What is Fair Packaging and Labeling Act?

Two products. Same ingredients. One sells out. The other sits on shelves.”

What’s the difference?

Often, it’s not what’s inside the package, it’s what’s on it.

In a world where consumers have more choices than ever, trust is currency. And that trust starts with something as basic, but powerful, as clear labeling and honest packaging. That’s where the 

Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) comes in.

If you’re a business selling consumer goods in the U.S., this law isn’t just fine print. It’s a foundation for how you present your products—and how your customers perceive you.

Fair Packaging and Labelling Act – The Summary 

Introduced in 1967, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) was designed to bring clarity and honesty to product packaging in the U.S.

At its core, the Act ensures that any product sold to consumers—referred to as a consumer commodity, includes three essential details right on the label:

• What the product is (identity of the commodity)
• How much of it there is (net contents)
• Who made or distributed it (name and place of business)

Simple enough. But the impact goes deeper.

The FPLA also gives authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create additional rules. especially where there’s a risk of misleading consumers. This includes things like:

• Misleading package sizes or unnecessary empty space (slack fill)
• Vague or deceptive ingredient descriptions
• Discount claims like “cents off” or price drops that don’t reflect real value
  

To ensure consistency across states, the Office of Weights and Measures (under the U.S. Department of Commerce) plays a supporting role. encouraging alignment between state and federal labeling regulations.

Basic Requirements 

Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, there’s no room for vague or confusing labels. If you’re selling everyday consumer goods, like cleaning supplies, toiletries, or packaged food, your product label needs to meet a few key requirements. Nothing fancy, just the essentials done right.

Here’s what the law expects every package to include:

• What it is: A clear statement identifying the product. No need for marketing fluff, just call it what it is. For example, “laundry detergent,” “kitchen sponges,” or “granola bars.”

   

• Who made it: The name and business address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. This adds accountability and gives consumers a point of contact.

   

• How much is inside: The net quantity of the product. This should be in both metric units (like grams or liters) and U.S. customary units (like ounces or fluid ounces), depending on the type of product. The goal here is clarity and consistency, no matter who’s reading the label.
  

These requirements aren’t just about ticking legal boxes—they’re about helping customers make quick, informed decisions without needing a magnifying glass or a dictionary.

What Is The Goal of Fair Packaging and Labelling Act? 

The goal of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) is simple but powerful: help consumers make informed choices, and protect them from misleading packaging.

At its heart, the Act aims to:

• Prevent deceptive labeling: No exaggerated claims, no unclear quantities, no fine-print tricks.
• Support fair competition: When products are labeled clearly and consistently, it’s easier for consumers to compare value, whether they’re choosing between brands or price points.
  

To make this happen, the responsibility is split between two key agencies:

• The FDA oversees products like food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
• The FTC handles pretty much everything else used in households—cleaning products, toiletries, and more.
  

It’s worth noting that some products may not fall directly under the FPLA, but they’re still subject to state-level Weights and Measures laws, which often follow similar principles.

Is The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act Still In Effect? 

Yes, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act is still very much in effect.

While some of its details have evolved to stay aligned with modern packaging standards, the core principles, clear labeling, honest representation, and consumer protection, remain unchanged. Businesses are still required to follow its guidelines when labeling consumer goods sold in the U.S.

In a Nutshell 

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act is all about clarity, honesty, and trust.

It ensures that consumers know what they’re buying, how much they’re getting, and who’s behind the product. For businesses, it’s not just a compliance requirement, it’s a chance to build credibility through transparency.

Label it right. Say what’s true. And let your packaging speak with integrity.

FAQs 

What are the three requirements of labeling under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act?

 Every product label must include:

• The identity of the product (what it is)
• The name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
• The net quantity of the contents (in both metric and U.S. units)
  

What information must be displayed on a product label as per CLP regulations?

Under CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulations, labels for hazardous chemicals must include:

• Product identifiers
• Hazard pictograms
• Signal words (like “Danger” or “Warning”)
• Hazard and precautionary statements
• Supplier details (name, address, phone number)