DECEMBER2009

2

THISPAGEINTENTIONALLYLEFTBLANK

3

THEMETRICSYSTEMISTHEPREFERREDMEASUREMENTSYSTEMFORTRADEANDCOMMERCEINTHEUNITEDSTATESAND

AROUNDTHEWORLDheUnitedStatesadoptedthemetricsystem1foruseintradeandcommercein1866.In1975Congressadopted the Metric Conversion Act declaring that the transition to the metric system would bevoluntary. In 1988 Congress declared that the metric system was the preferred system of

measurementfortradeandcommerceforthiscountrybutitfailedtoeliminateallofthelegalbarrierstoitsuse. In 1992 Congress amended the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) to require metric units onpackagedgoodssoconsumerswouldbecomefamiliarwiththosequantities.UnderthecurrentFPLA,2thenetquantityofcontentsdeclarationsonpackagesofconsumergoodsmustincludebothinchpoundandmetricunits(dualunitslabeling).ThepurposeoftheproposedamendmenttoFPLAthatisshownbelowistogivepackagerstheoptionofdisplayingonlymetricunitsinthenetquantityofcontentsstatementsonpackages.Theproposal includesaprovision toallow theSecretaryofCommerce toprovidenational coordinationofindustryconversiononasectorbysectorbasistoensureuniformity.Theproposalwouldallowpackagerstocontinuetoalsodisplayinchpoundunitsonpackagesindefinitely.

Prior to 1992, the FPLA required a declaration of quantity to be in inchpound units as a dual quantitystatement.Thismeantthatapackagehadtoincludebothouncesandthelargestwholeunit(e.g.,32ounces[2 lb]) in the net quantity statement, and ounces had to be primary or listed first. The 1992 amendmentdroppedthedualquantitydeclarationand insteadrequiredboth inchpoundandmetricunitsbeshown inthe largestwholeunit,witheitherdeclarationappearing first. TheFPLAwasamended in1992 to requirethatmetricunitsbedisplayedonpackages. Thepurposeof thechangewas to familiarizeconsumerswithmetric units so that they could learn to equate familiar quantities to themetric units of measure. Somemanufacturershaveincludedmetricunitsontheirpackagesformorethan30years,especiallyonproductsthat they intend to sell in other countries. The metric units have proven informative and have helpedconsumerslearntorelatemetricquantitiestotheequivalentinchpoundquantities.

The FPLA and other Federal laws and regulations govern the labeling requirements for most consumerproducts;however,manyproductsfallonlyunderstatelaws.3In1999,theNationalConferenceonWeights

1 In1960themetricsystemwasrenamedtheInternationalSystemofUnits(SI)bytheGeneralConferenceonWeightsandMeasures. IntheU.S. it is interpretedormodifiedbytheSecretaryofCommerce. [SeeU.S.WeightsandMeasuresLawUnitedStatesCodeTitle15,Chapter6,SubchapterIIMetricConversionandNISTSpecialPublication814MetricSystem of Measurement; Interpretation of the International System of Units for the United States or subsequentrevisions.]Thesepublicationsareavailableathttp://www.nist.gov/metric.

2(15U.S.C.14511461).

3SomeoftheproductsthatarenotcoveredbytheFPLA,butareunderthejurisdictionofthestates:automotiveproducts,such as motor oil and cleaning and polishing chemicals; greeting cards; school supplies; bottled gas for heating orcooking; hardware; sewing accessories; Christmas light sets; ink; small arms ammunition; cigarette lighters; lawn andgardensupplies;souvenirs;clothingandothertextiles;magneticrecordingtape;stationeryandwritingsupplies;durablegoods;paintsandkindredproducts; threads;gift tiesand tapes;petcaresupplies; tools;giftwraps;safety flares; toys;safetypins;andtypewriterribbons.Otherexceptions:theFederalTradeCommissionsregulationsundertheFPLAdonot apply to nonconsumer packages, which are those intended for industrial or institutional use, whereas labelingregulations issuedbytheFoodandDrugAdministrationundertheFederalFood,Drug,andCosmeticActmayapplytothesetypesofpackages.Labelingrequirementsforalcohol(includingliquors,wine,andbeer)andfortobaccoareunder

T

4

andMeasures(NCWM)amendeditsUniformPackagingandLabelingRegulation(UPLR)4toallowpackagesnotsubject toFederalregulationstobe labeledwithmetricunits. Achange intheFPLAandstate labelingrequirementswillenableU.S.firmsthatdobusinessinCanada,Mexico,theEuropeanUnion(EU),andothermarketstouseaglobalpackagelabeledinamannerthatiscompliantinallmarkets.

