimum weight per square foot at R values 

of 11, 19, and 22. This information shall also be supplied for any additional R values listed.

(Amended 1990)

2.14.2. Packaged Loose-Fill Cellulose Insulation. – The label shall declare:

(a) the type of insulation and the net weight with no qualifying statement; and

(b) the minimum thickness, maximum net coverage area, number of bags per 1000 ft2

, and minimum weight 

per square foot at R values of 13, 19, 24, 32, and 40. This information shall also be supplied for any 

additional R values listed.

(Amended 1990)
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120

2.14.3. Batt and Blanket Insulation. – The principal display panel of packaged batt or blanket insulation shall 

declare the square feet of insulation in the package and the length and width of the batt or blanket. In addition, 

R value and thickness shall be declared on the package.

2.14.4. Installed Insulation. – Installed insulation must be accompanied by a contract or receipt. For all 

insulation except loose-fill and aluminum foil, the receipt must show the coverage area, thickness, and R value of 

the insulation installed. For loose-fill, the receipt must show the coverage area, thickness, and R value of the 

insulation, plus the number of bags used. For aluminum foil, the receipt must show the number and thickness of 

the air spaces, the direction of heat flow, and R value. The receipt must be dated and signed by the installer.

Example: This is to certify that the insulation has been installed in conformance with the requirements 

indicated by the manufacturer to provide a value of R 19 using 31.5 bags of insulation to cover 1500 ft2 area. 

Signed and dated.

(Added 1979) (Amended 1983)

2.15. Solid Fuel Products. – Anthracite, semi anthracite, bituminous, semi-bituminous or lignite coal, and any other 

natural, manufactured, or patented fuel, not in liquid or gaseous form, except fireplace and stove wood, shall be 

offered, exposed for sale, or sold by net weight when in package form.

(Added 1979)

2.16. Compressed or Liquefied Gases in Refillable Cylinders.

2.16.1. Application. – This section does not apply to disposable cylinders of compressed or liquefied gases.

2.16.2. Net Contents. – The net contents shall be expressed in terms of cubic meters or cubic feet, kilograms, or 

pounds and ounces. See Section 2.21. Liquefied Petroleum Gas for permitted expressions of net contents for 

liquefied petroleum gas. A standard cubic foot of gas is defined as a cubic foot at a temperature of 21 oC (70 oF) 

and a pressure of 101.35 kilopascals (14.696 psia), except for liquefied petroleum gas as stated in Section 2.21.

2.16.3. Cylinder Labeling. – Whenever cylinders are used for the sale of compressed or liquefied gases by 

weight, or are filled by weight and converted to volume, the following shall apply:

2.16.3.1. Tare weights.

(a) Stamped or Stenciled Tare Weight. – For safety purposes, the tare weight shall be legibly and 

permanently stamped or stenciled on the cylinder. All tare weight values shall be preceded by the 

letters “TW” or the words “tare weight.” The tare weight shall include the weight of the cylinder 

(including paint), valve, and other permanent attachments. The weight of a protective cap shall not 

be included in tare or gross weights. The Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Section 178.50-22 

requires the maker of cylinders to retain test reports verifying the cylinder tare weight accuracy to a 

tolerance of 1 %.

(b) Tare Weight for Purposes of Determining the Net Contents. – The tare weight used in the 

determination of the final net contents may be either:

(1) the stamped or stenciled tare weight; or

(2) the actual tare determined at the time of filling the cylinder. If the actual tare is determined at 

the time of filling the cylinder, it must be legibly marked on the cylinder or on a tag attached to 

the cylinder at the time of filling.

(c) Allowable difference. – If the stamped or stenciled tare is used to determine the net contents of the 

cylinder, the allowable difference between the actual tare weight and the stamped (or stenciled) tare 

weight, or the tare weight on a tag attached to the cylinder for a new or used cylinder, shall be:
Handbook 130 – 2017 Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities

121

(1) 1⁄2 % for tare weights of 9 kg (20 lb) or less; or

(2) 1⁄4 % for tare weights of more than 9 kg (20 lb).

(d) Average requirement. – When used to determine the net contents of cylinders, the stamped or 

stenciled tare weights of cylinders at a single place of business found to be in error predominantly 

in a direction favorable to the seller and near the allowable difference limit shall be considered to 

be not in conformance with these requirements.

2.16.3.2. Acetylene Gas Cylinder Tare Weights. – Acetone in the cylinder shall be included as part of the 

tare weight.

2.16.3.3. Acetylene Gas Cylinder Volumes. – The volumes of acetylene shall be determined from the 

product weight using approved tables such as those published in NIST Handbook 133 or those developed 

using 70 oF (21 oC) and 14.7 ft3 (101.35 kPa) per pound at 1 atmosphere as conversion factors.

