Handbook 130 – 2015 Uniform Regulations

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IV. Uniform Regulations

Page

A. Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation ......................................................................................................55

B. Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities............................................................................101

C. Uniform Unit Pricing Regulation ........................................................................................................................141

D. Uniform Regulation for the Voluntary Registration of Servicepersons and Service Agencies for 

Commercial Weighing and Measuring Devices..................................................................................................147

E. Uniform Open Dating Regulation .......................................................................................................................155

F. Uniform Regulation for National Type Evaluation .............................................................................................163

G. Uniform Engine Fuels and Automotive Lubricants Regulation ...........................................................................171
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A. Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation

as adopted by

The National Conference on Weights and Measures*

1. Background 

The Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation was first adopted during the 37th Annual Meeting of the National 

Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) in 1952. Reporting to the Conference, the Committee on 

Legislation stated:

The National Conference should adopt a model package regulation for the guidance of those states authorized to 

adopt such a regulation under provisions of their weights and measures laws. Since so much of the work of weights 

and measures officials in the package field concerns food products, the importance of uniformity between the 

Federal (FDA) regulations and any model regulations to be adopted by this Conference cannot be overemphasized.

Since its inception, the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation has been continually revised to meet the 

complexities of an enormous expansion in the packaging industry – an expansion that, in late 1966, brought about 

the passage of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). Recognizing the need for compatibility with the 

Federal Act, in 1968 the Committee on Laws and Regulations of the 53rd Annual Meeting of the National 

Conference amended the “Model Packaging and Labeling Regulation” (renamed in 1983) to parallel regulations 

adopted by federal agencies under FPLA. The process of amending and revising this Regulation is a continuing one 

in order to keep it current with practices in the packaging field and make it compatible with appropriate federal 

regulations. Amendments and additions since 1971 are noted at the end of each section.

The revision of 1978 provided for the use of the metric system (SI) on labels as well as allowing SI-only labels for 

those commodities not covered by federal laws or regulations. “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. [See the “Interpretation of the International System of Units for the United 

States” in the “Federal Register” (Volume 73, No. 96, pages 28432 to 28433) for May 16, 2008, and 15 United 

States Code, Section 205a - 205l “Metric Conversion.” See also NIST Special Publication 330 “The International 

System of Units (SI)” 2008 edition and NIST Special Publication 811 “Guide for the Use of the International 

System of Units (SI)” 2008 edition that are available at www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/index.cfm or by contacting 

TheSI@nist.gov.] In 1988, Congress amended the Metric Conversion Law to declare that it is the policy of the 

United States to designate the International System of Units of measurement as the preferred system of weights and 

measures for U.S. trade and commerce. In 1992, Congress amended the federal FPLA to require the most 

appropriate units of the SI and the U.S. customary systems of measurement on certain consumer commodities. The 

1993 amendments to NIST Handbook 130 require SI and U.S. customary units on certain consumer commodities in 

accordance with federal laws or regulations. Requirements for labeling in both units of measure were effective 

February 14, 1994, under FPLA and as specified in Section 15 Effective Date; except as specified in Section 11.32. 

SI Units, Exemptions for Consumer Commodities.

Nothing contained in this regulation should be construed to supersede any labeling requirement specified in federal 

law or to require the use of SI units on non-consumer packages.

2. Status of Promulgation 

The table beginning on page 10, Section II. Uniformity of Laws and Regulations of Handbook 130 shows the status 

of adoption of the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation.

*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 Packaging and Labeling Regulation 

Table of Contents 

Section Page

Preamble ....................................................................................................................................................................61

Section 1. Application ................................................................................................................................................61

Section 2. Definitions.................................................................................................................................................61

2.1. Package.........................................................................................................................................................61

2.2. Consumer Package of Consumer Commodity..............................................................................................61

2.3. Non-consumer Package: Package of Non-consumer Commodity...............................................................62

2.4. Random Package. .........................................................................................................................................62

2.5. Label.............................................................................................................................................................62

2.6. Person. ..........................................................................................................................................................62

2.7. Principal Display Panel or Panels.................................................................................................................62

2.8. Multi-unit Package. ......................................................................................................................................62

2.9. Combination Package...................................................................................................................................62

2.10. Variety Package..........................................................................................................................................62

2.11. Petroleum Products.....................................................................................................................................62

2.12. Spot Label...................................................................................................................................................63

2.13. Header Strip................................................................................................................................................63

2.14. Standard Package........................................................................................................................................63

2.15. SI or SI Units..............................................................................................................................................63

Section 3. Declaration of Identity: Consumer Package ..............................................................................................63

3.1. Declaration of Identity: Consumer Package. ...............................................................................................63

3.1.1. Parallel Identity Declaration: Consumer Package.......................................................................64

Section 4. Declaration of Identity: Non-consumer Package ......................................................................................64

Section 5. Declaration of Responsibility: Consumer and Non-consumer Packages..................................................64

Section 6. Declaration of Quantity: Consumer Packages..........................................................................................64

6.1. General. ........................................................................................................................................................64

6.2. Largest Whole Unit. .....................................................................................................................................65

6.3. Net Quantity. ................................................................................................................................................65

6.3.1. Use of “Net Mass” or “Net Weight.”...........................................................................................65

6.3.2. Lines of Print or Type..................................................................................................................65

6.4. Terms: Weight, Measure, Volume, or Count...............................................................................................65

6.4.1. Combination Declaration.............................................................................................................66

6.5. SI Units: Mass, Measure..............................................................................................................................66

6.5.1. Symbols. ......................................................................................................................................67

6.5.2. Fractions and Prefixes..................................................................................................................67

6.6. Prescribed Units, SI. .....................................................................................................................................68

6.6.1. Less than 1 Meter, 1 Square Meter, 1 Kilogram, 1 Cubic Meter, or 1 Liter. ...............................68

6.6.2. One Meter, 1 Square Meter, 1 Kilogram, 1 Liter, 1 Cubic Meter, or More.................................68

6.7. U.S. Customary Units: Weight, Measure. ...................................................................................................69

6.7.1. Symbols and Abbreviations. ........................................................................................................69

6.7.2. Units of Two or More Meanings. ................................................................................................69

6.8. Prescribed Units, U.S. Customary System. ..................................................................................................69
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6.8.1. Less than 1 foot, 1 square foot, 1 pound, or 1 pint.......................................................................69

6.8.2. One Foot, 1 Square Foot, 1 Pound, 1 Pint, 1 Gallon, or More.....................................................70

6.9. Bi-dimensional Commodities. ......................................................................................................................70

6.10. Count: Ply..................................................................................................................................................71

6.11. Fractions. ....................................................................................................................................................72

6.12. Supplementary Quantity Declarations........................................................................................................72

6.13. Rounding. ...................................................................................................................................................72

6.14. Qualification of Declaration Prohibited......................................................................................................72

6.15. Character of Declaration: Average. ...........................................................................................................72

6.16. Random Packages.......................................................................................................................................73

Section 7. Declaration of Quantity: Non-consumer Packages...................................................................................73

7.1. General. ........................................................................................................................................................73

7.2. Location........................................................................................................................................................73

7.3. Terms: Weight, Liquid Measure, Dry Measure, or Count. ..........................................................................73

7.4. SI Units: Mass, Measure..............................................................................................................................73

7.4.1. Symbols. ......................................................................................................................................74

7.5. U.S. Customary Units: Weight, Measure. ...................................................................................................74

7.5.1. Symbols and Abbreviations. ........................................................................................................74

7.6. Character of Declaration: Average. .............................................................................................................75

Section 8. Prominence and Placement: Consumer Packages.....................................................................................75

8.1. General. ........................................................................................................................................................75

8.1.1. Location. ......................................................................................................................................75

8.1.2. Style of Type or Lettering............................................................................................................75

8.1.3. Color Contrast..............................................................................................................................75

8.1.4. Free Area. ....................................................................................................................................75

8.1.5. Parallel Quantity Declaration.......................................................................................................75

8.2. Calculation of Area of Principal Display Panel for Purposes of Type Size..................................................75

8.2.1. Minimum Height of Numbers and Letters. ..................................................................................77

8.2.2. Numbers and Letters: Proportion................................................................................................77

Section 9. Prominence and Placement: Non-consumer Packages .............................................................................77

9.1. General. ........................................................................................................................................................77

Section 10. Requirements: Specific Consumer Commodities, Non-consumer Commodities ...................................77

10.1. Display Card Package.................................................................................................................................77

10.2. Eggs............................................................................................................................................................77

10.3. Aerosols and Other Pre-pressurized Containers Dispensing Product Under Pressure................................77

10.4. Multi-unit Packages....................................................................................................................................78

10.5. Combination Packages. ..............................................................................................................................78

10.6. Variety Packages. .......................................................................................................................................79

10.7. Cylindrical Containers................................................................................................................................80

10.8. Measurement of Container-Type Commodities, How Expressed...............................................................80

10.8.1. General.......................................................................................................................................80

10.8.2. Capacity. ....................................................................................................................................80

10.8.3. Terms. ........................................................................................................................................81

10.9. Textile Products, Threads, and Yarns.........................................................................................................81

10.9.1. Wearing Apparel........................................................................................................................81

10.9.2. Textiles. .....................................................................................................................................81

10.9.3. Sewing Threads, Handicraft Threads, and Yarns.......................................................................83

10.10. Packaged Seed..........................................................................................................................................83
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Section 11. Exemptions..............................................................................................................................................83

11.1. Random Packages.......................................................................................................................................83

11.1.1. Indirect Sale of Random Packages.............................................................................................84

11.2. Small Confections. .....................................................................................................................................84

11.3. Small Packages of Meat or Meat Products. ................................................................................................84

11.4. Individual Servings.....................................................................................................................................84

11.5. Cuts, Plugs, and Twists of Tobacco and Cigars. ........................................................................................85

11.6. Reusable (Returnable) Glass Containers. ...................................................................................................85

11.7. Cigarettes and Small Cigars. ......................................................................................................................85

11.8. Packaged Commodities with Labeling Requirements Specified in Federal Law. ......................................85

11.9. Fluid Dairy Products, Ice Cream, and Similar Frozen Desserts. ................................................................85

11.10. Single Strength and Less than Single-Strength Fruit Juice Beverages, Imitations thereof, and Drinking 

Water........................................................................................................................................................85

11.11. Soft Drink Bottles.....................................................................................................................................86

11.12. Multi-unit Soft Drink Packages................................................................................................................86

11.13. Butter........................................................................................................................................................86

11.14. Eggs..........................................................................................................................................................86

11.15. Flour. ........................................................................................................................................................86

11.16. Small Packages.........................................................................................................................................86

11.17. Decorative Containers. .............................................................................................................................86

11.18. Combination and Variety Packages..........................................................................................................86

11.19. Margarine. ................................................................................................................................................87

11.20. Corn Flour and Corn Meal........................................................................................................................87

11.21. Prescription and Insulin Containing Drugs...............................................................................................87

11.22. Camera Film, Video Recording Tape, Audio Recording Tape, and Other Image and Audio Recording 

Media Intended for Retail Sale and Consumer Use. ................................................................................87

11.23. Tint Base Paint. ........................................................................................................................................87

11.24. Motor Oil in Cans.....................................................................................................................................88

11.25. Pillows, Cushions, Comforters, Mattress Pads, Sleeping Bags, and Similar Products. ..........................................88

11.26. Commodities’ Variable Weights and Sizes. ..............................................................................................88

11.27. Packaged Commodities Sold by Count. ...................................................................................................88

11.28. Textile Packages.......................................................................................................................................88

11.29. Spot Label.................................................................................................................................................89

11.30. Header Strip..............................................................................................................................................89

11.31. Decorative Wallcovering Borders. ...........................................................................................................89

11.32. SI Units, Exemptions - Consumer Commodities......................................................................................89

11.33. U.S. Customary Units, Exemptions - Consumer Commodities................................................................89

Section 12. Variations to be Allowed .........................................................................................................................90

12.1. Packaging Variations.................................................................................................................................. 90

12.1.1. Variations from Declared Net Quantity. ....................................................................................90

12.1.2. Variations Resulting from Exposure..........................................................................................90

12.2. Magnitude of Permitted Variations. ...........................................................................................................90

Section 13. Retail Sale Price Representations ............................................................................................................90

13.1. “Cents off” Representations. ......................................................................................................................90

13.2. Introductory Offers.....................................................................................................................................91

13.3. Economy Size.............................................................................................................................................92

Section 14. Revocation of Conflicting Regulations....................................................................................................93

Section 15. Effective Date ..........................................................................................................................................93

UPLR Appendix A: SI/U.S. Customary Conversion Factors.....................................................................................95
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UPLR Appendix B: Converting U.S. Customary Units to SI Units ...........................................................................97
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Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation

Preamble

The purpose of this regulation is to provide accurate and adequate information on packages as to the identity and 

quantity of contents so that purchasers can make price and quantity comparisons.