The NCWM is committed to working towards harmonization of laws and regulations related to legalmetrology,while italsoworkstoensureequitybetweensellersandconsumersandfaircompetition inthemarketplace.TheNCWMhaseliminatedbarrierstotheuseofmetricunitsintradeandcommerceinallofitsmodellawsandregulations5sothatthemarketplaceisfreetousemetricunitswhenconsumersandbusinessdecidetochange.Today,understateandlocallaws,allscales,gaspumpsandotherweighingandmeasuringinstruments used in trade and commerce can be calibrated toweigh ormeasure using themetric system.Also,unitpricingforproductssoldbyweightcanbebythepriceperkilogramorpriceper100grams(e.g.,ifaproductcosts$7.69perpounditsunitpriceinmetricunitswouldbeshownas$16.95perkilogramor$1.69per100grams).6

Themarketplaceisthebestjudgeofwhenmetriclabelingisappropriate.SinceJanuary1,2000,theUPLRhasallowed metric quantity declarations on consumer packages but has allowed metric labeling on nonconsumerpackages(thosepackagesmarkedforwholesaleandindustrialtrade)formorethan40years.AsthemapinFigure1shows,48statesreportthattheypermitmetriclabelingonconsumerpackages.ThetworemainingstatesareAlabamaandNewYork.AnofficialintheStateofNewYorkhasindicatedthathisstateitisintheprocessofrevisingtheirregulationstopermitmetriclabeling.RecentlyanofficialrepresentingthestateofAlabamaexpressedinterestinamendingitsregulationstopermitmetriconlylabeling.

Metriconlypackagesareinthemarketplace

Changes in themarketplace have increased consumer familiarity and acceptance ofmetric units on retailpackages. Since 1992, when the FPLAwas revised to require metric units, metric units have been usedextensivelyonpackagestoprovidenetquantity,nutritionandhealthrelated information. Metricunitsarealsousedwithprescriptionandoverthecountermedicines,vitaminsupplements,wine,distilledspiritsandother consumer products. In 2008, NIST Weights and Measures Division conducted a retail packaginglabelingstudyinawidevarietyofretailstoresinKansas,Maryland,andTexas.Thisstudyrevealedtheuseofonlymetricunitsonmorethan190differentconsumerproducts.7 WhilesomeoftheproductswithmetriconlyunitsarenotsubjecttotheFPLA,manyoftheseproductsaresubjecttotheFPLAandtheyareofferedforsale in violation of its requirements. The fact that retailers apparently unknowingly sell some products

the jurisdictionof theTreasuryDepartmentsAlcoholandTobaccoTaxandTradeBureau; insecticides, fungicides,androdenticides are under the jurisdiction of the Environmental ProtectionAgency; and the labeling ofmeat and poultryproductsiscontrolledbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture.

4SeetheUniformPackagingandLabelingRegulationathttp://ts.nist.gov/WeightsAndMeasures/Publications/H13009.cfmontheInternet.

5 For scales and otherweighing andmeasuring devices see NISTHandbook 44 Specifications, Tolerances, and OtherTechnical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices at http://www.nist.gov/owm on the Internet. ForpackagingandlabelingandotherregulationsseetheUniformPackagingandLabelingRegulationinNISTHandbook130UniformLawsandRegulationsintheareasoflegalmetrology....seehttp://www.nist.gov/owm.

6AcopyofapresentationbytheNCWMisavailableathttp://www.nist.gov/metricontheInternet.