2.16.3.4. Compressed Gases such as Oxygen, Argon, Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen. – The volumes 

of compressed gases such as oxygen, argon, nitrogen, helium, or hydrogen shall be determined using the 

tables and procedures given in NIST Technical Note 1079, Tables of Industrial Gas Container Contents and 

Density for Oxygen, Argon, Nitrogen, Helium, and Hydrogen and supplemented by additional procedures 

and tables in NIST Handbook 133.

(Added 1981) (Amended 1990)

2.17. Precious Metals.

2.17.1. Definition.

2.17.1.1. Precious Metals. – Gold, silver, platinum, or any item composed partly or completely of these 

metals or their alloys and in which the market value of the metal in the item is principally the gold, silver, or 

platinum component.

2.17.2. Quantity. – The unit of measure and the method of sale of precious metals, if the price is based in part 

or wholly on a weight determination, shall be either troy weight or SI units. When the measurement or method 

of sale is expressed in SI units of mass, a conversion chart to troy units shall be prominently displayed so as to 

facilitate price comparison. The conversion chart shall also display a table of troy weights indicating grains, 

pennyweights, and troy ounces.

(Added 1982)

2.18. Mulch.

2.18.1. Definition.

2.18.1.1. Mulch. – Any product or material except peat or peat moss (see Section 2.5. Peat and Peat Moss) 

that is advertised, offered for sale, or sold for primary use as a horticultural, aboveground dressing, for 

decoration, moisture control, weed control, erosion control, temperature control, or other similar purposes.

(Added 1987)

2.18.2. Quantity. – All mulch shall be sold, offered, or exposed for sale in terms of volume measure in SI units 

in terms of the cubic meter or liter or in U.S. customary units in terms of the cubic yard or cubic foot.

(Added 1983) (Amended 1987)

2.19. Kerosene (Kerosine). – All kerosene kept, offered, exposed for sale, or sold shall be identified as such and will 

include, with the word kerosene, an indication of its compliance with the latest version of the standard specification 

ASTM Standard D3699, “Standard Specification for Kerosine.”
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122

Example: 

1K Kerosene; Kerosene - 2K.

(Added 1983)

2.19.1. Retail Sale from Bulk. – All kerosene kept, offered, or exposed for sale and sold from bulk at retail shall 

be in terms of the gallon or liter. 

(Added 2012)

2.20. Gasoline-Oxygenate Blends.

2.20.1. Method of Retail Sale. – Type of Oxygenate must be Disclosed. – All automotive gasoline or automotive 

gasoline-oxygenate blends kept, offered, or exposed for sale, or sold at retail containing at least 1.5 mass percent 

oxygen shall be identified as “with” or “containing” (or similar wording) the predominant oxygenate in the engine 

fuel. For example, the label may read “contains ethanol” or “with MTBE.” The oxygenate contributing the 

largest mass percent oxygen to the blend shall be considered the predominant oxygenate. Where mixtures of only 

ethers are present, the retailer may post the predominant oxygenate followed by the phrase “or other ethers” or 

alternatively post the phrase “contains MTBE or other ethers.” In addition, gasoline-methanol blend fuels 

containing more than 0.15 mass percent oxygen from methanol shall be identified as “with” or “containing” 

methanol. This information shall be posted on the upper 50 % of the dispenser front panel in a position clear and 

conspicuous from the driver’s position in a type at least 12.7 mm (1⁄2 in) in height, 1.5 mm (1

/16 in) stroke (width 

of type).

(Amended 1996)

2.20.2. Documentation for Dispenser Labeling Purposes. – The retailer shall be provided, at the time of 

delivery of the fuel, on product transfer documents such as an invoice, bill of lading, shipping paper, or other 

documentation:

(a) Information that complies with 40 CFR § 80.1503 when the fuel contains ethanol. 

(b) For fuels that do not contain ethanol, information that complies with 40 CFR § 80.1503 and a declaration 

of the predominant oxygenate or combination of oxygenates present in concentrations sufficient to yield 

an oxygen content of at least 1.5 mass percent in the fuel. Where mixtures of only ethers are present, 

the fuel supplier may identify either the predominant oxygenate in the fuel (i.e., the oxygenate 

contributing the largest mass percent oxygen) or alternatively, use the phrase “contains MTBE or other 

ethers.” 

(c) Gasoline containing more than 0.15 mass percent oxygen from methanol shall be identified as “with” or 

“containing” methanol.

(Added 1984) (Amended 1985, 1986, 1991, 1996, and 2014)

2.21. Liquefied Petroleum Gas. – All liquefied petroleum gas, including, but not limited to propane, butane, and 

mixtures thereof, shall be kept, offered, exposed for sale, or sold by the pound, metered cubic foot [NOTE 7, page 125] of 

vapor (defined as 1 ft3 at 60 oF [15.6 °C]), or the gallon (defined as 231 in3 at 60 oF [15.6 °C]). All metered sales by 

the gallon, except those using meters with a maximum rated capacity of 20 gal/min or less, shall be accomplished by 

use of a meter and device that automatically compensates for temperature.

