Code of Maine Rules › 06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION › 096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL › Chapter 426 - RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE RETURNABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER LAW › Section 096-426-7 - Labeling Requirements

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
A. On printed
				labels, the refund value and the word "Maine" or the abbreviation "ME" must be
				clearly and conspicuously displayed on every beverage container using letters,
				numerals, and symbols not less than 1/8 inch high in clear and prominent
				typeface and a color contrasting with its background. The refund value may not
				be indicated on the bottom of the container.
For labels printed directly on the container, the refund
				  value and the word "Maine" or the abbreviation "ME" must be printed using
				  letters, numerals, and symbols not less than 1/8 inch high in clear and
				  prominent typeface on a smooth and even surface, and in a color that contrasts
				  with the background both when the container is full and when it is
				  empty.
On metal beverage containers the refund value and the word
				  "Maine" or the abbreviation "ME" must be embossed, incised, or printed clearly
				  and conspicuously on the top of each beverage container using letters,
				  numerals, and symbols not less than 1/8 inch high. On metal beverage containers
				  sold with a sanitary cover that obscures the redemption value on the top of the
				  container, the refund value and the word "Maine" or the abbreviation "ME" must
				  also be printed clearly on the container label using letters, numerals, and
				  symbols not less than 1/8 inch high.
B. For Wine and Spirit Products with labeling
				that does not include the required refund value, the Initiator of Deposit shall
				ensure that a Department-approved sticker that clearly identifies the Initiator
				of Deposit and the deposit/refund value is affixed to the Product container.
				Prior to the sale of a Wine or Spirit container to which a separate sticker
				stating the refund value is to be affixed, the Initiator of Deposit shall
				submit a sample of the sticker to the Department for approval. Approval will be
				based on the readability, suitability, and durability of the sticker. The
				Initiator of Deposit on other Liquor Products, other than Products in metal
				beverage containers, may seek approval to affix an approved refund value
				sticker to their Product for a limited time to allow product sale in Maine
				until the Product label can be modified to include the Maine deposit/refund
				value.
C. When the Distributor is
				the Initiator of Deposit, a Manufacturer shall provide its Distributor with
				evidence that its Product is labeled in accordance with Subsection A, or shall
				contract with a Product Distributor in Maine to label each Product in
				accordance with Subsection B.A Distributor acting as an Initiator of Deposit
				may request the Department review Manufacturer Product labels for compliance
				with this Section as part of its product label registration. If such a request
				is made, the Product may not be offered for sale in Maine until the Department
				completes label review and finds that the label meets the standards in this
				Section.
D. With the exception of
				Wine products, all beverage containers sold in the State of Maine must bear a
				UPC or EAN that is unique to each combination of Beverage brand, container
				Type, Size and flavor. Malt liquors of the same Beverage brand may utilize one
				UPC for EAN for their seasonal products in the same container type and
				size.