(Added 1989)

Section 1. Application 

This regulation shall apply to packages, but shall not apply to:

(a) inner wrappings not intended to be individually sold to the customer;

(b) shipping containers or wrapping used solely for the transportation of any commodities in bulk or in 

quantity to manufacturers, packers, or processors, or to wholesale or retail distributors, but in no event shall 

this exclusion apply to packages of consumer or non-consumer commodities as defined herein;

(Added 1971)

(c) auxiliary containers or outer wrappings used to deliver packages of such commodities to retail customers if 

such containers or wrappings bear no printed matter pertaining to any particular commodity;

(d) containers used for retail tray pack displays when the container itself is not intended to be sold (e.g., the 

tray that is used to display individual envelopes of seasonings, gravies, etc., and the tray itself is not 

intended to be sold);

(e) open carriers and transparent wrappers or carriers for containers when the wrappers or carriers do not bear 

any written, printed, or graphic matter obscuring the label information required by this regulation; or

(f) packages intended for export to foreign countries.

(Amended 1994 and 1998)

Section 2. Definitions 

2.1. Package. – Except as modified by Section 1. Application, the term “package,” whether standard package or 

random package, means any commodity:

(a) enclosed in a container or wrapped in any manner in advance of wholesale or retail sale; or

(b) whose weight [NOTE 1, page 61] or measure has been determined in advance of wholesale or retail sale. An 

individual item or lot of any commodity on which there is marked a selling price based on an established 

price per unit of weight or of measure shall be considered a package or packages.

(Amended 1988 and 1991)

NOTE 1: When used in this regulation, the term “weight” means “mass.” (See paragraphs U. “Mass” and 

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

2.2. Consumer Package of Consumer Commodity. – A package that is customarily produced or distributed for 

sale through retail sales agencies or instrumentalities for consumption or use by individuals for the purposes of 

personal care or in the performance of services ordinarily rendered in or about the household or in connection with 

personal possessions.

(Amended 1988 and 1991)
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2.3. Non-consumer Package: Package of Non-consumer Commodity. – Any package other than a consumer 

package, and particularly a package intended solely for industrial or institutional use or for wholesale distribution.

(Amended 1988 and 1991)

2.4. Random Package. – A package that is one of a lot, shipment, or delivery of packages of the same consumer 

commodity with no fixed pattern of net contents.

(Amended 1988 and 1990)

2.5. Label. – Any written, printed, or graphic matter affixed to, applied to, attached to, blown into, formed, molded 

into, embossed on, or appearing upon or adjacent to a consumer commodity, or a package containing any consumer 

commodity, for purposes of branding, identifying, or giving any information with respect to the commodity or to the 

contents of the package, except that an inspector’s tag or other non-promotional matter affixed to or appearing upon 

a consumer commodity shall not be considered a label requiring the repetition of label information required by this 

regulation.

(Amended 1988)

2.6. Person. – The term “person” means either singular or plural and shall include any individual, partnership, 

company, corporation, association, or society.

(Amended 1988)

2.7. Principal Display Panel or Panels. – That part, or those parts, of a label that is, or are, so designed as to most 

likely be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under normal and customary conditions of display and purchase. 

Wherever a principal display panel appears more than once on a package, all requirements pertaining to the 

“principal display panel” shall pertain to all such “principal display panels.”

(Amended 1988)

2.8. Multi-unit Package. – A package containing two or more individual packages of the same commodity, in the 

same quantity, intended to be sold as a multi-unit package, but where the component packages are labeled 

individually in full compliance with all requirements of this regulation.

(Amended 1988)

2.9. Combination Package. – A package intended for retail sale, containing two or more individual packages or 

units of dissimilar commodities.

Examples: 

An antiquing or housecleaning kit;

sponge and cleaner;

lighter fluid and flints.

(Added 1989)

2.10. Variety Package. – A package intended for retail sale, containing two or more individual packages or units of 

similar, but not identical, commodities. Commodities that are generically the same, but that differ in weight, 

measure, volume, appearance, or quality, are considered similar, but not identical.

Examples: 

Two sponges of different sizes;

plastic tableware, consisting of 4 spoons, 4 knives, and 4 forks.

(Added 1989)

2.11. Petroleum Products. – Gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, or any product (whether or not such a product is 

actually derived from naturally occurring hydrocarbon mixtures known as “petroleum”) commonly used in 

powering, lubricating, or idling engines or other devices, or is labeled as fuel to power camping stoves or lights. 
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Therefore, sewing machine lubricant, camping fuels, and synthetic motor oil are “petroleum products” for the 

purposes of this regulation. Brake fluid, copier machine dispersant, antifreeze, cleaning solvents, and alcohol are 

not “petroleum products.”

(Added 1987) (Amended 1988)

2.12. Spot Label. – A spot label is a label clearly defined by means 

of a border, indentation, or other means that covers only a small 

portion of the surface of a principal display panel of a package; the 

entire portion of the principal display panel outside the area of the 

label contains no printed or graphic matter of any kind. A spot label 

may contain all required labeling information (identity, responsibility, 

and net contents), but it must at least indicate the identity and net 

contents. See Section 11.29. Spot Label for net contents placement 

exemption for a spot label.

(Added 1990) (Amended 1991)

2.13. Header Strip. – A header label or header strip is a label that is attached across the top of a transparent or 

opaque bag or other container that bears no other printed or graphic material. See Section 11.30. Header Strip for 

net contents placement exemptions.

(Added 1990) 

2.14. Standard Package. – A package that is one of a lot, shipment, 

or delivery of packages of the same commodity with identical net 

contents declarations.

Examples: 

1 L bottles or 12 fl oz cans of carbonated soda,

500 g or 5 lb bags of sugar, or

100 m packages of rope

(Added 1991)

2.15. SI or SI Units. – SI or SI Units 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. See the “Interpretation of the International System of Units for the United States” in the “Federal 

Register” (Volume 73, No. 96, pages 28432 to 28433) for May 16, 2008, and 15 United States Code, Section 205a -

2051 “Metric Conversion.” See also NIST Special Publication 330, The International System of Units (SI),

2008 edition and NIST Special Publication 811, Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), 

2008 edition that are available at www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/index.cfm or by contacting TheSI@nist.gov. 

(Added 1993)

Section 3. Declaration of Identity: Consumer Package

3.1. Declaration of Identity: Consumer Package. – A separate declaration of identity [NOTE 2, page 64] on a consumer 

package shall appear on the principal display panel and shall not be misleading or deceptive. The identity shall be in 

terms of:

(a) the name specified in or required by any applicable federal or state law or regulation or, in the absence of 

this;

(b) the common or usual name or, in the absence of this;

(c) the generic name or other appropriate description, including a statement of function (such as “cleaning 

powder”).

(Amended 1990) (Note added 1986)

Identity

Spot Label

Net Quantity
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NOTE 2: Section 19.(a) of the Uniform Weights and Measures Law (and 21 CFR 101.100 (b) (3) for non-meat and 

non-poultry foods) specifically exempts food packages from identity statements if the commodity is a food, other 

than meat or poultry, that was repackaged in a retail establishment and the food is displayed to the purchaser under 

either of the following circumstances: “(1) its interstate labeling is clearly in view or with a counter card, sign, or 

other appropriate device bearing prominently and conspicuously the common or usual name of the food, or (2) the 

common or usual name of the food is clearly revealed by its appearance.”

(Added 1986) (Amended 2001)

3.1.1. Parallel Identity Declaration: Consumer Package. – A declaration of the identity on a consumer 

package shall appear generally parallel to the base on which the package rests as it is designed to be 

displayed.

Section 4. Declaration of Identity: Non-consumer Package

A declaration of identity [NOTE 2, page 64] on a non-consumer package shall appear on the outside of a package and shall 

not be misleading or deceptive. The identity shall be in terms of:

(a) the name specified in or required by any applicable federal or state law or regulation or, in the absence of 

this;

(b) the common or usual name or, in the absence of this;

(c) the generic name or other appropriate description, including a statement of function (such as “cleaning 

powder”).

(Amended 1990) (Note added 1986)

Section 5. Declaration of Responsibility: Consumer and Non-consumer Packages

Any package kept, offered, or exposed for sale, or sold at any place other than on the premises where packed shall 

specify conspicuously on the label of the package the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. 

The name shall be the actual corporate name, or, when not incorporated, the name under which the business is 

conducted. The address shall include street address, city, state (or country if outside the United States), and ZIP 

Code (or the mailing code, if any, used in countries other than the United States); however, the street address may be 

omitted if this is shown in a current city directory or telephone directory.

If a person manufactures, packs, or distributes a commodity at a place other than his principal place of business, the 

label may state the principal place of business in lieu of the actual place where the commodity was manufactured or 

packed or is to be distributed, unless such statement would be misleading. Where the commodity is not 

manufactured by the person whose name appears on the label, the name shall be qualified by a phrase that reveals 

the connection such person has with such commodity, such as “Manufactured for and packed by __________,” 

“Distributed by __________,” or any other wording of similar import that expresses the facts.

Section 6. Declaration of Quantity: Consumer Packages

6.1. General. [NOTE 3, page 64] – The International System of Units (SI), known as the metric system and the U.S. 

customary system of weights and measures are recognized as proper systems to be used in the declaration of 

quantity. Effective February 14, 1994, appropriate units of both systems shall be presented in a declaration of 

quantity except as specified in Section 11.32. SI Units, Exemptions for Consumer Commodities and Section 11.33 

U.S. Customary Units, Exemptions - Consumer Commodities.

(Amended 1985, 1990, 1993, and 1999)

NOTE 3: Packages subject to this Section and/or the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act shall be labeled in 

units of the International System of Units (SI) and the U.S. customary system of measure effective 
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65

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 Section 11.32. SI Units, Exemptions - 

Consumer Commodities]. SI units may appear first.

(Added 1982) (Amended 1990 and 1993)

6.2. Largest Whole Unit. – Where this regulation requires that the quantity declaration be in terms of the largest 

whole unit, the declaration shall, with respect to a particular package, be in terms of the largest whole unit of weight 

or measure with any remainder expressed (following the requirements of Section 6.5.2. (a) Fractions and 

Section 6.11. Fractions):

(a) SI Units. – in decimal fractions of such largest whole unit.

(b) U.S. Customary Units. 

(1) in common or decimal fractions of such largest whole unit; or

(2) in the next smaller whole unit or units with any further remainder in terms of common or decimal 

fractions of the smallest unit present in the quantity declaration.

6.3. Net Quantity. – A declaration of net quantity of the commodity in the package, exclusive of wrappers and any 

other material packed with such commodity (except as noted in Section 10.3. Aerosols and Other Pre-pressurized 

Containers Dispensing Product Under Pressure), shall appear on the principal display panel of a consumer package 

and, unless otherwise specified in this regulation (see Sections 6.6. Prescribed Units, SI, through 6.9. Bi-dimensional 

Commodities), shall be in terms of the largest whole unit.

6.3.1. Use of “Net Mass” or “Net Weight.” – A quantity declaration may stand alone [e.g., “200 g (7 oz)” or 

“1 lb (453 g)”] or may include the term “net mass” or “net weight” either preceding or following the 

declaration. The term “net” by itself may be used on food labels. However, the quantity of contents shall 

always declare the net quantity of contents even when such terms are not used.

(Amended 1993)

6.3.2. Lines of Print or Type. – A declaration of quantity may appear on one or more lines of print or type.

(Amended 1982)

6.4. Terms: Weight, Measure, Volume, or Count. – The declaration of the quantity of a particular commodity 

shall be expressed in terms of:

(a) weight if the commodity is solid, semisolid, viscous, or a mixture of solid and liquid; 

(b) volume measure if the commodity is liquid or dry, if the commodity is dry; 

(c) linear measure or area; or

(d) numerical count. 

However, if there exists a firmly established general consumer usage and trade custom with respect to the terms used 

in expressing a declaration of quantity of a particular commodity, such a declaration of quantity may be expressed in 

its traditional terms, provided such traditional declaration gives accurate and adequate information as to the quantity 

of the commodity. Any net content statement that does not permit price and quantity comparisons is forbidden.

(Amended 1989)
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6.4.1. Combination Declaration. 

(a) A declaration of quantity in terms of weight or volume shall be combined with appropriate declarations 

of the measure, count, and size of the individual units unless a declaration of weight alone is fully 

informative.

(b) A declaration of quantity in terms of measure shall be combined with appropriate declarations of the 

weight, volume, count, and size of the individual units unless a declaration of measure alone is fully 

informative.

(c) A declaration of quantity in terms of count shall be combined with appropriate declarations of the 

weight, volume, measure, and size of the individual units unless a declaration of count alone is fully 

informative.

(Added 1971)

6.5. SI Units: Mass, Measure. [NOTE 3, page 64] – A declaration of quantity: 

(a) in units of mass shall be the kilogram, gram, or milligram;

(b) in units of liquid measure shall be the liter or milliliter and shall express the volume at 20 °C, except in the 

case of petroleum products or distilled spirits, for which the declaration shall express the volume at 

15.6 °C, and except also in the case of a commodity that is normally sold and consumed while frozen, for 

which the declaration shall express the volume at the frozen temperature, and except also in the case of 

malt beverages or a commodity that must be maintained in the refrigerated state, for which the declaration 

shall express the volume at 4 °C;

(Amended 1985 and 1990)

(c) in units of linear measure shall be the meter, centimeter, or millimeter;

(d) in units of area measure shall be the square meter, square decimeters, square centimeter, or square 

millimeter;

(e) in units of volume other than liquid measure shall be the liter and milliliter, except that the units cubic 

meter and cubic centimeter shall be used only when specifically designated as a method of sale; 

(f) Rule of 1000. – The selected multiple or submultiple prefixes for SI units shall result in numerical values 

between 1 and 1000. This rule allows centimeters or millimeters to be used where a length declaration is 

less than 100 centimeters.