(Added 1986)

NOTE 7: Sources: American National Standards Institute, Inc., “American National Standard for Gas Displacement 

Meters (500 Cubic Feet per Hour Capacity and Under),” First edition, 1974, and NIST Handbook 44, “Specifications, 

Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices.”
Handbook 130 – 2017 Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities

123

2.22. Liquid Oxygen Used for Respiration.

(a) If sold by weight, liquid oxygen must be weighed on an appropriate, sealed commercial scale. A pressure or 

other type of gauge may not be used to determine weight.

(b) A delivery ticket or sales invoice shall be provided and shall contain at least the following information:

(1) date delivered;

(2) name and address of vendor;

(3) name and address of the purchaser;

(4) if sold by weight:

i. weight of cylinder before filling;

ii. weight of cylinder after filling; and

iii. the net weight of liquid oxygen delivered;

(5) if sold by measure:

i. measurement and any computation used to arrive at the net quantity of liquid oxygen delivered;

(6) the unit price;

(7) the total computed price; and

(8) weigher’s or measurer’s signature.

(Added 1989)

2.23. Animal Bedding.

(Amended 2016)

2.23.1. Definitions. 

2.23.1.1. Compressed Animal Bedding. – Means the volume of the bedding was reduced under pressure 

during the packaging process.

(Added 2016)

2.23.1.2. Useable Volume. – The volume of the product that can be recovered from a package by the 

consumer after it is unwrapped and, if necessary, uncompressed.

(Added 2016)

2.23.2. Method of Sale.

(a) Packaged animal bedding of all kinds, except for baled straw, shall be advertised, labeled, offered for 

sale and sold by volume in either a compressed or an uncompressed package. A package of compressed 

animal bedding shall be advertised, labeled, offered, and exposed for sale and sold on the basis of the 

“Useable Volume.” If unit pricing is provided for use by retail customers to make a value comparison,

it shall be in terms of the price per liter.
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(b) A quantity declaration shall be in terms of the largest whole unit of the milliliter, liter, or cubic meter. 

A declaration may also include the quantity in terms of largest whole unit of the cubic inch, cubic foot, 

or cubic yard only. The terms “Useable Volume” must appear in the quantity declaration on a package 

of compressed animal bedding.

Examples for Uncompressed Animal Bedding: 

Volume 41 Liters (1.4 Cubic Feet)

Volume 125 Liters 

Examples for Compressed Animal Bedding:

Useable Volume 1.4 Cubic Feet (41 Liters)

Useable Volume 27.9 Liters (1700 Cubic Inches)

Useable Volume 113 L (4 Cubic Feet) 

Useable Volume 226 L 

(c) The display of a net or gross weight, pre-compression volume, compressed volume, or supplementary 

dry measure quantities (e.g., dry pint, dry quart, or bushel) anywhere on the package is prohibited.

(Added 2016)

2.23.3. Exemption - Non-Consumer Packages Sold to Laboratory Animal Research Industry. – Packaged 

animal bedding consisting of granular corncobs and other dry (8 % or less moisture), pelleted, and/or noncompressible bedding materials that are sold to commercial (non-retail) end users in the laboratory animal 

research industry (government, medical, university, preclinical, pharmaceutical, research, biotech, and research 

institutions) may be sold on the basis of weight.

(Added 2010)

NOTE: This method of sale for animal bedding shall be enforceable after January 1, 2018.

(Added 2016)

2.24. Wiping Cloths. – Wiping cloths shall be sold by net weight or by count plus size of wiping cloths. When sold 

by count plus size, and the wiping cloths are of assorted sizes, the term “irregular dimensions” and the minimum size 

of such cloths must be declared. The gross weight may not be printed on any package, either consumer or nonconsumer.

(Added 1991)

2.25. Baler Twine. – Baler twine shall be sold on the basis of length in meters or feet, and net mass or weight by 

kilograms or pounds.

(Added 1992)

2.26. Potpourri. – Potpourri shall be sold as follows:

(a) Potpourri packaged in advance of sale shall be sold by weight, except when sold in a decorative container or

sachet, which may be sold by count.

(b) Potpourri sold from bulk shall be sold by weight or by dry volume.

(Added 1992)

2.27. Retail Sales of Natural Gas Sold as a Vehicle Fuel.

2.27.1. Definitions.

2.27.1.1. Compressed Natural Gas(CNG). – A gaseous fuel composed primarily of methane that is suitable 

for compression and dispensing into a fuel storage container(s) for use as an engine fuel.

