United States: Packaging and standards

In this page: Packaging and labelling regulation in the United States | Commercial and industrial norms in the United States

Packaging and labelling regulation in the United States

Packaging

Pack the product in strong, sealed, moisture-absorbing containers
Evenly distribute the product’s weight
Provide adequate protection and bracing inside the container
Use oceangoing containers or pallets for packing to ensure friendly handling

Languages Permitted on Packaging and Labeling

English is required. Other languages are optional.

Unit of Measurement

Metric units of measurement and weight.

Mark of Origin "Made In"

It is mandatory.

Labeling Requirements

All imported products must be indelibly labelled with its country of origin. Depending on the item, specific requirements apply. Food items must list all ingredients in order from most to least prevalent and must list nutritional information. Textiles and apparel must list fibre content and fabric care instructions. For more information consult the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Specific Regulations

For certain foodstuffs (food, alcohol, drugs, medical devices) and textile products, electrical appliances and consumer goods.

Commercial and industrial norms in the United States

National Standards Organisations: American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Integration in the International Standards Network: The ANSI is a member of:
- The International Standard Organisation (ISO);
- The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC);
- The International Accreditation Forum (IAF)
- The U.S. member of the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC)
- The Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT)
- The Asian Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC)
- Via the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), a member of the Inter American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC).
Obligation to Use Standards: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. private-sector led voluntary standardization and conformity assessment systems.
Classification of Standards: Five Standards Panel managed by the American National Standards Institute:
- the ANSI Biofuels Standards Panel (ANSI-BSP)
- the Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel
- the ANSI Homeland Security Standards Panel
- the ANSI Nanotechnology Standards Panel
- the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel
The classification code is: ANSI + 1 letter showing the technical area + digit number and the year.
Assessment of the System of Standardization: Respect of voluntary standardization is highly regarded in United States; it can increase partnership with other companies, sales potential on the market and the acceptance of the product by consumers.
Online Consultation of Standards: Visit the ANSI webstore.
Certification Organisations: Directory of ANSI Accredited Certification Programmes for Product Certifiers
Directory of Accredited Telecommunication Certification Body Programmes
Directory of ANSI Accredited Certification Programmes for SQF Standards
Directory of ANSI Accredited Certification Programmes for SFI and PEFC Standards
Associations of Standards Users: Standards Developing Associations

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