Examples:

500 g, not 0.5 kg;

1.96 kg, not 1960 g;

750 mL, not 0.75 L; or

750 mm or 75 cm, not 0.75 m

(Added 1993)

(g) SI declarations should be shown in three digits except where the quantity is below 100 grams, milliliters, 

centimeters, square centimeters, or cubic centimeters, where it may be shown in two digits. In either case, 

any final zero appearing to the right of the decimal point need not be shown; and

(Added 1993)
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67

(h) the declaration of net quantity of contents shall not be expressed in mixed units.

Example: 

1.5 kg, not 1 kg 500 g.

(Added 1993)

6.5.1. Symbols. – Any of the following symbols for SI units, and none other, may be employed in the quantity 

statement on a package of commodity:

centimeter cm cubic meter m3

cubic centimeter cm3 kilogram kg

meter m gram g

milligram mg millimeter mm

liter L or l square meter m2

milliliter mL or ml cubic decimeter dm3

square centimeter cm2 square decimeter dm2

micrometer μm microgram μg or mcg

(a) Symbols [NOTE 4, page 67], except for liter, are not capitalized unless the unit is derived from a proper 

name. Periods shall not be used after the symbol. Symbols shall always be written in the singular 

form. Adding “s” to an SI symbol to express the plural of the symbol is prohibited.

(b) The “L” symbol and the “mL” symbol are preferred; however, the “l” symbol for liter and “ml” 

symbol for milliliter are permitted.

(Amended 1980 and 1993)

NOTE 4: The “e” mark shall not be considered to be a qualifying word or phrase and may be used as part of the 

statement of the net quantity of contents where warranted. When used, the “e” mark shall be at least 3 mm 

(approximately 1⁄8 in) in height. The term “e” mark refers to the symbol “e” used in connection with the quantity 

declarations on labels of some consumer commodities marketed primarily in the European Union (EU) and South 

Africa. The “e” mark constitutes a representation by the packer or importer that the package to which it is applied 

has been filled in accordance with the average system of quantity specified by the EU. The average system is a 

method of declaring package fill in the EU and other countries of the world, including the United States. 

(Added 1993)

6.5.2. Fractions and Prefixes. 

(a) Fractions: An SI statement in a declaration of net quantity of contents of any consumer commodity 

may contain only decimal fractions.

(b) Prefixes: The following chart indicates SI prefixes that may be used on a broad range of consumer 

commodity labels to form multiples and submultiples of SI units:
Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation Handbook 130 – 2015

68

Prefix Symbol

Multiplying

Factor*

kilo- k x 103

deka-** da x 10 

deci-** d x 10-1

centi-*** c x 10-2

milli- m x 10-3

micro-**** μ x 10-6

*102 = 100; 103 = 1000; 10-1 = 0.1; 10-2 = 0.01

Thus, 2 kg = 2 x 1000 g = 2000 g and 3 cm = 3 x 0.01 m = 0.03 m

**Not permitted on food labels.

***Should only be used with “meter.”

 Shall only be used for measurements less than 1 mm.

(Amended 1993)

6.6. Prescribed Units, SI. [NOTE 3, page 64]

6.6.1. Less than 1 Meter, 1 Square Meter, 1 Kilogram, 1 Cubic Meter, or 1 Liter. – The declaration of 

quantity shall be expressed as follows: 

(a) length measure of less than 1 meter: in centimeters or millimeters;

(Amended 1979)

(b) area measure of less than 1 m2

: in square decimeters and decimal fractions of a square decimeter or in 

square centimeters and decimal fractions of a square centimeter;

(c) mass of less than 1 kg: in grams and decimal fractions of a gram, but if less than 1 g, then in 

milligrams; 

(d) liquid or dry measure of less than 1 L: in milliliters; and

(e) cubic measure less than 1 m3

: in cubic centimeters or cubic decimeters (liters); 

(Added 1993)

provided the quantity declaration appearing on a random mass package may be expressed in units of decimal 

fractions of the largest appropriate unit, the fraction being carried out to not more than three decimal places.

(Amended 1980 and 1993)

6.6.2. One Meter, 1 Square Meter, 1 Kilogram, 1 Liter, 1 Cubic Meter, or More. – In the case of:

(a) length measure of 1 m or more: in meters and decimal fractions to not more than three places;

(b) area measure of 1 m2 or more: in square meters and decimal fractions to not more than three places;

(c) mass of 1 kg or more: in kilograms and decimal fractions to not more than three places;

(d) liquid or dry measure of 1 L or more: in liters and decimal fractions to not more than three places; and

(Added 1986) (Amended 1993)

(e) cubic measure of 1 m3 or more: in cubic meters and decimal fractions to not more than three places. 

(Added 1993)
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69

6.7. U.S. Customary Units: Weight, Measure. – A declaration of quantity: 

(a) in units of weight shall be in terms of the avoirdupois pound or ounce;

(b) in units of liquid measure shall be in terms of the United States gallon of 231 in3 or liquid quart, liquid pint, 

or fluid-ounce subdivisions of the gallon and shall express the volume at 68 °F, except in the case of 

petroleum products and distilled spirits, for which the declaration shall express the volume at 60 °F, and 

except also in the case of a commodity that is normally sold and consumed while frozen, for which the 

declaration shall express the volume at the frozen temperature, and except also in the case of a commodity 

that must be maintained in the refrigerated state, for which the declaration shall express the volume at 

40 °F, and except also in the case of malt beverages, for which the declaration shall express the volume at 

39.1 °F;

(Amended 1985 and 1990)

(c) in units of linear measure shall be in terms of the yard, foot, or inch;

(d) in units of area measure shall be in terms of the square yard, square foot, or square inch;

(e) in units of volume measure shall be in terms of the cubic yard, cubic foot, or cubic inch; and

(f) in units of dry measure shall be in terms of the United States bushel of 2150.42 in3

, or peck, dry quart, and 

dry pint subdivisions of the bushel.

6.7.1. Symbols and Abbreviations. – Any of the following symbols and abbreviations, and none other, shall 

be employed in the quantity statement on a package of commodity:

avoirdupois avdp ounce oz

piece pc count ct

pint pt cubic cu

pound lb each ea

feet or foot ft quart qt

fluid fl square sq

gallon gal weight wt

inch in yard yd

liquid liq drained dr

diameter dia

A period should not be used after the abbreviation. Abbreviations should be written in singular form; and “s” 

should not be added to express the plural. (For example, “oz” is the symbol for both “ounce” and “ounces.”) 

Both upper and lower case letters are acceptable.

(Added 1974) (Amended 1980, 1990, and 1993)

6.7.2. Units of Two or More Meanings. – When the term “ounce” is employed in a declaration of liquid 

quantity, the declaration shall identify the particular meaning of the term by the use of the term “fluid;” 

however, such distinction may be omitted when, by association of terms (for example, as in “1 pint 4 ounces”), 

the proper meaning is obvious. Whenever the declaration of quantity is in terms of the dry pint or dry quart, the 

declaration shall include the word “dry.”

(Amended 1982)

6.8. Prescribed Units, U.S. Customary System. 

6.8.1. Less than 1 foot, 1 square foot, 1 pound, or 1 pint. – The declaration of quantity shall be expressed in 

the following terms:

(a) in the case of length measure of less than 1 ft, in inches and fractions of inches;
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70

(b) in the case of area measure of less than 1 ft2

, in square inches and fractions of square inches;

(c) in the case of weight of less than 1 lb, in ounces and fractions of ounces; and 

(d) in the case of liquid measure of less than 1 pt, in fluid ounces and fractions of fluid ounces, provided, 

the quantity declaration appearing on a random package may be expressed in terms of decimal 

fractions of the largest appropriate unit, the fraction being carried out to not more than three decimal 

places.

(Amended 1984)

6.8.2. One Foot, 1 Square Foot, 1 Pound, 1 Pint, 1 Gallon, or More. – The declaration of quantity shall be 

expressed in the following terms (see Section 6.2. Largest Whole Unit and Section 6.11. Fractions):

(a) Linear Measure. – If 1 ft or more, expressed in terms of the largest whole unit (a yard or a foot) with 

any remainder expressed in inches and fractions of the inch or in fractions of the foot or yard, except 

that it shall be optional to include a statement of length in terms of inches.

(b) Area Measure. 

(1) If 1 ft2 or more, but less than 4 ft2

, expressed in square feet with any remainder expressed in 

square inches and fractions of a square inch or in fractions of a square foot; and

(2) If 4 ft2 or more, expressed in terms of the largest whole unit (e.g., square yards or square feet) with 

any remainder expressed in square inches and fractions of a square inch or in fractions of the 

square foot or square yard.

(c) Weight. – If 1 lb or more, expressed in terms of the largest whole unit with any remainder expressed in 

ounces and fractions of an ounce or in fractions of the pound.

(d) Liquid Volume. 

(1) If 1 pt or more, but less than 1 gal, expressed in the largest whole unit (quarts, quarts and pints, or 

pints, as appropriate) with any remainder expressed in fluid ounces or fractions of the pint or 

quart, except that 2 qt may be declared as 1⁄2 gal, and it shall be optional to include an additional 

expression of net quantity in fluid ounces; or

(2) If 1 gal or more, expressed in terms of the largest whole unit (gallons followed by fractions of a 

gallon or by the next smaller whole unit or units [for example, quarts and pints]) with any 

remainder expressed in fluid ounces or fractions of the pint or quart, except that it shall be optional 

to include an additional expression of net quantity in fluid ounces.

(e) Dry Measure. – If 1 dry pt or more, expressed in terms of the largest whole unit with the remainder 

expressed in fractions of a dry pint, dry quart, peck, or bushel, provided the quantity declaration on a 

random package may be expressed in decimal fractions of the largest appropriate unit carried out to not 

more than three decimal places.

(Amended 1993)

6.9. Bi-dimensional Commodities. – For bi-dimensional commodities (including roll-type commodities) the 

quantity declaration shall be expressed in both SI and U. S. customary units of measurement as follows:

(a) if the area is less than 929 cm2 (1 ft2

), in terms of length and width (expressed in the largest whole unit for 

SI and in linear inches and fractions of linear inches for U.S. customary);
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71

Example: 

20.3 cm x 25.4 cm (8 in x 10 in);

(b) if the area is at least 929 cm2 (1 ft2

), but less than 37.1 dm2 (4 ft2), in terms of area (expressed in the largest 

whole unit for SI and in square inches for U.S. customary), followed by a declaration of the length and 

width in terms of the largest whole unit:

Example: 

31 dm2 (49 cm x 64 cm) 3.36 ft2 (1.6 ft x 2.1 ft), provided:

(1) bi-dimensional commodities having a width of 10 cm (4 in) or less, the declaration of net quantity shall 

be expressed in terms of width and length in linear measure; no declaration of area is required;

(2) an U.S. customary dimension of less than 2 ft may be stated in inches;

(3) commodities consisting of usable individual units (e.g., paper napkins) require a declaration of unit 

area but not a declaration of total area of all such units (except roll-type commodities with individual 

usable units created by perforations, for which see Section 6.10. Count: Ply); and

(4) U.S. customary declarations may include after the statement of the linear dimensions in the largest 

whole unit a parenthetical declaration of the same dimensions in inches.

Example: 

25 ft2 (12 in x 8.33 yd) (12 in x 300 in).

(c) if the area is 37.1 dm2 (4 ft2

) or more, in terms of area (expressed in the largest whole unit for SI and in 

square feet for U.S. customary), followed by a declaration of the length and width, in terms of the largest 

whole unit, provided:

(1) no declaration of area is required for a bi-dimensional commodity with a width of 10 cm (4 in) or less;

(2) bi-dimensional commodities with a width of 10 cm (4 in) or less, the U.S. customary statement of 

width shall be expressed in terms of linear inches and fractions thereof, and length shall be expressed 

in the largest whole unit (yard or foot) with any remainder in terms of fractions of the yard or foot, 

except that it shall be optional to express the length in the largest whole unit followed by a statement of 

length in inches or to express the length in inches followed by a statement of length in the largest 

whole unit;

 Examples: 

5 cm x 9.14 m (2 in x 10 yd); or

5 cm x 9.14 m (2 in x 10 yd) (360 in); or

5 cm x 9.14 m (2 in x 360 in) (10 yd).

(3) an U.S. customary dimension of less than 2 ft may be stated in inches; and

(d) no declaration of area is required for commodities for which the length and width measurements are critical 

in terms of end use (such as wallpaper border) if such commodities clearly present the length and width 

measurements on the label.

6.10. Count: Ply. – If the commodity is in individually usable units of one or more components or plies, the 

quantity declaration shall, in addition to complying with other applicable quantity declaration requirements of this 

regulation, include the number of plies and total number of usable units.

Roll type commodities, when perforated so as to identify individual usable units, shall not be deemed to be made up 

of usable units; however, such roll type commodities shall be labeled in terms of:
Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation Handbook 130 – 2015

72

(a) total area measurement;

(b) number of plies;

(c) count of usable units; and

(d) dimensions of a single usable unit.