(Amended 2016)
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125

2.27.1.2. Gasoline Gallon Equivalent (GGE). – Gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) means 2.567 kg 

(5.660 lb) of compressed natural gas.

(Amended 2016)

2.27.1.3. Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE). – Diesel gallon equivalent means 6.384 lb of compressed 

natural gas or 6.059 lb of liquefied natural gas.

(Added 2016) 

2.27.1.4. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). – Natural gas, which is predominantly methane, that has been 

liquefied at – 162 °C (− 260 °F) at 14.696 psia and stored in insulated cryogenic fuel storage tanks for use as 

an engine fuel.

(Added 2016) 

2.27.2. Method of Retail Sale and Dispenser Labeling.

2.27.2.1. Method of Retail Sale for Compressed Natural Gas. – All compressed natural gas kept, offered, 

or exposed for sale and sold at retail as a vehicle fuel shall be measured in terms of mass, and indicted in the 

gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE), diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) units, or mass.

(Amended 2016)

2.27.2.2. Dispenser Labeling Compressed Natural Gas. – All retail compressed natural gas dispensers

shall be labeled with the equivalent conversion factor in terms of pounds (lb). The label shall be permanently 

and conspicuously displayed on the face of the dispenser and shall have the statement “1 Gasoline Gallon

Equivalent (GGE) means 5.660 lb of Compressed Natural Gas” or “1 Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE) means

6.384 lb of Compressed Natural Gas” consistent with the method of sale used.

(Amended 2016)

2.27.2.3. Method of Retail Sale for Liquefied Natural Gas. – All liquefied natural gas kept, offered, or 

exposed for sale and sold at retail as a vehicle fuel shall be measured in mass and indicated in diesel gallon 

equivalent (DGE) units or mass.

(Added 2016) 

2.27.2.4. Dispenser Labeling of Retail Liquefied Natural Gas. – All retail liquefied natural gas dispensers 

shall be labeled with the equivalent conversion factor in terms of pounds (lb). The label shall be permanently 

and conspicuously displayed on the face of the dispenser and shall have the statement “1 Diesel Gallon 

Equivalent (DGE) means 6.059 lb of Liquefied Natural Gas.”

(Added 2016) 

2.28. Communication Paper.

2.28.1. Definitions.

2.28.1.1. Communication Paper. – Packaged bond, mimeo, spirit duplicator, xerographic, and other papers, 

including cut-sized office paper and computer paper.

2.28.1.2. Basis Weight. – As used in this regulation for labeling means the grade, category, or identity of 

the paper determined according to the latest version of ASTM Standard Method D646, “Grammage of Paper 

and Paperboard.” Basis weight is used as a standard of identity and is not considered a net weight declaration.
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126

2.28.2. Method of Retail Sale and Labeling.

2.28.2.1. Method of Retail Sale. – All packaged communication paper kept, offered, or exposed for sale 

and sold at retail shall be sold in terms of sheet length and width and count.

2.28.2.2. Labeling. – Communication paper in package form shall bear a label that includes:

(a) a declaration of quantity, in terms of sheet length and width and count, in the lower 30 % of the 

principal display panel.

(b) a declaration of identity including the basis weight, and may include such other information as grain 

direction, color, brightness, printed lines, and hole punch information. Due to the variation in basis 

weight in manufacturing and analysis, the basis weight declared on the label shall correspond to the 

basis weight declared by the original manufacturer.

(Added 1994)

2.29. Sand, Rock, Gravel, Stone, Paving Stone, and Similar Materials, when Sold in Bulk. – All sand, rock, 

gravel, stone, paving stone, and similar materials kept, offered, or exposed for sale in bulk must be sold as follows:

(a) Top soil, fill dirt, aggregate or chipped rock, sand (including concrete and mortar sand), decomposed granite, 

landscape type rock, and cinders must be sold by the cubic meter or cubic yard or by weight.

(b) Flagstone must be sold by weight.

(c) Dimensional cut stone must be sold by square meter, square foot, or weight.

(d) This requirement does not apply to single stones with engraving such as gravestones, natural or manmade 

artwork, landscape boulders, and pre-cast uniform size blocks.

(Added 2000)

2.30. Ethanol Flex Fuel.

2.30.1. How to Identify Ethanol Flex Fuel. – Ethanol flex fuel shall be identified as “Ethanol Flex Fuel or EXX 

Flex Fuel.”

2.30.2. Labeling Requirements.

(a) Ethanol flex fuel with an ethanol concentration no less than 51 and no greater than 83 volume percent 

shall be labeled “Ethanol Flex Fuel, minimum 51 % ethanol.” 

(Amended 2014)

(b) Ethanol flex fuel with an ethanol concentration less than or equal to 50 volume percent shall be labeled 

“EXX Flex Fuel, minimum YY % ethanol,” where the XX is the target ethanol concentration in volume 

percent and YY is XX minus five (− 5). The actual ethanol concentration of the fuel shall be XX volume 

percent plus or minus five (± 5) volume percent. 