7 The NIST conducted marketplace assessment of package labeling included reviews of the labels of more than onethousandconsumerpackagesinawidevarietyofretailstoresandincludedfoodandnonfoodproducts.Approximately17% of the approximately 1200 retail packages inspected for compliance with the Uniform Packaging and LabelingRegulationinNISTHandbook130UniformLawsandRegulationsandtheFPLAwerefoundtohaveonlymetricunits.

5

labeledinviolationofafederallaw,andthatsomeconsumersarebuyingandusingthemwithoutcomplaintdemonstratesthatthemarketplaceacceptsmetriconlypackagingandthatthecurrentdualunitrequirementinFPLAshouldbeeliminated.

Figure1.StatesallowingmetriclabelingDecember1,2009

EuropeanUniontoReviewItsMetricDirectivein2018

A 2009 European Union (EU) Directive8 requires metric units be used on all packages and permitssupplementary declarations of inchpound and U.S. customary units. The EU will review its policy onsupplementaryunitsin2018.AtthattimetheEUcanmaintainthestatusquooronceagainsetadeadlineformandatoryuseofonlymetricunits.AnotheroptionwouldbefortheEUtoadoptapolicythatwouldallowthe display of supplementary units indefinitely. The third option is preferable because it would allowconsumers todrivemetricationandallow industry to increasemetricuseas it innovates. It ismore likelythattheEUwilladoptthethirdoptioniftheFPLAisamendedtopermitmetriclabeling.Eventhoughitnowappears that theEUwill allow theuseof supplementaryunits indefinitely theCommissionhasannouncedthat it will continue to strongly pursue, in the context of its third country trade relations, including theTransatlanticEconomicCouncil,theacceptanceintheU.S.marketplaceofproductslabelledonlyintheunitsoftheInternationalSystemofUnits(SI).

JapanAskstheUnitedStatetoIncreaseUseoftheMetricSystem

TheGovernment of Japan (GOJ) has repeatedly raised themetric systemas an issue in talkswith theU.S.TradeRepresentative. AccordingtotheGOJthedialogueof theRegulatoryReformandCompetitionPolicyInitiative(RegulatoryReformInitiative)undertheJapanUnitedStatesEconomicPartnershipforGrowth

8TheEUDirectiveonmeasurementunitswaspublishedintheMay7,2009editionoftheOfficialJournaloftheEuropeanUnionandcanbeviewedat:http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:114:0010:0013:EN:PDF.

6

(Partnership) established at the JapanUnited States summit meeting on June 30, 2001, deepened thebilateral economic relationship throughharmonizing regulations and systemsof the two countries. It hasalso contributed to the economic growth of both countries by reducing unnecessary regulations,strengtheningcompetition,andimprovingmarketaccess.

JapanhasraisedthelimiteduseofthemetricsystemintheUnitedStatesasatradeissuebecausethemetricsystem was adopted as the international standard unit system by the International Organization forStandardization (ISO) and other international standardsetting organizations for use in developinginternational standards and specifications.Whilemost countries use themetric system (The InternationalSystemofUnits(SI)),theUnitedStatescontinuestoallowtheunitsoftheyardandpound,despitelegalizingthemetricsystemin1866anditsaccessiontotheMeterConventionin1875.AccordingtoJapanthelimitedacceptanceoftheSIintheUnitedStatesnotonlycausesinconveniencesbutposesobstaclesininternationaltradeandmanylostopportunitiesforsimplificationandefficiency.

TheGovernmentof JapanhasassertedthatgiventhattheAgreementonTechnicalBarrierstoTrade(TBT)recommends reducing technical barriers to trade by adopting international standards, the failure of theUnited States to aggressively promote the metric system is not in accordance with the World TradeOrganization (WTO) agreements, including the TBT Agreement. Consequently, the Government of JapanwouldwelcomeanamendmenttotheFPLA,andithasurgedtheGovernmentoftheUnitedStatestoensurethoroughadoptionofthemetricsysteminboththegovernmentandprivatesectorsoftheUnitedStates.TheGovernment of Japan has also encouraged the United States to establish initiatives to increase publicunderstandingandacceptanceofthemetricsystem.