(Amended 1988)

6.11. Fractions.

(a) U.S. Customary: An U.S. customary unit statement of net quantity of contents of any consumer 

commodity may contain common or decimal fractions. A common fraction shall be in terms of halves, 

quarters, eighths, sixteenths, or thirty-seconds, except that:

(1) if there exists a firmly established general consumer usage and trade custom of employing different 

common fractions in the net quantity declaration of a particular commodity, they may be employed; 

and

(2) if linear measurements are required in terms of yards or feet, common fractions may be in terms of 

thirds.

(b) Common fractions: A common fraction shall be reduced to its lowest term.

Example: 2

/4 becomes 1⁄2

(c) Decimal fractions: A decimal fraction shall not be carried out to more than three places.

(Amended 1986 and 1993)

6.12. Supplementary Quantity Declarations. – The required quantity declaration may be supplemented by one or 

more declarations of weight, measure, or count, such declaration appearing other than on a principal display panel. 

Such supplemental statement of quantity of contents shall not include any term qualifying a unit of weight, measure, 

or count that tends to exaggerate the amount of commodity contained in the package (e.g., “giant” quart, “larger” 

liter, “full” gallon, “when packed,” “minimum,” or words of similar import).

6.13. Rounding. [NOTE 5, page 72] – In all conversions for the purpose of showing an equivalent SI or U.S. customary 

quantity to a rounded U.S. customary or SI quantity, or in calculated values to be declared in the net quantity 

statement, the number of significant digits retained must be such that accuracy is neither sacrificed nor exaggerated. 

Conversions, the proper use of significant digits, and rounding must be based on the packer’s knowledge of the 

accuracy of the original measurement that is being converted. In no case shall rounded net contents declarations 

overstate a quantity; the packer may round converted values down to avoid overstating the net contents.

(Amended 1993)

NOTE 5: When as a result of rounding SI or U.S. customary declarations the resulting declarations are not exact, 

the largest declaration (either metric or U.S. customary) will be used for enforcement purposes to determine 

whether a package contains at least the declared amount of the product.

6.14. Qualification of Declaration Prohibited. – In no case shall any declaration of quantity be qualified by the 

addition of the words “when packed,” “minimum,” or “not less than” or any words of similar import (e.g., 

“approximately”), nor shall any unit of weight, measure, or count be qualified by any term (such as “jumbo,”

“giant,” “full,” or the like) that tends to exaggerate the amount of commodity. 

(Amended 1998)

6.15. Character of Declaration: Average. – The average quantity of contents in the packages of a particular lot, 

shipment, or delivery shall at least equal the declared quantity, and no unreasonable shortage in any package shall be 
Handbook 130 – 2015 Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation

73

permitted even though overages in other packages in the same shipment, delivery, or lot compensate for such 

shortage.

(Added 1981)

6.16. Random Packages. – A random weight package must bear a label conspicuously declaring:

(a) the net weight;

(b) unit price; and

(c) the total price.

In the case of a random package packed at one place for subsequent sale at another, neither the price per unit of 

weight nor the total selling price need appear on the package, provided the package label includes both such prices 

at the time it is offered or exposed for sale at retail.

(Added 1999)

Section 7. Declaration of Quantity: Non-consumer Packages

7.1. General. – The SI and U.S. customary systems of weights and measures are recognized as proper systems to be 

used in the declaration of quantity. Units of both systems may be combined in a dual declaration of 

quantity. [NOTE 6, page 73] (See Section 6.3. Net Quantity, and Section 6.3.1. Use of “Net Mass” or “Net Weight.”)

NOTE 6: Although non-consumer packages under this Regulation may bear SI declarations only, this Regulation 

should not be construed to supersede any labeling requirement specified in federal law.

7.2. Location. – A non-consumer package shall bear on the outside a declaration of the net quantity of contents. 

Such declaration shall be in terms of the largest whole unit (see Section 6.2. Largest Whole Unit; for small 

packages, see Section 11.16. Small Packages).

7.3. Terms: Weight, Liquid Measure, Dry Measure, or Count. – The declaration of the quantity of a particular 

commodity shall be expressed in terms of liquid measure if the commodity is liquid, in terms of dry measure if the 

commodity is dry, in terms of weight if the commodity is solid, semisolid, viscous, or a mixture of solid and liquid, 

or in terms of numerical count. However, if there exists a firmly established general consumer usage and trade 

custom with respect to the terms used in expressing a declaration of quantity of a particular commodity, such 

declaration of quantity may be expressed in its traditional terms if such traditional declaration gives accurate and 

adequate information as to the quantity of the commodity.

7.4. SI Units: Mass, Measure. – A declaration of quantity:

(a) in units of mass shall be in terms of the kilogram, gram, or milligram; 

(b) in units of liquid measure shall be in terms of the liter or milliliter, and shall express the volume at 20 °C, 

except in the case of petroleum products or distilled spirits, for which the declaration shall express the 

volume at 15.6 °C, and except also in the case of a commodity that is normally sold and consumed while 

frozen, for which the declaration shall express the volume at the frozen temperature, and except also in the 

case of malt beverages or a commodity that is normally sold in the refrigerated state, for which the 

declaration shall express the volume at 4 °C;

(Amended 1985)

(c) in units of linear measure shall be in terms of the meter, centimeter, or millimeter;

(d) in units of area measure shall be in terms of the square meter, square decimeter, square centimeter or square 

millimeter;
Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation Handbook 130 – 2015

74

(e) in units of volume other than liquid measure shall be in terms of the liter and milliliter, except that the 

terms cubic meter, cubic decimeter, and cubic centimeter will be used only when specifically designated as 

a method of sale; 

(f) Rule of 1000. – The selected multiple or submultiple prefixes for SI units shall result in numerical values 

between 1 and 1000. This rule allows centimeters or millimeters to be used where a length declaration is 

less than 100 centimeters;

Examples:

500 g, not 0.5 kg;

1.96 kg, not 1960 g;

750 mL, not 0.75 L; or

750 mm or 75 cm, not 0.75 m;

(Added 1993)

(g) SI declarations should be shown in three digits except where the quantity is below 100 grams, milliliters, 

centimeters, square centimeters, or cubic centimeters where it can be shown in two digits. In either case, 

any final zero appearing to the right of the decimal point need not be shown; and

(Added 1993)

(h) the declaration of net quantity of contents shall not be expressed in mixed units.

Example: 

1.5 kg, not 1 kg 500 g

7.4.1. Symbols. – Only those symbols as detailed in Section 6.5.1. Symbols, and none other, may be employed 

in the quantity statement on a package of commodity.

7.5. U.S. Customary Units: Weight, Measure. – A declaration of quantity:

(a) in units of weight shall be in terms of the avoirdupois pound or ounce;

(b) in units of liquid measure shall be in terms of the United States gallon of 231 cubic inches or liquid quart, 

liquid pint, or fluid ounce subdivisions of the gallon and shall express the volume at 68 °F, except in the 

case of petroleum products or distilled spirits, for which the declaration shall express the volume at 60 °F, 

and except also in the case of a commodity that is normally sold and consumed while frozen, for which the 

declaration shall express the volume at the frozen temperature, and except also in the case of a commodity 

that is normally sold in the refrigerated state, for which the declaration shall express the volume at 40 °F, 

and except also in the case of malt beverages, for which the declaration shall express the volume at 39.1 °F;

(Amended 1985)

(c) in units of linear measure shall be in terms of the yard, foot, or inch;

(d) in units of area measure shall be in terms of the square yard, square foot, or square inch;

(e) in units of volume measure shall be in terms of the cubic yard, cubic foot, or cubic inch; and

(f) in units of dry measure, shall be in terms of the United States bushel of 2150.42 in3

, or peck, dry quart, and 

dry pint subdivisions of the bushel.

7.5.1. Symbols and Abbreviations. – Any generally accepted symbol and abbreviation of a unit name may be 

employed in the quantity statement on a package of commodity. (For commonly accepted symbols and 

abbreviations, see Section 6.7.1. Symbols and Abbreviations.)
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75

7.6. Character of Declaration: Average. – The average quantity of contents in the packages of a particular lot, 

shipment, or delivery shall at least equal the declared quantity, and no unreasonable shortage in any package shall be 

permitted, even though overages in other packages in the same shipment, delivery, or lot compensate for such 

shortage.

Section 8. Prominence and Placement: Consumer Packages

8.1. General. – All information required to appear on a consumer package shall appear thereon in the English 

language and shall be prominent, definite, plain, and conspicuous as to size and style of letters and numbers and as 

to color of letters and numbers in contrast to color of background. Any required information that is either in hand 

lettering or hand script shall be entirely clear and equal to printing in legibility.

8.1.1. Location. – The declaration or declarations of quantity of the contents of a package shall appear in the 

bottom 30 % of the principal display panel or panels. For cylindrical containers, see also

Section 10.7. Cylindrical Containers for additional requirements. For small packages, see Section 11.16. Small 

Packages.

(Amended 1975)

8.1.2. Style of Type or Lettering. – The declaration or declarations of quantity shall be in such a style of type 

or lettering as to be boldly, clearly, and conspicuously presented with respect to other type, lettering, or graphic 

material on the package, except that a declaration of net quantity blown, formed, or molded on a glass or plastic 

surface is permissible when all label information is blown, formed, or molded on the surface.

8.1.3. Color Contrast. – The declaration or declarations of quantity shall be in a color that contrasts 

conspicuously with its background, except that a declaration of net quantity blown, formed, or molded on a 

glass or plastic surface shall not be required to be presented in a contrasting color if no required label 

information is on the surface in a contrasting color.

8.1.4. Free Area. – The area surrounding the quantity declaration shall be free of printed information:

(a) above and below, by a space equal to at least the height of the lettering in the declaration; and

(b) to the left and right, by a space equal to twice the width of the letter “N” of the style and size of type 

used in the declaration.

8.1.5. Parallel Quantity Declaration. – The quantity declaration shall be presented in such a manner as to be 

generally parallel to the declaration of identity and to the base on which the package rests as it is designed to be 

displayed.

8.2. Calculation of Area of Principal Display Panel for Purposes of Type Size. – The area of the principal 

display panel shall be:

(a) in the case of a rectangular container, one entire side that properly can be considered to be the principal 

display panel, the product of the height times the width of that side;

For Figure 3, the area of the principal display panel is 20 cm (8 in) x 15 cm (6 in) = 300 cm2 (48 in2

).
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76

Figure 3. Calculation of the Area of the 

Principal Display Area of a Retangular 

Container

Figure 4. Calculation of the Area of the 

Principal Display Area of a Rectangular 

Container

(b) in the case of a cylindrical or nearly cylindrical container, 40 % of the product of the height of the container 

times the circumference;

For Figure 4, the area of the principal display panel is:

25 cm (10 in) x 5 cm (2 in) = 125 cm (20 in2

) x 0.40 = 50 cm2 (8 in2) 

(see also Section 10.7. Cylindrical Containers).

The area of the principal display panel is the same in both examples. The declaration of net quantity of 

contents must be of the same height in both cases. It is not the size of the label that is used to determine the 

minimum type size of the quantity statement, but the size of the surface of the package exposed to view to 

the customer. The package on the right side of the figure has a spot label (see Section 2.12. Spot Label and 

Section 11.29. Spot Label); and

(c) in the case of any other shaped container, 40 % of the total surface of the container, unless such container 

presents an obvious principal display panel (e.g., the top of a triangular or circular package of cheese, or the 

top of a can of shoe polish), in which event the area shall consist of the entire such surface.

Figure 5.

Determination of the principal display panel shall exclude tops, bottoms, flanges at tops and bottoms of cans, and 

shoulders and necks of bottles or jars.
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77

8.2.1. Minimum Height of Numbers and Letters. – The height of any letter or number in the required 

quantity declaration shall be not less than that shown in Table 1 with respect to the area of the panel, and the 

height of each number of a common fraction shall meet one-half the minimum height standards. When upper 

and lowercase or all lowercase letters are used, it is the lowercase “o” or its equivalent that shall meet the 

minimum height requirement. When upper and lowercase or all lowercase letters are used in SI symbols, it is 

the uppercase “L,” lowercase “d,” or their equivalent in the print or type that shall meet the minimum height 

requirement. However, no letter shall be less than 1.6 mm (1

/16 in) in height. Other letters and exponents must 

be presented in the same type style and in proportion to the type size used.

(Amended 1993)

8.2.2. Numbers and Letters: Proportion. – No number or letter shall be more than three times as high as it is 

wide.

Table 1. Minimum Height of Numbers and Letters

Area of

Principal Display Panel

Minimum Height of 

Numbers and Letters

Minimum Height; Label Information Blown, 

Formed, or Molded on Surface of Container

≤ 32 cm2

(5 in2)

1.6 mm

(

1

/16 in)

3.2 mm

(

1

/8 in)

> 32 cm2

(5 in2) ≤ 161 cm2 (25 in2)

3.2 mm

(

1

/8 in)

4.8 mm

(

3

/16 in)

> 161 cm2

(25 in2) 

≤ 645 cm2 

(100 in2)

4.8 mm

(

3

/16 in)

6.4 mm

(1⁄4 in)

> 645 cm2

(100 in2) ≤ 2581 cm2 (400 in2)

6.4 mm

(1⁄4 in)

7.9 mm

(

5

/16 in)

> 2581 cm2

(400 in2)

12.7 mm

(1⁄2 in)

14.3 mm

(

9

/16 in)

Symbols: ≤ means less than or equal to; < means less than; > means greater than.