(Added 2014)

(c) A label shall be posted which states “For Use in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) Only.” This information 

shall be clearly and conspicuously posted on the upper 50 % of the dispenser front panel in a type at least 

12.7 mm (1⁄2 in) in height, 1.5 mm (1/16 in) stroke (width of type). A label shall be posted which states, 

“CHECK OWNERS MANUAL,” and shall not be less than 6 mm (1⁄4 in) in height by 0.8 mm (1/32 in) 
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stroke; block style letters and the color shall be in definite contrast to the background color to which it 

is applied.

(Amended 2014)

(Added 2007) (Amended 2014)

2.31. Biodiesel and Biodiesel Blends.

2.31.1. Identification of Product. – Biodiesel shall be identified by the term “Biodiesel” with the designation 

“B100.” Biodiesel Blends shall be identified by the term “Biodiesel Blend.”

2.31.2. Labeling of Retail Dispensers.

2.31.2.1. Labeling of Grade Required. – Biodiesel shall be identified by the grades S15 or S500. biodiesel 

blends shall be identified by the grades No. 1-D, No. 2-D, or No. 4-D.

2.31.2.2. EPA Labeling Requirements also Apply. – Retailers and wholesale purchaser-consumers of 

biodiesel blends shall comply with EPA pump labeling requirements for sulfur under 40 CFR § 80.570.

2.31.2.3. Automotive Fuel Rating. – Biodiesel and biodiesel blends shall be labeled with its automotive 

fuel rating in accordance with 16 CFR Part 306.

2.31.2.4. Biodiesel Blends. – When biodiesel blends greater than 20 % by volume are offered by sale, each 

side of the dispenser where fuel can be delivered shall have a label conspicuously placed that states “Consult 

Vehicle Manufacturer Fuel Recommendations.” The lettering of this legend shall not be less than 6 mm 

(1⁄4in) in height by 0.8 mm (1

/32 in) stroke; block style letters and the color shall be in definite contrast to the 

background color to which it is applied.

2.31.3. Documentation for Dispenser Labeling Purposes. – The retailer shall be provided, at the time of 

delivery of the fuel, a declaration of the volume percent biodiesel on an invoice, bill of lading, shipping paper, or 

other document. This documentation is for dispenser labeling purposes only; it is the responsibility of any 

potential blender to determine the amount of biodiesel in the diesel fuel prior to blending.

2.31.4. Exemption. – Biodiesel blends that contain less than or equal to 5 % biodiesel by volume are exempt 

from the requirements of Sections 2.31.1. Identification of Product, 2.31.2. Labeling of Retail Dispensers, and 

2.31.3. Documentation for Dispenser Labeling Purposes when it is sold as diesel fuel.

(Added 2008)

2.32. Retail Sales of Hydrogen Fuel (H).

2.32.1. Definitions for Hydrogen Fuel. – A fuel composed of molecular hydrogen intended for consumption 

in a surface vehicle or electricity production device with an internal combustion engine or fuel cell.

(Amended 2012)

2.32.2. Method of Retail Sale and Dispenser Labeling. – All hydrogen fuel kept, offered, or exposed for sale 

and sold at retail shall be in mass units in terms of the kilogram. The symbol for hydrogen vehicle fuel shall be 

the capital letter “H” (the word Hydrogen may also be used).

2.32.3. Retail Dispenser Labeling.

(a) A computing dispenser must display the unit price in whole cents on the basis of price per kilogram.

(b) The service pressure(s) of the dispenser must be conspicuously shown on the user interface in bar or the 

SI unit of pascal (Pa) (e.g., MPa).
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(c) The product identity must be shown in a conspicuous location on the dispenser.

(d) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) labeling requirements also apply.

(e) Hydrogen shall be labeled in accordance with 16 CFR 309 – FTC Labeling Alternative Fuels.

2.32.4. Street Sign Prices and Advertisements.

(a) The unit price must be in terms of price per kilogram in whole cents (e.g., $3.49 per kg, not 

$3.499 per kg).

(b) The sign or advertisement must include the service pressure (expressed in megapascals) at which the 

dispenser(s) delivers hydrogen fuel (e.g., H35 or H70).

(Added 2010)

2.33. Oil.

2.33.1. Labeling of Vehicle Engine (Motor) Oil. – Vehicle engine (motor) oil shall be labeled.

2.33.1.1. Viscosity. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil container, receptacle, dispenser, or storage 

tank, and any invoice or receipt from service on an engine that includes the installation of vehicle engine 

(motor) oil dispensed from a receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank, shall contain the viscosity grade 

classification preceded by the letters “SAE” in accordance with SAE International’s latest version of 

SAE J300, “Engine Oil Viscosity Classification.”