OtherTradingPartners

Whileothercountriesallow inchpoundunits toappearonpackages thatcomefromtheUnitedStates, thegovernments in thesecountrieswant tochange their laws to requiremetriconly tomove theireconomiesfully to themetric system. Correspondence fromthegovernmentsof JapanandNewZealand(availableathttp://www.nist.gov/metric) showsbroad international support formetric labeling and indicates thatU.S.exporters and importerswill find it easier tobuyand sell goods inothermarkets if they are labeledwithmetricunits.

Closertohome,itisimportanttonotethatmostofthecountriesinthishemisphere(e.g.,Canada,Mexico,andthe remainder ofCentral and SouthAmerica) also requiremetric units on consumerpackages, but permitinchpoundunitstobeshownassupplementaryinformation.ThegovernmentsoftheAmericasareworkingthroughtheInterAmericanMetrologySystem(SIM)9toidentifyandresolvelabelingconflicts.Someoftheseissues include the use ofmetric units, language differences, and other variations in labeling requirementsfromonecountrytoanother. Itistheviewoflegalmetrologyofficialsaroundtheworldthatallowingonlymetricunits tobeusedon labelswill reduce clutterandmayhelp to improve consumerunderstandingofquantityandotherinformation.

9PleasecontacttheLawsandMetricGroupforacopyoftheSurveyonPackageLabelingfortheInterAmericanMetrologySystem.

7

8

HOWVOLUNTARYMETRICLABELINGWILLBEIMPLEMENTED:CONCERNSANDBENEFITS

hristopher Guay, Regulatory Fellow of Procter and Gamble, expressed his companys support for theinitiative toallowmetric labeling tobeusedonpackagessold in theUnitedStates. Mr.Guay said thatcompaniesthrivebyprovidingthebestvalue toretailersandtheircustomers. Theyneedtobeable to

workwithretailersandtheircustomerstodeterminewhenandhowtousemetricunitsontheircompanysproducts. Healsostatedcurrentlabelingregulationsrequireredundantinformationtoappearonpackagesandtheresultisthatlabelsarebecomingtooclutteredtounderstand.Attimes,hesaid,thereisnotenoughroomonlabelstoincludeotherinformationconsumerswantandneed.

HealsopresentedexamplesofthenetquantityofcontentslabelsProcterandGambleusesonthepackagesitproducesforsaleintheUnitedStatesandCanada.Theseexamplesshowedpackagelabelsoverflowingwiththerequirednetquantityinformation,possiblyconfusingconsumersmorethaninformingthem.10Mr.Guayalsoreportedthatconsumershaveindicatedtheydonotlikepackagelabelsthatappeartooverflowwithnetcontentsinformationinmultiplelanguages.MuchoftheoverflowofnetcontentinformationisadirectresultoftheFPLA'sdualunitsrequirementsalongwithnationalrequirementsforuseofmultiple languages.Theexamples in thepresentation show that labels couldbe simplified ifmanufacturers couldusemetric unitsonly.

Procter and Gamble supports the proposed amendment because it will allowmarket forces to determinewhencompaniesswitchtometriclabeling,mostlikelyonaproductbyproductbasis.Mr.Guayidentifiedoneoption that manufacturers currently have in educating consumers and retailers about the relationshipsbetweeninchpoundandmetricquantities,whichistoplacethemetricunitseitherfirstonthelabelorinalargertypefollowedbyinchpoundunits. Mr.GuaybelievesthatoncetheFPLAisamended,itwouldlikelytake several years for the change to have an everyday impact on packages in stores sincemanufacturersdesignpackaging several years in advance. He expects little change immediately since themarketplace isverycompetitiveand"wecannotaffordtoalienateourconsumers!"Ascompaniesintroduceproductswithmetricunits,sellerscanusemarketingandeducationaleffortstopromotethenewpackaging. Thistypeofoutreachiscommonlyusedbybusinessestohelpcustomersacceptnewproductsortointroducechangestoexisting brands. The outreach is often supported through customer service tollfree telephone lines andonlineaccess.