NOTE: The type size requirements specified in this table do not apply to the “e” mark [NOTE 4, page 67].

Section 9. Prominence and Placement: Non-consumer Packages

9.1. General. – All information required to appear on a non-consumer package shall be definitely and clearly stated 

thereon in the English language. Any required information that is either in hand lettering or hand script shall be 

entirely clear and equal to printing in legibility.

Section 10. Requirements: Specific Consumer Commodities, Non-consumer Commodities, 

Packages, Containers

(Title amended 1979)

10.1. Display Card Package. – For an individual package affixed to a display card, or for a commodity and display 

card together comprising a package, the type size of the quantity declaration is governed by the dimensions of the 

display card.

10.2. Eggs. – When cartons containing 12 eggs have been designed so as to permit division in half by the retail 

purchaser, the required quantity declaration shall be so positioned as to have its context destroyed when the carton is 

divided.

10.3. Aerosols and Other Pre-pressurized Containers Dispensing Product Under Pressure. – The declaration 

of quantity on an aerosol and on other pre-pressurized containers dispensing products under pressure shall disclose 
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the net quantity of the commodity (including propellant, where applicable) in terms of weight that will be expelled 

when the instructions for use as shown on the container are followed.

Note: Enforceable on packages using bag-on-valve (BOV) technology after January 1, 2018.

(Amended 2014)

10.4. Multi-unit Packages. [NOTE 7, page 78] – Any package containing more than one individual “commodity in 

package form” (see Section 2.1. Package) of the same commodity shall bear on the outside of the package a 

declaration of:

(a) the number of individual units;

(b) the quantity of each individual unit; and

(c) the total quantity of the contents of the multi-unit package.

Example:

Soap bars, 6 Bars, Net Wt 100 g (3.53 oz) each

Total Net Wt 600 g (1.32 lb).

The term “total” or the phrase “total contents” may precede the quantity declaration.

A multi-unit package containing unlabeled individual packages which are not intended for retail sale separate 

from the multi-unit package may contain, in lieu of the requirements of section (a), a declaration of quantity of 

contents expressing the total quantity of the multi-unit package without regard for inner packaging. For such 

multi-unit packages it shall be optional to include a statement of the number of individual packages when such a 

statement is not otherwise required by the regulations.

Examples:

Deodorant Cakes – 

5 Cakes, Net Wt 113 g (4 oz) each, Total Net Wt 566 g (1.25 lb); or

5 Cakes, Total Net Wt 566 g (1 lb 4 oz)

Soap Packets – 

10 Packets, Net Wt 56.6 g (2 oz) each, Total Net Wt 566 g (1.25 lb); or Net Wt 566 g (1 lb 4 oz); or 

10 Packets, Total Net Wt 566 g (1 lb 4 oz)

(Amended 1993)

NOTE 7: For foods, a “multi-unit” package means a package containing two or more individually packaged units 

of the identical commodity in the same quantity, intended to be sold as part of the multi-unit package but labeled to 

be individually sold in full compliance with this regulation. Open multi-unit retail food packages under the 

authority of the FDA or the USDA that do not obscure the number of units or prevent examination of the labeling on 

each of the individual units are not required to declare the number of individual units or the total quantity of 

contents of the multi-unit package if the labeling of each individual unit complies with requirements so that it is 

capable of being sold individually. (See also Section 11.11. Soft Drink Bottles and Section 11.12. Multi-Unit SoftDrink Bottles.)

(Added 1984)

10.5. Combination Packages. – A combination package is a package intended for retail sale, containing two or 

more individual packages or units of dissimilar commodities. The declaration of net quantity for a combination 

package shall contain an expression of weight, volume, measure, or count or a combination thereof, as appropriate, 

for each individual package or unit, provided the quantity statements for identical packages or units shall be 

combined. This section does not apply to food or other commodities subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and 

Cosmetic Act (21 USC).
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Examples: 

Lighter Fluid and Flints – 

2 cans lighter fluid – each 236 mL (8 fl oz)

1 package – 8 flints

Sponges and Cleaner – 

2 sponges – each 10 cm x 15 cm x 2.5 cm (4 in x 6 in x 1 in)

1 box cleaner – Net Mass 170 g (6 oz)

Picnic Pack – 

20 spoons, 10 knives, and 10 forks

10 2-ply napkins 25 cm x 25 cm (10 in x 10 in)

10 cups – 177 mL (6 fl oz)

(Amended 1993)

10.6. Variety Packages. – A variety package is a package intended for retail sale, containing two or more 

individual packages or units of similar but not identical commodities. Commodities that are generically the same 

but that differ in weight, measure, volume, appearance, or quality are considered similar but not identical. This 

section does not apply to foods or other commodities subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 

(21 USC). The declaration of net quantity for a variety package will be expressed as follows:

(a) the number of units for each identical commodity followed by the weight, volume, or measure of that 

commodity;

(b) the total quantity by weight, volume, measure, and count, as appropriate, of the variety package. The 

statement of total quantity shall appear as the last item in the declaration of net quantity and shall not be of 

greater prominence than other terms used.

Examples:

Sponges – 

11 Sponges 11 cm x 20.3 cm x 1.9 cm (4 in x 8 in x 3⁄4 in)

14 Sponges 5.7 cm x 10 cm x 1.2 cm (21⁄4 in x 4 in x 1⁄2 in)

Total: 25 Sponges

Soap – 

2 Soap Bars 85 g (3 oz) ea

1 Soap Bar 142 g (5 oz)

Total: 3 Soap Bars 312 g (11 oz)

Liquid Shoe Polish – 

1 Brown 89 mL (3 fl oz)

1 Black 89 mL (3 fl oz)

1 White 148 mL (5 fl oz)

Total: 326 mL (11 fl oz)

Picnic Ware – 

34 spoons

33 forks

33 knives

Total: 100 pieces

(Amended 1993)

When individual units in a variety package are either packaged or labeled and are intended for retail sale as 

individual units, each unit shall be labeled in compliance with the applicable sections of this regulation.
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10.7. Cylindrical Containers. – In the case of cylindrical or nearly cylindrical containers, information required to 

appear on the principal display panel shall appear within that 40 % of the circumference which is most likely to be 

displayed, presented, shown, or examined under customary conditions of display for retail sale.

10.8. Measurement of Container-Type Commodities, How Expressed.

10.8.1. General. – Commodities designated and sold at retail to be used as containers for other materials or 

objects, such as bags, cups, boxes, and pans, shall be labeled with the declaration of net quantity as follows:

(a) For bag-type commodities, in terms of count followed by linear dimensions of the bag (whether 

packaged in a perforated roll or otherwise). The linear dimensions shall be expressed:

(1) in SI units: in millimeters or centimeters, except that a dimension of 1 meter or more will be 

expressed in meters with the remainder in terms of decimal fractions of the meter; and

(2) in U.S. customary units: in inches, except that a dimension of 2 ft or more will be expressed in 

feet with any remainder in terms of inches or common or decimal fractions of the foot.

(b) When the unit bag is characterized by two dimensions because of the absence of a gusset, the width 

and length will be stated.

Examples:

25 Bags, 12.7 cm x 10 cm (5 in x 4 in) or

50 Bags, 75 cm x 1.2 m (2.5 ft x 3.9 ft)

(c) When the unit bag is gusseted, the dimensions will be expressed as width, depth, and length.

Examples:

25 Bags, 43 cm x 10 cm x 50 cm (17 in x 4 in x 20 in) or

100 Bags, 50.8 cm x 30.4 cm x 76.2 cm (20 in x 12 in x 21⁄2 ft)

(d) For other square, oblong, rectangular, or similarly shaped containers, in terms of count followed by 

length, width, and depth, except depth need not be listed when less than 5 cm or 2 in. The linear 

dimensions shall be expressed as specified in Section 10.8.1.(a).

Example: 

bag-type commodities: 2 Pans, 20 cm x 20 cm (8 in x 8 in)

(e) For circular or other generally round-shaped containers, except cups and the like, in terms of count 

followed by diameter and depth, except depth need not be listed when less than 5 cm or 2 in.

Example: 

4 Pans, 20 cm (8 in) diameter x 10 cm (4 in)

(f) Cups – Notwithstanding the above requirements, the net quantity statement for containers such as cups 

will be listed in terms of count and liquid capacity per unit.

Example: 

24 Cups, 177 mL (6 fl oz) capacity

10.8.2. Capacity. – When the functional use of the container is related by label references in standard terms of 

measure to the capability of holding a specific quantity of substance or class of substances such references shall 

be a part of the net quantity statement and shall specify capacity as follows:
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(a) in SI units: in terms of volume for all containers and liners. The expressed capacity will be stated in 

terms of milliliters, except that a quantity of 1 liter or more shall be expressed in liters with the 

remainder in terms of decimal fractions of the liter; and

(b) in U.S. customary units:

(1) In terms of liquid measure for containers that are intended to be used for liquids, semisolids, 

viscous materials, or mixtures of solids and liquids. The expressed capacity will be stated in terms 

of the largest whole unit (gallon, quart, pint, fluid ounce) with any remainder in terms of common 

or decimal fractions of that unit.

Example: 

Freezer Boxes – 4 Boxes, 946 mL capacity, 15 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm (1 qt capacity, 

6 in x 6 in x 4 in)

(2) In terms of dry measure for containers that are intended to be used for solids. The expressed 

capacity will be stated in terms of the largest whole unit (bushel, peck) with any remainder in 

terms of common or decimal fractions of that unit.

Example: 

Leaf Bags – 8 Bags, 211 L capacity, 1.21 m x 1.52 m (6 bu capacity, 4 ft x 5 ft)

(3) Where containers are used as liners for other more permanent containers, in the same terms as are 

normally used to express the capacity of the more permanent containers.

Example: 

Garbage Can Liners – 10 Liners, 76.2 cm x 93.9 cm, fits up to 113 L cans (2 ft 6 in x 3 ft 1 in, 

fits up to 30 gal cans)

10.8.3. Terms. – For purposes of this section, the use of the terms “capacity,” “diameter,” and “fluid” is 

optional.

10.9. Textile Products, Threads, and Yarns.

10.9.1. Wearing Apparel. – Wearing apparel (including non-textile apparel and accessories such as leather 

goods and footwear) sold as single unit items, or if normally sold in pairs (such as hosiery, gloves, and shoes) 

sold as single unit pairs, shall be exempt from the requirements for net quantity statement by count, as required 

by Section 6.4. Terms: Weight, Liquid Measure, Dry Measure, or Count of this regulation.

10.9.2. Textiles. – Bed sheets, blankets, pillowcases, comforters, quilts, bedspreads, mattress covers and pads, 

afghans, throws, dresser and other furniture scarves, tablecloths and napkins, flags, curtains, drapes, dishtowels, 

dishcloths, towels, facecloths, utility cloths, bathmats, carpets and rugs, potholders, fixture and appliance 

covers, nonrectangular diapers, slipcovers, etc., shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 6.9. Bidimensional Commodities of this regulation, provided:

(a) The quantity statement for fitted sheets and mattress covers shall state, in centimeters and inches, the 

length and width of the mattress for which the item is designed and the size designation of the mattress 

if the item is intended to fit a mattress identified as “twin,” “double,” “queen,” “king,” “California 

king,” etc.

Example: 

Double sheet for 137 cm x 190 cm (54 in x 75 in) mattress.

(Amended 1987)

(b) The quantity statement for flat sheets shall state, in centimeters and inches, the length and width of the 

mattress for which the sheet is designed, followed in parentheses by a statement, in centimeters and 
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inches, of the length and width of the finished sheet. The quantity statement shall also state the size 

designation of the mattress for which the sheet is designed, such as “twin,” “double,” “queen,” “king,” 

“California king,” if the item is intended to fit such a mattress.

Example: 

Twin Flat Sheet for 99 cm x 190 cm (39 in x 75 in) mattress 167 cm x 244 cm (66 in x 96 in) 

finished size.

(Amended 1987)

(c) The quantity statement for pillowcases shall state, in centimeters and inches, the length and width of 

the pillow for which the pillowcase is designed, followed in parentheses by a statement, in centimeters 

and inches of the length and width of the finished pillowcase. The quantity statement for pillowcases 

shall also state the size designation of the pillow for which the pillowcase is designed, for example, 

“youth,” “standard,” “queen,” etc., if the item is intended to fit such pillows.

Example: 

Standard Pillowcase for 51 cm x 66 cm (20 in x 26 in) pillow, 51 cm x 76 cm (20 in x 30 in) in 

finished size.

(Amended 1977 and 1987)

(d) The quantity statement for blankets, comforters, quilts, bedspreads, mattress pads, afghans, and throws 

shall state, in centimeters and inches, the length and width of the finished item. The quantity statement 

shall also state the length of any ornamentation and the size designation of the mattress for which the 

item is designed, if it is intended to fit, for example, a “twin,” “double,” “queen,” “king,” “California 

king,” etc., mattress.