NOTE: If an invoice or receipt from service on an engine has limited room for identifying the viscosity, 

brand, and service category, then abbreviated versions of each may be used on the invoice or receipt and the 

letters “SAE” may be omitted from the viscosity classification.

(Note added 2014)

(Amended 2014) 

2.33.1.2. Brand. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil container and the invoice or receipt from 

service on an engine that includes the installation of bulk vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a 

receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank shall contain the name, brand, trademark, or trade name of the vehicle 

engine (motor) oil.

(Amended 2014)

2.33.1.3. Engine Service Category. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil container, receptacle, 

dispenser, or storage tank and the invoice or receipt from service on an engine that includes the installation 

of bulk vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank shall contain the 

engine service category, or categories, displayed in letters not less than 3.18 mm (1/8 in) in height, as defined 

by the latest version of SAE J183, “Engine Oil Performance and Engine Service Classification (Other than 

“Energy Conserving”),” API Publication 1509, “Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System,” European 

Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), “European Oil Sequences,” or other Vehicle or Engine 

Manufacturer standards as approved in Section 2.33.1.3.1. Vehicle or Engine Manufacturer Standard.

(Amended 2014) 

2.33.1.3.1. Vehicle or Engine Manufacturer Standard. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) 

oil container, receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank and the invoice or receipt from service on an engine 

that includes the installation of vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a receptacle, dispenser, or 

storage tank shall identify the specific vehicle or engine manufacturer standard, or standards, met in 

letters not less than 3.18 mm (1/8 in) in height. If the vehicle (motor) oil only meets a vehicle or engine 
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129

manufacturer standard, the label must clearly identify that the oil is only intended for use where 

specifically recommended by the vehicle or engine manufacturer.

(Added 2014)

2.33.1.3.2. Inactive or Obsolete Service Categories. – The label on any vehicle engine (motor) oil 

container, receptacle, dispenser, or storage tank and the invoice or receipt from service on an engine 

that includes the installation of bulk vehicle engine (motor) oil dispensed from a receptacle, dispenser, 

or storage tank shall bear a plainly visible cautionary statement in compliance with the latest version of 

SAE J183, Appendix A, whenever the vehicle engine (motor) oil in the container or in bulk does not 

meet an active API service category as defined by the latest version of SAE J183, “Engine Oil 

Performance and Engine Service Classification (Other than “Energy Conserving”).” If a vehicle engine 

(motor) oil is identified as only meeting a vehicle or engine manufacturer standard, the labeling 

requirements in Section 2.33.1.3.1. Vehicle or Engine Manufacturer Standard applies.

(Amended 2014)

2.33.1.4. Tank Trucks or Rail Cars. – Tank trucks, rail cars, and other types of delivery trucks that are 

used to deliver bulk vehicle engine (motor) oil are not required to display the SAE viscosity grade and service 

category or categories on such tank trucks, rail cars, and other types of delivery trucks.

(Amended 2013 and 2014)

2.33.1.5. Documentation. – When the engine (motor) oil is sold in bulk, an invoice, bill of lading, shipping 

paper, or other documentation must accompany each delivery. This document must identify the quantity of 

bulk engine (motor) oil delivered as defined in Sections 2.33.1.1. Viscosity; 2.33.1.2. Brand; 2.33.1.3. Engine 

Service Category; the name and address of the seller and buyer; and the date and time of the sale. For inactive 

or obsolete service categories, the documentation shall also bear a plainly visible cautionary statement as 

required in Section 2.33.1.3.2. Inactive or Obsolete Service Categories. Documentation must be retained at 

the retail establishment for a period of not less than one year.

(Added 2013) (Amended 2014)

(Added 2012) (Amended 2013 and 2014)

2.34. Retail Sales of Electricity Sold as a Vehicle Fuel.

2.34.1. Definitions. 

2.34.1.1. Electricity Sold as Vehicle Fuel. – Electrical energy transferred to and/or stored onboard an 

electric vehicle primarily for the purpose of propulsion.

2.34.1.2. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). – The conductors, including the ungrounded, 

grounded, and equipment grounding conductors; the electric vehicle connectors; attachment plugs; and all 

other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatuses installed specifically for the purpose of measuring, 

delivering, and computing the price of electrical energy delivered to the electric vehicle.

2.34.1.3. Fixed Service. – Service that continuously provides the nominal power that is possible with the 

equipment as it is installed.

2.34.1.4. Variable Service. – Service that may be controlled resulting in periods of reduced, and/or 

interrupted transfer of electrical energy.

2.34.1.5. Nominal Power. – Refers to the “intended” or “named” or “stated” as opposed to “actual” rate of 

transfer of electrical energy (i.e., power).