NISTwillcontinuetodeveloplabelingandadvertisingguidelinesformetricpackages;anditwillalsocreateeducational materials to assist retailers, consumers and others to better understand metric units and toencourageconsumerstouseunitpricingandotheravailableinformationtomakevaluecomparisons. Theoptiontousemetricunitsonlyinthenetquantityofcontentdeclarationswillalso:

Increaseefficienciesforcompaniestomarkettheirproductsininternationaltrade. Manufacturerswill decidewhichmethod of labeling to use for both domestic and foreignmarkets based on theneedsoftheircustomers.

10TheProcterandGamblepresentation,whichincludespicturesoftrilingualpackages,isathttp://www.nist.gov/metricontheInternet.

C

9

Simplify labelsandreduceconfusiononproducts soldbyvolume inonemarketandbyweight inanothermarket (e.g., by eliminating the use of the inchpound unit ounce for either volume orweight.)

Reducethespacerequiredfordualunitlabelingandfreeitupforotherconsumerinformation.

There is concern thatconsumersmaynotbeable tomakevaluecomparisonsbetweensimilarproductsofvarious sizes if some manufacturers use the metric unit option and others use inchpound units unlessconsumer information is provided in connection with the introduction of more metric packages.Consequently,coordinatedactionisneededtoaddressthisimportantissue.

Allowingmetric products on the shelves alongside products with dualunit labeling will continue to helpconsumersestablishmental"referencepoints"ofthemetricquantitiestheyuseroutinely.Oneofthegoalsofthis collaborative effort will be to ensure that consumers are able to make value comparisons betweenproductswithdualunit labelingand those labeledwithonlymetricunits. Anothergoalwillbe toexploreways to help consumers make value comparisons on a wider range of products where unit pricinginformation is not generally available and to promote uniform labeling and eliminate the use of incorrectsymbolsandimproperquantityclaimstoensurefaircompetition.

10

WHATWILLTHEPROPOSEDAMENDMENTSTOTHEFAIRPACKAGINGANDLABELINGACT(FPLA)ACHIEVE?

mending the FPLA as proposed below would give packagers greater flexibility to provide labelinginformationthatmeetsthediverseneedsoftheircustomers.Packagelabeldeclarationsstatedinmetricunitswouldbeexemptfromthecurrentrequirementthatdeclarationsofnetcontentalsoincludeinch

poundunits,allowingpackagerstolabeltheirproductswitheithermetricunitsonly,orwithbothmetricandinchpoundunits.

TheproposedamendmenttotheFPLAwouldhelpachievethefollowingobjectives.

Enableconsumerstousemetricinformationtomakevaluecomparisons. Update labelingoptionsallowingmanufacturerstomake labelingdecisionsbasedonknowledgeof

customerneedsandthedemandsoftheirmarkets.

Permitcertainpackagers,throughincreasedlabelingflexibility,toreduceproductionandpackagingcostsbyproducingfewerdifferentlabelsfordifferentmarkets.

Permitpackagers tocontinue touseexistingpackaging labeledwithboth inchpoundandSIunits.Thismeansthatnoproducer,packager,orstorewouldberequiredtotakeanyactionor incuranycostbasedonthisamendment.

StrengthentheabilityofU.S.manufacturerstocompeteintheglobalmarketplace. Enable the Secretary of Commerce to carry out a program of planning, coordination, and public

education consistent with other national interests to coordinate voluntary use ofmetric units onpackages.Theinformationandeducationeffortsmayinclude:

- educational programs through newspapers,magazines, radio, television, and othermedia andthrough collaborative efforts with industry, other Federal agencies and the Federal TradeCommission,

- onlineandothertrainingseminarsforindustryonmetricusageandpackagingandlabeling,

- distributionofconsumereducationmaterials,and

- collaborations with retailers, consumers, trade associations and other organizations forcoordinationofmetricconversionofpackagedgoodsonasectorbysectorbasis.