(Amended 1988)

(e) The quantity statement for tablecloths and napkins shall state, in centimeters and inches, the length and 

width of the finished item. The quantity statement also may state parenthetically, in centimeters and 

inches, the length and width of the item before hemming and be properly identified as such.

(f) The quantity statement for curtains, drapes, flags, furniture scarves, etc., shall state, in centimeters and 

inches, the length and width of the finished item. The quantity statement also may state 

parenthetically, in centimeters and inches, the length of any ornamentation. 

(g) The quantity statement for carpets and rugs shall state, in meters and feet, with any remainder in 

decimal fractions of the meter for SI sizes or common or decimal fractions of the foot or in inches for 

U.S. customary sizes, the length and width of the item. The quantity statement also may state 

parenthetically, in centimeters and inches, the length of any ornamentation.

(h) The quantity statement for woven dishtowels, dishcloths, towels, facecloths, utility cloths, bathmats, 

etc., shall state, in centimeters and inches, the length and width of the item. The quantity statement for 

such items, when knitted, need not state the dimensions.

(i) The quantity statement for textile products such as potholders, fixture and appliance covers, slipcovers, 

non-rectangular diapers, etc., shall be stated in terms of count and may include size designations and 

dimensions.

(j) The quantity statement for other than rectangular textile products identified in Sections (a) through (h) 

shall state the geometric shape of the product and the dimensions that are customarily used in 

describing such geometric shape.

Examples:

Round Scarf 190 cm (74 in) in diameter;
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Oval Tablecloth 177 cm x 254 cm (70 in x 100 in) representing the maximum length and width in 

this case.

(k) The quantity statement for packages of remnants of textile products of assorted sizes, when sold by 

count, shall be accompanied by the term “irregular dimensions” and the minimum size of such 

remnants.

(Added 1971)

10.9.3. Sewing Threads, Handicraft Threads, and Yarns. – Sewing and handicraft threads shall be labeled 

as follows:

(a) The net quantity for sewing and handicraft threads shall be expressed in terms of meters and yards.

(b) The net quantity statement for yarns shall be expressed in terms of mass or weight.

(c) Thread products may, in lieu of name and address, bear a trademark, symbol, brand, or other mark that 

positively identifies the manufacturer, packer, or distributor provided such marks are filed with the 

Director.

(d) Each unit of industrial thread shall be marked to show its net length in terms of meters and yards or its 

net weight in terms of kilograms or grams and avoirdupois pounds or ounces, except that ready-wound 

bobbins that are not sold separately shall not be required to be individually marked to show the number 

of bobbins contained therein and the net meters and yards of thread on each bobbin.

10.10. Packaged Seed. – Packages of seeds intended for planting with net contents of less than 225 g or 8 oz shall 

be labeled in full accord with this regulation except as follows:

(a) The quantity statement shall appear in the upper 30 % of the principal display panel.

(b) The quantity statement shall be in terms of:

(1) the largest whole SI unit for all packages with weights up to 7 g; and

(2) in grams and ounces for all other packages with weights less than 225 g or 8 oz.

(Amended 1995)

(c) The quantity statement for coated seed, encapsulated seed, pelletized seed, pre-planters, seed tapes, etc., 

shall be in terms of count.

(Added 1972) (Amended 1975 and 1993)

Section 11. Exemptions [NOTE 8, page 83]

NOTE 8: Section 11. Exemptions include several requirements that refer only to the historic use of U.S. customary 

units or are direct restatements of exemptions contained in federal laws or regulations which do not include SI 

units. SI equivalents are omitted in most of these requirements because the SI units would not be meaningful or 

useful.

(Added 1993) (Amended 1995)

11.1. Random Packages. – A random package bearing a label conspicuously declaring:

(a) the net weight;

(b) unit price; and

(c) the total price
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shall be exempt from the SI units, type size, location, and free area requirements of this regulation. In the case of a 

random package packed at one place for subsequent sale at another, neither the price per unit of weight nor the total 

selling price need appear on the package, provided the package label includes both such prices at the time it is 

offered or exposed for sale at retail.

This section shall also apply to uniform weight packages of fresh fruit or vegetables labeled by count, in the same 

manner and by the same type of equipment as random packages exempted by this section, and cheese and cheese 

products labeled in the same manner and by the same type of equipment as random packages exempted by this 

section.

(Amended 1989)

11.1.1. Indirect Sale of Random Packages. – A random package manufactured or produced and offered for 

indirect sale (e.g., e-commerce, online, phone, fax, catalog, and similar methods) shall be exempt from the 

labeling requirements of:

(a) unit price 

(b) total price

when the following requirements are met:

At the time of the delivery, each package need only bear a statement of net weight, provided that:

(a) the unit price is set forth and established in the initial product offering;

(b) the maximum possible net weight, unit price, and maximum possible price are provided to the 

customer by order confirmation when the product is ordered; and

(c) when the product is delivered, the customer receives a receipt bearing the following information: 

identity, declared net weight, unit price, and the total price.

Indirect Sales: For the purpose of Section 11.1.1. Indirect Sale of Random Packages, indirect sales are sales 

where the customer makes a selection and places an order, but cannot be present when the determination of the

net quantity is made. Examples of such indirect methods include, without limitation, Internet or online sales, 

sales conducted by telephone or facsimile, and catalog sales. 

(Added 2001) (Amended 2002)

11.2. Small Confections. – Individually wrapped pieces of “penny candy” and other confectionery of less than 15 g 

or 1⁄2 oz net weight per individual piece shall be exempt from the labeling requirements of this regulation when the 

container in which such confectionery is shipped is in conformance with the labeling requirements of this regulation. 

Similarly, when such confectionery items are sold in bags or boxes, such items shall be exempt from the labeling 

requirements of this regulation, including the required declaration of net quantity of contents, when the declaration 

of the bag or box meets the requirements of this regulation.

11.3. Small Packages of Meat or Meat Products. – Individually wrapped and labeled packages of meat or meat 

products of less than 15 g or 1⁄2 oz net weight, which are in a shipping container, need not bear a statement of the net 

quantity of contents when the statement of the net quantity of contents on the shipping container is in conformance 

with the labeling requirements of this regulation.

(Added 1987)

11.4. Individual Servings. – Individual serving size packages of foods containing less than 15 g or 1⁄2 oz or less 

than 15 mL or 1⁄2 fl oz for use in restaurants, institutions, and passenger carriers, and not intended for sale at retail, 

shall be exempt from the required declaration of net quantity of contents specified in this regulation.
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11.5. Cuts, Plugs, and Twists of Tobacco and Cigars. – When individual cuts, plugs, and twists of tobacco and 

individual cigars are shipped or delivered in containers that conform to the labeling requirements of this regulation, 

such individual cuts, plugs, and twists of tobacco and cigars shall be exempt from such labeling requirements.

11.6. Reusable (Returnable) Glass Containers. – Nothing in this Regulation shall be deemed to preclude the 

continued use of reusable (returnable) glass containers, provided such glass containers ordered after the effective 

date of this regulation shall conform to all requirements of this regulation.

11.7. Cigarettes and Small Cigars. – Cartons of cigarettes and small cigars, containing ten individual packages of 

twenty, labeled in accordance with the requirements of this regulation shall be exempt from the requirements set 

forth in Section 8.1.1. Location, Section 8.2.1. Minimum Height of Numbers and Letters, and Section 10.4. Multiunit Packages, provided such cartons bear a declaration of the net quantity of commodity in the package.

11.8. Packaged Commodities with Labeling Requirements Specified in Federal Law. – Packages of meat and 

meat products, poultry products, tobacco and tobacco products, pesticides, and alcoholic beverages shall be exempt 

from those portions of these regulations specifying location and minimum type size of the net quantity declaration, 

provided quantity labeling requirements for such products are specified in federal law so as to follow reasonably 

sound principles of providing consumer information. (See also Section 11.32. SI Units, Exemptions - Consumer 

Commodities.)

11.9. Fluid Dairy Products, Ice Cream, and Similar Frozen Desserts. 

(a) When packaged in 1⁄2 liq pt and 1⁄2 gal containers, are exempt from the requirements for stating net contents 

of 8 fl oz and 64 fl oz, which may be expressed as 1⁄2 pt and 1⁄2 gal, respectively.

(b) When measured by and packaged in measure containers as defined in “Measure Container Code of 

National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44,” are exempt from the requirements of 

Section 8.1.1. Location that the declaration of net contents be located within the bottom 30 % of the 

principal display panel.

(c) Milk and milk products when measured by and packaged in glass or plastic containers of 1⁄2 pt, 1 pt, 1 qt, 

1⁄2 gal, and 1 gal capacities are exempt from the placement requirement of Section 8.1.1. Location that the 

declaration of net contents be located within the bottom 30 % of the principal display panel, provided other 

required label information is conspicuously displayed on the cap or outside closure and the required net 

quantity of contents declaration is conspicuously blown, formed, or molded on, or permanently applied to 

that part of the glass or plastic container that is at or above the shoulder of the container.

(Amended 1993)

11.10. Single Strength and Less than Single-Strength Fruit Juice Beverages, Imitations thereof, and Drinking 

Water.

(a) When packaged in glass, plastic, or fluid milk type paper containers of 8 fl oz and 64 fl oz capacity, are 

exempt from the requirements of Section 6.2. Largest Whole Unit to the extent that net contents of 8 fl oz 

and 64 fl oz (or 2 qt) may be expressed as 1⁄2 pt (or half pint) and 1⁄2 gal (or half gallon), respectively.

(b) When packaged in glass or plastic containers of 1⁄2 pt, 1 pt, 1 qt, 1⁄2 gal, and 1 gal capacities, are exempt 

from the placement requirements of Section 8.1.1. Location that the declaration of net contents be located 

within the bottom 30 % of the principal display panel, provided other label information is conspicuously 

displayed on the cap or outside closure and the required net quantity of contents declaration is 

conspicuously blown, formed, or molded into or permanently applied to that part of the glass or plastic 

container that is at or above the shoulder of the container.

(Amended 1993)
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11.11. Soft Drink Bottles. – Bottles of soft drinks shall be exempt from the placement requirements for the 

declaration of:

(a) identity when such declaration appears on the bottle closure; and

(b) quantity when such declaration is blown, formed, or molded on or above the shoulder of the container and 

when all other information required by this regulation appears only on the bottle closure.

11.12. Multi-unit Soft Drink Packages. – Multi-unit packages of soft drinks are exempt from the requirement for a 

declaration of:

(a) responsibility when such declaration appears on the individual units and is not obscured by the multi-unit 

packaging or when the outside container bears a statement to the effect that such declaration will be found 

on the individual units inside; and

(b) identity when such declaration appears on the individual units and is not obscured by the multi-unit 

packaging.

11.13. Butter. – When packaged in 4 oz, 8 oz, and 1 lb packages with continuous label copy wrapping, butter is 

exempt from the requirements that the statement of identity (Section 3.1.1. Parallel Identity Declaration: Consumer 

Package) and the net quantity declaration (Section 8.1.5. Parallel Quantity Declaration) be generally parallel to the 

base of the package. When packaged in 8 oz and 1 lb units, butter is exempt from the requirement for location 

(Section 8.1.1. Location) of net quantity declaration.

(Amended 1980 and 1993)

11.14. Eggs. – Cartons containing 12 eggs shall be exempt from the requirement for location 

(Section 8.1.1. Location) of net quantity declaration. When such cartons are designed to permit division in half, 

each half shall be exempt from the labeling requirements of this regulation if the undivided carton conforms to all 

such requirements.

11.15. Flour. – Packages of wheat flour in conventional 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 lb packages shall be exempt from

the requirement in this regulation for location (Section 8.1.1. Location) of the net quantity declaration.

(Amended 1980 and 1993)

11.16. Small Packages. – On a principal display panel of 32 cm2 (5 in2

) or less, the declaration of quantity need not 

appear in the bottom 30 % of the principal display panel if that declaration satisfies the other requirements of this 

regulation.

(Amended 1980)

11.17. Decorative Containers. – The principal display panel of a cosmetic marketed in a “boudoir-type” container, 

including decorative cosmetic containers of the “cartridge,” “pill box,” “compact,” or “pencil” variety, and those 

with a capacity of 7.4 mL (1⁄4 oz) or less, may be a tear-away tag or tape affixed to the decorative container and 

bearing the mandatory label information as required by this regulation.

(Amended 1980)

11.18. Combination and Variety Packages. – Combination and variety packages are exempt from the 

requirements in this regulation for:

(a) location (see Section 8.1.1. Location);

(b) free area (see Section 8.1.4. Free Area); and

(c) minimum height of numbers and letters (see Section 8.2.1. Minimum Height of Numbers and Letters).

(Amended 1989)
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11.19. Margarine. – Margarine in 1 lb rectangular packages, except for packages containing whipped or soft 

margarine or packages containing more than four sticks, shall be exempt from the requirement in this regulation for 

location (see Section 8.1.1. Location) of the net quantity declaration.

(Amended 1980 and 1993)

11.20. Corn Flour and Corn Meal. – Corn flour and corn meal packaged in conventional 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 lb 

bags shall be exempt from the requirement in this regulation for location (see Section 8.1.1. Location) of the net 

quantity declaration.

(Amended 1978 and 1980)

11.21. Prescription and Insulin Containing Drugs. – Prescription and insulin containing drugs subject to the 

provisions of Section 503(b) (1) or 506 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act shall be exempt from the 

provisions of this regulation.