2.34.2. Method of Sale. – All electrical energy kept, offered, or exposed for sale and sold at retail as a vehicle 

fuel shall be in units in terms of the megajoule (MJ) or kilowatt-hour (kWh). In addition to the fee assessed for 
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130

the quantity of electrical energy sold, fees may be assessed for other services; such fees may be based on time 

measurement and/or a fixed fee.

2.34.3. Retail Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Labeling.

(a) A computing EVSE shall display the unit price in whole cents (e.g., $0.12) or tenths of one cent 

(e.g., $0.119) on the basis of price per megajoule (MJ) or kilowatt-hour (kWh). In cases where the 

electrical energy is unlimited or free of charge, this fact shall be clearly indicated in place of the unit 

price.

(b) For fixed service applications, the following information shall be conspicuously displayed or posted on 

the face of the device:

(1) the level of EV service expressed as the nominal power transfer (i.e., nominal rate of electrical 

energy transfer), and

(2) the type of electrical energy transfer (e.g., AC, DC, wireless).

(c) For variable service applications, the following information shall be conspicuously displayed or posted 

on the face of the device:

(1) the type of delivery (i.e., variable);

(2) the minimum and maximum power transfer that can occur during a transaction, including whether 

service can be reduced to zero;

(3) the condition under which variations in electrical energy transfer will occur; and

(4) the type of electrical energy transfer (e.g., AC, DC, wireless).

(d) Where fees will be assessed for other services in direct connection with the fueling of the vehicle, such 

as fees based on time measurement and/or a fixed fee, the additional fees shall be displayed.

(e) The EVSE shall be labeled in accordance with 16 CFR, Part 309 – FTC Labeling Requirements for 

Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fueled Vehicles.

(f) The EVSE shall be listed and labeled in accordance with the National Electric Code® (NEC) NFPA 70, 

Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging Systems (www.nfpa.org).

2.34.4. Street Sign Prices and Other Advertisements. – Where electrical energy unit price information is 

presented on street signs or in advertising other than on EVSE:

(a) The electrical energy unit price shall be in terms of price per megajoule (MJ) or kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 

whole cents (e.g., $0.12) or tenths of one cent (e.g., $0.119). In cases where the electrical energy is 

unlimited or free of charge, this fact shall be clearly indicated in place of the unit price.

(b) In cases where more than one electrical energy unit price may apply over the duration of a single 

transaction to sales to the general public, the terms and conditions that will determine each unit price and 

when each unit price will apply shall be clearly displayed.

(c) For fixed service applications, the following information shall be conspicuously displayed or posted:

(1) the level of EV service expressed as the nominal power transfer (i.e., nominal rate of electrical 

energy transfer), and
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131

(2) the type of electrical energy transfer (e.g., AC, DC, wireless).

(d) For variable service applications, the following information shall be conspicuously displayed or posted:

(1) the type of delivery (i.e., variable);

(2) the minimum and maximum power transfer that can occur during a transaction, including whether 

service can be reduced to zero;

(3) the conditions under which variations in electrical energy transfer will occur; and

(4) the type of electrical energy transfer (e.g., AC, DC, wireless).

Where fees will be assessed for other services in direct connection with the fueling of the vehicle, such as fees 

based on time measurement and/or a fixed fee, the additional fees shall be included on all street signs or other 

advertising.

(Added 2013)

2.35. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

2.35.1. Definition.

2.35.1.1. Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). – A preparation of aqueous urea [(NH2)2CO], containing 32.5 % by 

mass of technically-pure urea in high-purity water with quality characteristics defined by the latest version 

of ISO 22241, “Diesel engines - NOx reduction agent AUS 32.”

2.35.2. Labeling of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). – DEF shall be labeled.

2.35.2.1. Retail Dispenser Labeling. – A label shall be clearly and conspicuously placed on the front panel 

of the Diesel Exhaust Fluid dispenser stating “for operation of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) converters 

in motor vehicles with diesel engines.”

2.35.2.2. Documentation for Retailers of Bulk Product. – A DEF supplier shall provide, at the time of 

delivery of the bulk shipment of DEF, identification of the fluid’s origin including the name of the fluid 

manufacturer, the brand name, trade name, or trademark, and a statement identifying the fluid as DEF 

conforming to specifications given in the latest version of ISO 22241, “Diesel engines - NOx reduction agent 

AUS 32.” This information shall be provided by the supplier on an invoice, bill of lading, shipping paper, 

or other document.

2.35.2.3. Labeling of Packaged Product. – Any diesel exhaust fluid retail package shall bear a label that 

includes the name of the fluid manufacturer, the brand name, trade name, or trademark, a statement 

identifying the fluid as DEF conforming to specifications given in the latest version of ISO 22241 “Diesel 

engines - NOx reduction agent AUS 32,” and the statement, “It is recommended to store DEF between − 5°C 

to 30 °C (23 °F to 86 °F).”