Longterm benefits will result if the everyday use of the metric system increases so that industry andbusinessesgainefficienciesthroughtheuseofaninternationallyacceptedandusedsystemofmeasurement.IncreaseduseofthemetricsysteminthemarketplacewillreinforcetheeffortsoftheNationsschoolteacherswho teachthemetricsystemtomillionsofchildren. This isan issueworthyofattentionaccording toonerecent study bymathematics teacherswho found that American students have difficulty usingwhat theylearn,statingthattheopportunitytoexperiencethemetricsysteminandoutofschoolisamajorfactor.11Asuseofmetricunitsgrows in themarketplace, itmaybeappropriate for teachers to focusmoreof theircurriculaprimarilyonthemetricsystem.Ithasbeensaidmorethanoncethatmathandmeasurementskills

11TaTaylor,P.Mark.;Simms,Ken.Kim,OkKyeong.TeachingChildrenMathematicsv.7no.5(Jan.2001)p.282287.

A

11

areanationalresourcethatwemustbothenhanceandusetokeepAmericastechnologyandsciencethebestintheworld.Tothatendwebelievethiseffortwillreturnbenefitsbeyondthoselistedaboveforbusinesses.

Perhaps one of themostwell reasoned arguments for the United States to increase its use of themetricsystemwasaneditorialbyThomasG.Dolan,EditorialPageEditorforBarronsonNovember25,2002.Inhiseditorial, entitled Measure for Measure he says, there are few places in the economy where thegovernmentcanactuallylegislateAmericanefficiency.Thesystemofweightsandmeasuresisoneofthem.Congresscanandshouldconvertthecountrytothemetricsystem.12

ProvingthatVoluntaryMetricConversionCanWork

AmendingtheFPLAtopermitmetriclabelingwillreinforceCongresssdecisionin1975toadoptavoluntaryapproachtometricconversionfortheUnitedStates.Congressadoptedthevoluntaryapproachtoallowthemarketplace todecidewhenandwhereto implement theuseofmetricunits. Voluntaryconversionwasasounddecisionbecause itallowsconversion tobeefficientandat lowcostbecause thechangeovercanbeaccomplished in sync with routine redesigns of packaging or with the introduction of new products.However,aslongastherearelegalorregulatorybarrierstouseofthemetricsystemwewillneedtocontinuetoexpendresourcestohavethemchangedsovoluntaryconversioncanworkasintendedandsothebenefitsdescribedabovecanberealized.

THE FAIR PACKAGING AND LABELING ACT.

TheFPLArelatesonlytothenetquantityofcontents informationonpackages,goods,orcommoditiesthatare sold on the basis of weight ormeasure (i.e., it does not apply to such products such as appliance orelectronic or industrial equipment that have contents sold by the quantity of their contents.) Labelingrequirementsforpackagedgoodsareappliedtopackagesbasedonwhowillbetheultimateconsumer.Therearetwoclassificationsofproducts:oneclassisconsumerpackagesthatareintendedforsaleinretailstores,suchasfoodordepartmentstores.Theotherclassisnonconsumerpackagesthatareintendedforsaleinwholesale trade, such as amanufacturerwho packages 25kilogram bags of chemicals for sale to anothermanufacturer for use in producing another product. The FPLA requirements are not applicable to allpackagedgoods.

1. TheFPLArequirementsapplyonlytoconsumercommodities,including:

a. Foods,drugs(exceptprescription),andcosmetics;andthesearesubjecttothelabelingregulationsoftheFoodandDrugAdministration.

b. Any other article, product, or commodity of any kind or class which is customarily produced ordistributedforsalethroughretailsalesagenciesorinstrumentalitiesforconsumptionbyindividuals,or use by individuals for purposes of personal care or in the performance of services ordinarilyrenderedwithin thehousehold,andwhichusually is consumedorexpended in thecourseof suchconsumptionoruse(e.g.,soapsanddetergents,paperproducts,andwaxesandpolishes);andthesearesubjecttothelabelingregulationsoftheFederalTradeCommission.

2. TheFPLArequirementsdonotapplyto:

a. packagesintendedforexport(unlesstheyarealsointendedforsaleintheU.S.marketplace),

12ThomasG.Dolan,MeasureforMeasureItstimefortheUnitedStatestojointheworldinusingthemetricsystem.Barrons.(Nov.25,2002)p.35.