11.22. Camera Film, Video Recording Tape, Audio Recording Tape, and Other Image and Audio Recording 

Media Intended for Retail Sale and Consumer Use. – Image and audio media packaged and labeled for retail sale 

are exempt from the net quantity statement requirements of this regulation that specify how measurement of 

commodities should be expressed, provided:

(a) Unexposed or Unrecorded Media. – The net quantity of contents of unexposed or unrecorded image and 

audio media is expressed:

(1) For still film, tape, or other still image media, in terms of the usable or guaranteed number of available 

still image exposures. The length and width measurements of the individual exposures, expressed in 

millimeters or inches, are authorized as an optional statement.

Examples:

36 exposures, 36 mm x 24 mm, or

12 exposures, 21⁄4 in x 21⁄4 in.

(2) For bulk or movie film, in terms of length (in meters or feet) of film available for exposure.

(3) For all other image and/or audio media, in terms of length of time of electronic media available for 

recording, together with recording and/or playing speed or other machine settings as necessary. 

Supplemental information concerning the length of the media [NOTE 9, page 87] may be provided.

Supplemental information may be provided on other than the principal display panel.

NOTE 9: Size, length of media, and format details to ensure interchangeability and other characteristics of audio 

and imaging media are available in the applicable American National Standards.

(b) Exposed, Recorded, or Processed Media. – The net quantity of contents of exposed or processed film or 

prerecorded electronic media shall be expressed in terms of the length of time that is of entertainment 

value. 

“Entertainment value” is defined as that portion of a film, tape, or other media that commences with the 

first frame of sound or picture, whichever comes first after the countdown sequence (if any), and ends 

with either: (a) the last frame of credits; (b) the last frame of the phrase “The End”; or (c) the end of 

sound, whichever is last.

(Amended 1990)

11.23. Tint Base Paint. – Tint base paint may be labeled on the principal display panel in terms of a liter, quart, or 

a gallon, including the addition of colorant selected by the purchaser, provided the system employed ensures that the 

purchaser always obtains a liter, quart, or a gallon; and further provided, in conjunction with the required quantity 

statement on the principal display panel, a statement indicating that the tint base paint is not to be sold without the 
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addition of colorant is presented; and further provided the contents of the container, before the addition of colorant, 

is stated in fluid ounces elsewhere on the label.

Wherever the above conditions cannot be met, containers of tint base paint must be labeled with a statement of the 

actual net contents prior to the addition of colorant in full accord with all the requirements of this regulation.

(Added 1972) (Amended 1980 and 1993)

11.24. Motor Oil in Cans. – Motor oils when packed in cans bearing the principal display panel on the body of the 

container are exempt from the requirements of Section 3. Declaration of Identity: Consumer Package to the extent 

that the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) viscosity number is required to appear on the principal display 

panel, provided the SAE viscosity number appears on the can lid and is expressed in letters and numerals in type 

size of at least 6 mm or 1⁄4 in.

(Amended 1974, 1980, and 1993)

11.25. Pillows, Cushions, Comforters, Mattress Pads, Sleeping Bags, and Similar Products. – Those products including 

pillows, cushions, comforters, mattress pads, and sleeping bags, that bear a permanent label as designated by the or by the Bureau 

of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BHFTI) (http://www.bhfti.ca.gov/about/about_bhfti.shtml) shall be exempt from 

the requirements for location (Section 8.1.1. Location), size of letters or numbers (Sections 8.2.1. Minimum Height of Numbers 

and Letters and 8.2.2. Numbers and Letters: Proportion), free area (Section 8.1.4. Free Area), and the declarations of identity and 

responsibility (Sections 3.1. Declaration of Identity and 5. Declaration of Responsibility: Consumer and Nonconsumer 

Packages), provided declarations of identity, quantity, and responsibility are presented on a permanently attached label and satisfy 

the other requirements of this Regulation, and further provided the information on such permanently attached label be fully 

observable to the purchaser.

(Added 1973)

11.26. Commodities’ Variable Weights and Sizes. – Individual packaged commodities put up in variable weights 

and sizes for sale intact and intended to be weighed and marked with the correct quantity statement prior to or at the 

point of retail sale are exempt from the requirements of Section 6. Declaration of Quantity: Consumer Packages 

while moving in commerce and while held for sale prior to weighing and marking, provided the outside container 

bears a label declaration of the total net weight.

(Added 1973)

11.27. Packaged Commodities Sold by Count. [NOTE 10, page 88] – When a packaged consumer commodity is 

properly measured in terms of count only, or in terms of count and some other appropriate unit, and the individual 

units are fully visible to the purchaser, such packages shall be labeled in full accord with this Regulation, except that 

those containing six or less items need not include a statement of count.

(Added 1973)

NOTE 10: When the net contents declaration of a package that may enter interstate commerce includes count, 

federal regulations under the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act provide no exemption from declaring the 

count unless the count is one (1).

(Added 1990)

11.28. Textile Packages. – Packages of textiles that are required by Section 6.4.1. Combination Declaration to 

provide a combination declaration stating the quantity of each individual unit and the count shall be exempt from the 

requirements in this regulation for:

(a) Location (see Section 8.1.1. Location);

(b) Free area (see Section 8.1.4. Free Area); and

(c) Minimum height of numbers and letters (see Section 8.2.1. Minimum Height of Numbers and Letters).

(Added 1971) (Amended 1989)
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89

11.29. Spot Label. – The declaration of quantity of the contents of a package is exempt from 

Section 8.1.1. Location requiring the quantity declaration to appear in the bottom 30 % of the principal display 

panel, as long as the declaration of quantity appears in the lower 30 % of the spot label. In no case may the size of 

the spot label be used to determine the minimum type size; see Section 8.2. Calculation of Area of Principal Display 

Panel for Purposes of Type Size for this determination.

(Added 1990)

11.30. Header Strip. – The declaration of quantity of the contents of a package is exempt from 

Section 8.1.1. Location requiring the quantity declaration to appear in the bottom 30 % of the principal display 

panel, as long as the declaration of quantity appears in the lower 30 % of the header strip or header label. In no case 

may the size of the header strip be used to determine the minimum type size; see Section 8.2. Calculation of Area of 

Principal Display Panel for Purposes of Type Size for this determination.

(Added 1990)

11.31. Decorative Wallcovering Borders. – Decorative wallcovering borders when packaged and labeled for retail 

sale shall be exempt from the requirements of Sections 6.6.2. One Meter, 1 Square Meter, 1 Kilogram, l Liter, 

1 Cubic Meter, or More; 6.8.2. One Foot, 1 Square Foot, 1 Pound, 1 Pint, 1 Gallon or More; and 6.9. Bidimensional Commodities provided the length and width of the border are presented in terms of the largest whole 

unit in full accord with the other requirements of the regulation.

(Added 1992) (Amended 1993)

11.32. SI Units, Exemptions - Consumer Commodities. – The requirements for statements of quantity in SI units 

(except for those in Section 10.10. Packaged Seed and 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) in 

Section 6. Declaration of Quantity: Consumer Packages shall not apply to:

(a) foods packaged at the retail store level;

(b) random weight packages (see Sections 2.4. Random Package and 11.1. Random Packages);

(c) package labels printed before February 14, 1994;

(d) meat and poultry products subject to the Federal Meat or Poultry Products Inspection Acts;

(e) tobacco or tobacco products;

(f) any beverage subject to the Federal Alcohol Administration Act;

(g) any product subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act;

(h) drugs and cosmetics subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act;

(i) nutrition labeling information. 

11.33. U.S. Customary Units, Exemptions - Consumer Commodities. – The requirements for statements of 

quantity in U.S. customary units shall not apply to packages that bear appropriate SI units. This exemption does not 

apply to foods, drugs, or cosmetics or to packages subject to regulation by the FTC, meat and poultry products 

subject to the Federal Meat or Poultry Products Inspection Acts, and tobacco or tobacco products. 

(Added 1999)
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Section 12. Variations to be Allowed

12.1. Packaging Variations.

12.1.1. Variations from Declared Net Quantity. – Variations from the declared net weight, measure, or count 

shall be permitted when caused by unavoidable deviations in weighing, measuring, or counting the contents of 

individual packages that occur in current good manufacturing practice, but such variations shall not be 

permitted to such extent that the average of the quantities in the packages of a particular commodity or a lot of 

the commodity that is kept, offered, or exposed for sale, or sold is below the quantity stated, and no 

unreasonable shortage in any package shall be permitted even though overages in other packages in the same 

shipment, delivery, or lot compensate for such shortage. Variations above the declared quantity shall not be 

unreasonably large.

12.1.2. Variations Resulting from Exposure. – Variations from the declared weight or measure shall be 

permitted when caused by ordinary and customary exposure to conditions that normally occur in good 

distribution practice and that unavoidably result in change of weight or measure, but only after the commodity 

is introduced into intrastate commerce, provided the phrase “introduced into intrastate commerce” as used in 

this paragraph shall be construed to define the time and the place at which the first sale and delivery of a 

package is made within the state, the delivery being either:

(a) directly to the purchaser or to his/her agent; or

(b) to a common carrier for shipment to the purchaser,

and this paragraph shall be construed as requiring that so long as a shipment, delivery, or lot of packages of a 

particular commodity remains in the possession or under the control of the packager or the person who 

introduces the package into intrastate commerce, exposure variations shall not be permitted.

12.2. Magnitude of Permitted Variations. – The magnitude of package variations of this regulation permitted 

under Sections 12. Variations to be Allowed, 12.1. Package Variations, 12.1.1. Variations from Declared Net 

Quantity, and 12.1.2. Variations Resulting from Exposure shall be those expressly set forth in this regulation and 

variations such as those contained in the procedures and tables of NIST Handbook 133, “Checking the Net Contents 

of Packaged Goods.”

(Amended 1976, 1980, 1984, and 1988)

Section 13. Retail Sale Price Representations

13.1. “Cents off” Representations.

(a) The term “cents off representation” means any printed matter consisting of the words “cents off” or words 

of similar import (bonus offer, 2 for 1 sale, 1¢ sale, etc.), placed upon any consumer package or placed 

upon any label affixed or adjacent to such package, stating or representing by implication that it is being 

offered for sale at a price lower than the ordinary and customary retail sale price.

(Amended 1982)

(b) Except as set forth in Section 13.2. Introductory Offers, the packager or labeler of a consumer commodity 

shall not have imprinted thereon a “cents off” representation unless:

(1) The commodity has been sold at an ordinary and customary price in the most recent and regular course 

of business where the “cents off” promotion is made.

(2) The commodity so labeled is sold at a reduction from the ordinary and customary price, which 

reduction is at least equal to the amount of the “cents off” representation imprinted on the commodity 

package or label. 
Handbook 130 – 2015 Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation

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(3) Each “cents off” representation imprinted on the package or label is limited to a phrase that reflects 

that the price marked by the retailer represents the savings in the amount of the “cents off” the 

retailer’s regular price; e.g., “Price Marked is Cents Off the Regular Price,” “Price Marked 

is off the Regular Price of this Package”, provided the package or label may in addition bear in the 

usual pricing spot a form reflecting a space for the regular price, the represented “cents off,” and a 

space for the price to be paid by the consumer.

(4) The commodity at retail presents the regular price, designated as the “regular price”, clearly and 

conspicuously on the package or label of the commodity or on a sign, placard, or shelf marker placed 

in a position contiguous to the retail display of the “cents off” marked commodity.

i. Not more than three “cents off” promotions of any single size commodity may be initiated in the 

same trade area within a 12-month period;

ii. At least 30 days must lapse between “cents off” promotions of any particular size packaged or 

labeled commodity in a specific trade area; and

iii. Any single size commodity so labeled may not be sold in a trade area for a duration in excess of 

six months within any 12-month period.

(5) Sales of any single size commodity so labeled in a trade area do not exceed in volume 50 % of the total 

volume of sales of such size commodity in the same trade area during any 12-month period. The 

12-month period may be the calendar, fiscal, or market year provided the identical period is applied in 

this subparagraph and subparagraph (5) of this paragraph. Volume limits may be calculated on the 

basis of projections for the current year, but shall not exceed 50 % of the sales for the preceding year in 

the event actual sales are less than the projection for the current year.

(c) No “cents off” promotion shall be made available in any circumstances where it is known or there is reason 

to know that it will be used as an instrumentality for deception or for frustration of value comparison; for 

example, where the retailer charges a price that does not fully pass on to the consumers the represented 

price reduction or where the retailer fails to display the regular price in the display area of the “cents off” 

marked product.

(d) The sponsor of a “cents off” promotion shall prepare and maintain invoices or other records showing 

compliance with this section. The invoices or other records required by this section shall be open to 

inspection and shall be retained for a period of one year subsequent to the end of the year (calendar, fiscal, 

or market) in which the “cents off” promotion occurs.

(Added 1972)

13.2. Introductory Offers.

(a) The term “introductory offer” means any printed matter consisting of the words “introductory offer” or 

words of similar import, placed upon a package containing any new commodity or upon any label affixed 

or adjacent to such new commodity, stating or representing by implication that such new commodity is 

offered for retail sale at a price lower than the anticipated ordinary and customary retail sale price.