2.35.2.4. Documentation for Bulk Deliveries. – A carrier that transports or accepts for transportation any 

bulk shipment by tank truck, freight container, cargo tank, railcar, or any other vehicle used to transport or 

deliver bulk quantities of DEF shall, at the time of delivery of the DEF, provide identification of the fluid’s 

origin including the name of the fluid manufacturer, the brand name, trade name, or trademark, and a 

statement identifying the fluid as DEF conforming to specifications given in the latest version of ISO 22241, 

“Diesel engines - NOx reduction agent AUS 32.” This information shall be provided to the recipient on an 

invoice, bill of lading, shipping paper, or other document.

Effective date shall be January 1, 2016.

(Added 2014)
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Section 3. General

3.1. Presentation of Price. – Whenever an advertised, posted, or labeled price per unit of weight, measure, or count 

for any commodity includes a fraction of a cent, all elements of the fraction shall be prominently displayed, and the 

numerals expressing the fraction shall be immediately adjacent to, of the same general design and style as, and at least 

one half the height and width of, the numerals representing the whole cent.

(Added 1976)

3.2. Allowable Differences: Combination Quantity Declarations. – Whenever the method of sale for a bulk or 

packaged commodity requires the use of a statement that includes count in addition to weight, measure, or size, the 

following shall apply to the particular commodity:

3.2.1. Beverageware: Pressed and Blown Tumblers and Stemware. – The allowable difference between 

actual and declared capacity shall be:

(a) SI Units:

(1) plus or minus 10 mL for items of 200 mL capacity or less; and

(2) plus or minus 5 % of the stated capacity for items over 200 mL capacity.

(Added 1973) (Amended 1974, 1979, and 1980)

(b) U.S. Customary Units:

(1) plus or minus 1⁄4 fl oz for items of 5 fl oz capacity or less; and

(2) plus or minus 5 % of the stated capacity for items over 5 fl oz capacity.

3.3. Labeling of Machines that Dispense Packaged Commodities. – All vending machines dispensing packaged 

commodities shall indicate:

(a) product identity;

(b) net quantity; and

(c) the party responsible for the vending machine.

Examples:

“For service or refunds contact: the XYZ Cola Company, Rockville, MD 20800; 

Telephone: (301) 555-1000,” or “See attendant inside for refunds.”

(Amended 1995)

(d) the requirements for product identity and net quantity can be met either by display of the package or by 

information posted on the outside of the machine.

(Added 1972)

3.4. Railroad Car Tare Weights. – Whenever stenciled tare weights on freight cars are employed in the sale of 

commodities or the assessment of freight charges, the following conditions and requirements shall apply:

3.4.1. Newly Stenciled Tare Weights. – All newly stenciled or re-stenciled tare weights shall be accurately 

represented to the nearest 50 kg for metric units and to the nearest 100 lb for U.S. customary units, and the 

representation shall include the date of weighing.

(Amended 1979)
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3.4.2. Allowable Difference. – The allowable difference between actual tare weight and stenciled tare weight on 

freight cars in use shall be per Section 3.4.2.(a) SI allowable difference or Section 3.4.2.(b) U.S. customary

allowable difference.

(a) SI allowable difference:

(1) plus or minus 150 kg for cars 25 000 kg or less;

(2) plus or minus 200 kg for cars over 25 000 kg to and including 30 000 kg; and

(3) plus or minus 250 kg for cars over 30 000 kg.

(Added 1979)

(b) U.S. customary allowable difference:

(1) plus or minus 300 lb for cars 50 000 lb or less;

(2) plus or minus 400 lb for cars over 50 000 lb to and including 60 000 lb; and

(3) plus or minus 500 lb for cars over 60 000 lb.

3.4.3. Verification or Change of Tare Weights. – Tare weight determinations for verification or change of 

stenciled weights shall only be made on properly prepared and adequately cleaned freight cars.

3.4.4. Special Cars. – Tank cars, covered hopper cars, flat cars equipped with multi-deck racks or special 

superstructure, mechanical refrigerator cars, and house type cars equipped with special lading protective devices 

must be reweighed and re-stenciled only by owners or their authorized representatives:

(a) when car bears no lightweight (empty weight) stenciling; and

(b) when repairs or alterations result in a change of weight in excess of the permissible lightweight tolerance.

(Added 1974) (Renumbered 1985)

(Added 1973) (Amended 1974, 1979, and 1985)

Section 4. Revocation of Conflicting Regulations

All provisions of all orders and regulations heretofore issued on this same subject that are contrary to or inconsistent 

with the provisions of this regulation, and specifically __________, are hereby revoked.

(Added 1971)

Section 5. Effective Date

This regulation shall become effective on _____________.

Given under my hand and the seal of my office in the City of __________ on this __________ day of __________.

Signed ______________________________________

(Added 1971) (Amended 1973)
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