(b) The packager or labeler of a consumer commodity may not have imprinted thereon an introductory offer 

unless:

(1) The product contained in the package is new, has been changed in a functionally significant and 

substantial respect, or is being introduced into a trade area for the first time.

(2) Each offer on a package or label is clearly and conspicuously qualified.

(3) No commodity so labeled is sold in a trade area for duration in excess of six months.
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(4) At the time of making the introductory offer promotion, the offerer intends in good faith to offer the 

commodity, alone, at the anticipated ordinary and customary price for a reasonably substantial period 

of time following the duration of the introductory offer promotion.

(c) The packager or labeler of a consumer commodity shall not have imprinted thereon an introductory offer in 

the form of a “cents off” representation unless, in addition to the requirements in paragraph (b) of this 

section:

(1) The package or label clearly and conspicuously and in immediate conjunction with the phrase 

“Introductory Offer” bears the phrase “__________ cents off the after introductory offer price.”

(2) The commodity so labeled is sold at a reduction from the anticipated ordinary customary price, which 

reduction is at least equal to the amount of the reduction from the after introductory offer price 

representation on the commodity package or label.

(d) No introductory offer with a “cents off” representation shall be made available in any circumstance where 

it is known or there is reason to know that it will be used as an instrumentality for deception or for 

frustration of value comparison; e.g., where the retailer charges a price that does not fully pass on to 

consumers the represented price reduction.

(e) The sponsor of an introductory offer shall prepare and maintain invoices or other records showing 

compliance with this section. The invoices or other records required by this section shall be open to 

inspection and shall be retained for a period of one year subsequent to the period of the introductory offer.

(Added 1972)

13.3. Economy Size.

(a) The term “economy size” means any printed matter consisting of the words “economy size,” “economy 

pack,” “budget pack,” “bargain size,” “value size,” or words of similar import placed upon any package 

containing any consumer commodity or placed upon any label affixed or adjacent to such commodity, 

stating or representing directly or by implication that a retail sale price advantage is accorded the purchaser 

thereof by reason of the size of that package or the quantity of its contents.

(b) The packager or labeler of a consumer commodity may not have imprinted thereon an “economy” size 

representation unless:

(1) At the same time the same brand of the commodity is offered in at least one other packaged size or 

labeled form.

(2) Only one packaged or labeled form of that brand of commodity labeled with an “economy size” 

representation is offered.

(3) The commodity labeled with an “economy size” representation is sold at a price per unit of weight, 

volume, measure, or count that is substantially reduced (i.e., at least 5 %) from the actual price of all 

other packaged or labeled units of the same brand of that commodity offered simultaneously.

(c) No “economy size” package shall be made available in any circumstances where it is known that it will be 

used as an instrumentality for deception; e.g., where the retailer charges a price that does not pass on to the 

consumer the substantial reduction in cost per unit initially granted.

(d) The sponsor of an “economy size” package shall prepare and maintain invoices or other records showing 

compliance with paragraph (b) of this section. The invoices or other records required by this section shall 

be open to inspection and shall be retained for one year.

(Added 1972)
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Section 14. 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.

Section 15. 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 ________________________________________
Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation Handbook 130 – 2015

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UPLR Appendix A: SI/U.S. Customary Conversion Factors **  

LENGTH 

1 mil (0.001 in) = 25.4 μm* 1 micrometer = 0.039 370 mil

1 inch = 2.54 cm* 1 millimeter = 0.039 370 1 in

1 foot = 30.48 cm* 1 centimeter = 0.393 701 in

1 yard = 0.914 4 m* 1 meter = 3.280 84 ft

1 rod = 5.029 2 m*

AREA

1 square inch = 6.451 6 cm2* 1 square centimeter = 0.155 000 in2

1 square foot = 929.030 cm2 1 square decimeter = 0.107 639 ft2

1 square yard = 0.836 127 m2 1 square meter = 10.763 9 ft2

VOLUME or CAPACITY

1 cubic inch = 16.387 1 cm3 1 cubic centimeter = 0.061 023 74 in3

1 cubic foot = 0.028 316 8

28.316 8

m3

L 

1 cubic decimeter = 0.035 314 7 ft3

1 cubic meter = 35.314 7

1.307 95

ft3

yd3 

1 cubic yard = 0.764 555 m3

1 fluid ounce = 29.573 5 mL 1 milliliter (cm3) = 0.033 814 fl oz

1 liquid pint = 473.177

0.473 177

mL

L 1 liter = 1.056 690.264 172

liq qt

gal

1 liquid quart = 946.353

0.946 353

mL

L

1 dry pint = 550.610 5 mL

1 dry quart = 1.101 221 L

1 gallon = 3.785 41 L 1 peck = 8.809 768 L

1 bushel = 35.239 1 L 1 gill = 118.294 1 mL

MASS (weight)

1 ounce = 28.349 5 g 1 milligram = 0.000 035 274

0.015 432 4

oz

grain 1 pound = 453.592 37

0.453 592

g*

kg 1 gram = 0.035 274 oz

1 grain = 64.798 91 mg 1 kilogram = 2.204 62 lb

TEMPERATURE

+= *32 8.1 F C  tt  ( )*32

9

5 −= C F  tt 

* Exactly

** These conversion factors are given to six or more significant digits in the event such accuracy is 

necessary. To convert to U.S. customary units divide the factor rather than multiplying.

(Amended 1998)
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UPLR Appendix B: Converting U.S. Customary Units to SI Units

for Quantity Declarations on Packages 

1. Conversion. 

To convert an U.S. customary quantity to an SI quantity, multiply the appropriate conversion factor in Table 1 in 

Appendix A by the U.S. customary unit and round according to the following rules.

2. Rounding and Significant Digits.

It is the packager’s responsibility to round converted values appropriately and select the appropriate number of 

significant digits to use in quantity declaration. [These rounding rules are for converting quantity determinations on 

packages and do not apply to digital scales that automatically round indications to the nearest indicated value.] 

Conversions, the proper use of significant digits, and rounding must be based on the packer’s knowledge of the 

accuracy of the original measurement that is being converted. For example, if a package is labeled 453.59 g (1 lb), 

the packer is implying that the package declaration is accurate within ± 0.005 g (or ± 5 mg). For liquid volume 

measure, a label declaration of 473 mL (16 fl oz) implies that the package declaration is accurate to within 

± 0.5 mL (0.01 fl oz). The requirements of 6.13. Rounding apply to all quantity declarations that are derived from 

converted values:

6.13. Rounding. – In all conversions for the purpose of showing an equivalent SI or U.S. customary

quantity to a rounded U.S. customary or SI quantity, or in calculated values to be declared in the net 

quantity statement, the number of significant digits retained must be such that accuracy is neither 

sacrificed nor exaggerated. Conversions, the proper use of significant digits, and rounding must be based 

on the packer’s knowledge of the accuracy of the original measurement that is being converted. In no case 

shall rounded net contents declarations overstate a quantity; the packer may round converted values down 

to avoid overstating the net contents.

NOTE: When as a result of rounding SI or U.S. customary declarations calculated based on the conversion factors 

in Appendix A, the resulting declarations are not exact, the largest declaration, whether metric or U.S. customary, 

will be used for enforcement purposes to determine whether a package contains at least the declared amount of the 

product.

Do not round conversion factors or any other quantity used or determined in the calculation; only round the final 

quantity to the number of significant digits needed to maintain the accuracy of the original quantity. Use the 

rounding rules presented below in Table 1 as guidance to round the final result. In general, quantity declarations on 

consumer commodities should only be shown to two or three significant digits (for example, 453 g or 85 g). Any 

final zeros to the right of the decimal point need not be expressed. The U.S. customary and SI declarations of 

quantity must be accurate and equivalent to each other. For example, a package bearing a net weight declaration of 

2 lb (32 oz) must also include an SI declaration of 907 g.
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Table 1. Rounding Rules

When The First Digit 

Dropped is:

The Last 

Digit 

Retained is:

Examples

less than 5 Unchanged 2.44 to 2.4

2.429 to 2.4

more than 5, or 5

followed by at least 1 digit

other than 0

Increased by 1 2.46 to 2.5

2.451 to 2.5

5 followed by zeros

Unchanged if 

Even, or 

Increased by 1

if Odd

2.450 to 2.4

2.550 to 2.6

(a) When the first digit discarded is less than 5, the last digit retained should not be changed. For example, if 

the quantity 984.3 is to be declared to 3 significant digits, the number 3 to the right of the decimal point 

must be discarded since it is less than 5 and the last digit to be retained (the number 4) will remain 

unchanged. The rounded number will read 984. The same rationale applies to numbers declared to two 

significant digits (for example 68.4 and 7.34); again, the final digit is dropped and the last digit retained 

remains unchanged so that the “rounded-off” numbers become 68 and 7.3 respectively.

(b) When the first digit to be discarded is greater than 5, or it is a 5 followed by at least one digit other than 

zero, the last digit to be retained should be increased by one unit.

Examples:

984.7 becomes 985

984.51 becomes 985

6.86 becomes 6.9

6.88 becomes 6.9

(c) When the first digit to be discarded is exactly 5, followed only by zeros, the final digit to be retained should 

be rounded up if it is an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), but no adjustment should be made if it is an even 

number (2, 4, 6, or 8).

Examples:

984.50 becomes 984

985.50 becomes 986

68.50 becomes 68

7.450 becomes 7.4

7.550 becomes 7.6

*NOTE: See additional examples in Table 2.

3. Additional Advice on Rounding and Significant Digits

(a) These rules require the packer to use good judgment in making decisions on how to round and the number 

of significant digits to use in quantity declarations. Rounding should always be done in one step; for 

example, if 16.946 47 g has to be rounded to three significant digits, it should be rounded to 16.9 g, not 

16.946 5, then to 16.946, then to 16.95 which would then round to 17.0 g (see rounding rules above).
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99

(b) Do not use rounded SI values to calculate quantities. For example, using 1 in = 25.4 mm, rounded to 

25 mm, should not be multiplied by 2 to determine the SI equivalent for 2 in. The SI equivalent for 2 in is 

determined by multiplying 2 in x 25.4 mm = 50.8 mm, then rounding to 51 mm.

(c) If a dimension given as 8 ft is valid to the nearest 1

/10 in, consider it to mean 96.0 in and treat it as having 

3 significant digits. The rounded dimension would then be 2.44 m instead of 2.4 m.

(d) Conversions using a multiple digit conversion factor usually give a product with more digits than the 

original quantity. The final product should contain no more significant digits than are contained in the 

number with the fewest significant digits used in the conversion. For example, the area of a sheet of paper 

is determined on a calculator by multiplying 1.25 cm (length) x 1.5 cm (width) = 1.875 cm2. The product 

given to 4 significant digits on the calculator cannot be any more accurate than two significant digits (the 

number of significant digits in 1.5 cm), so the area should be declared as 1.9 cm2. 

(e) Packagers of consumer commodities should be aware that when a converted value is rounded up, there may 

be a need to (1) increase the package contents and/or, (2) select a converted value that does not exaggerate 

the precision of the quantity or overstate the net contents. For example, under the rules above, a net weight 

declaration of 16 oz (453.592 37 g) may be rounded up to 454 g for three significant digits. Inspections by 

weights and measures officials are typically conducted using devices with a resolution of 0.5 g or less. If 

the packer does not address this possibility, some lots of commodities may pass when the U.S. customary 

declaration is tested, but fail when the SI declaration is verified.
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Table 2. Examples

Weight:

To convert ounces to grams, multiply ounces by 28.349 5 grams

U.S. Customary Calculated SI Rounded SI

1.0 oz 28.349 5 g 28 g 

5.0 oz 141.747 6 g 142 g 

101⁄4 oz 290.582 38 g 291 g*

16.0 oz 453.592 4 g 454 g*

32.0 oz 907.184 g 907 g

48.0 oz 1360.776 g 1.36 kg

5 lb 2.267 962 kg 2.27 kg*

10 lb 4.535 924 kg 4.54 kg*

25 lb 11.339 81 kg 11.3 kg

Liquid Volume:

to convert fluid ounces to milliliters, multiply fluid ounces by 29.573 5 milliliters

U.S. Customary Calculated SI Rounded SI

1.0 fl oz 29.573 5 mL 30 mL*

8.0 fl oz 236.588 mL 237 mL*

16.0 fl oz 473.176 mL 473 mL

32.0 fl oz 946.353 mL 946 mL

1 gal 3.785 41 L 3.79 L*

21⁄2 gal 9.463 525 L 9.46 L

5 gal 18.927 05 L 18.9 L

Dry Measure: 

to convert dry pints to milliliters, multiply dry pints by 550.610 5 milliliters

U.S. Customary Calculated SI Rounded SI

1 dry pt 550.610 5 mL 551 mL*

1 dry qt 1.101 221 L 1.1 L

Length:

to convert inches to millimeters, multiply inches by 25.4 millimeters

U.S. Customary Calculated SI Rounded SI

10.5 in 266.7 mm 267 mm* or 26.7 cm*

1 ft 30.48 cm 305 mm* or 30.5 cm*

5 ft 152.4 cm 152 cm or 1.5 m

50 ft 15.240 03 m 15.2 m

100 ft 30.480 06 m 30.5 m*

* See 6.13. Rounding located under UPLR Appendix B