12

b. meat or meat product, poultry or poultry product, and some packaged agricultural seed that aresubjecttothelabelingregulationsoftheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture,

c. pesticidesthataresubjecttothelabelingregulationsoftheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,

d. alcohol,beer,wineandtobaccoortobaccoproductsthataresubjecttothelabelingregulationsoftheDepartmentofTreasury,and

e. allotherproductsthatfallunderthejurisdictionofstateandlocalregulationsthatarebasedontheUniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation (UPLR), NIST Handbook 130, Uniform Laws andRegulationsintheAreasofLegalMetrologyandEngineFuelQuality.

3. Someproductsthatcanalreadybelabeledwithmetricunitsofmeasurement.

Thefollowingpackagedproductscurrentlymaybelabeledinmetriconlyunits.Manyoftheseproductshavebeenlabeledwithonlymetricunitsformorethan25years.

a. Wineandspirits(exceptforbeer).

b. Camerafilm,videotape,audiotape,andotherimagingandaudiomedia.

c. Packagesofseedwithnetcontentsoflessthan225grams.

d. ConsumerproductsnotcoveredbytheFPLA.TheUniformPackagingandLabelingRegulation(NISTHandbook 130), which the states adopt to regulate most consumer products not covered by theFPLA, states, The requirements for statements of quantity in inchpound units shall not apply topackagesthatbearappropriateSIunits.

e. Nonconsumerpackagesofanyproductorcommodity.Thisincludestensofthousandsofdifferentproductsandcommoditiesboughtandsold inwholesale trade. However, itdoesnot includefood,drugs,meatorpoultry,pesticides,andsomepackagedagriculturalseed.

Contact:

ElizabethJ.Gentry Email:TheSI@nist.govNationalInstituteofStandardsandTechnology URL:http://www.nist.gov/owmWeightsandMeasuresDivision Tel:3019753690LawsandMetricGroup FAX:3019758091100BureauDriveStop2600Gaithersburg,Maryland208992600

13

PROPOSEDAMENDMENTSTOTHEFPLATOALLOWVOLUNTARYMETRICLABELING

hissectiondescribestheproposedamendmenttoSections1453and1458oftheFairPackagingandLabelingAct(FPLA)toallowvoluntarymetriclabeling.TheseamendmentswouldmodifytheFPLAtorequirepackages tohavenetquantityofcontentsdeclarations inmetricunits,butwouldalsoallow

inchpoundunitstobedeclaredindefinitely.

Nothing in the amendments should be construed to apply to unit pricing, advertising, recipes, nutritionlabeling,othergeneralpricinginformation,ortorequirechangesinpackagesizes.

ThecompletetextoftheFairPackagingandLabelingActwiththeproposedamendmentsisshowninthenextsection.TheclausesofSection1453thatwouldbeamendedinclude:(a)(2),(a)(3)(A),(a)(5),and(a)(6).

Proposedamendmentsto:1453RequirementsofLabeling;Placement,Form,andContentsofStatementofQuantity;SupplementalStatementofQuantity.

i.

a. Amend(a)(2)byaddingthetextshownasunderlined:

(a)(2)Thenetquantityofcontents(intermsofweightormass,measure,ornumericalcount)shallbe separately and accurately stated in a uniform location upon the principal display panel of thatlabel:

(A) using the most appropriate unit of the metric system of measurement and the inchpoundmeasurementequivalent,exceptasprovidedinparagraph(6)ofthissubsection;or

(B)usingonlythemostappropriateunitsofthemetricsystemofmeasurement.

b. Amend(a)(2)bydeletingthestruckthroughtext:

(a)(2)Thenetquantityofcontents(intermsofweightormass,measure,ornumericalcount)shallbe separately and accurately stated in a uniform location upon the principal display panel of thatlabel, using themost appropriate units of both the customary inch/pound system ofmeasure, asprovided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, and except as provided in paragraph (3)(A)(ii) orparagraph(6)ofthissubsection,theSImetricsystem.

ii. Amend(a)(3)(A)byaddingtheunderlinedtextanddeletingthestruckthroughtext:

(a)(3) The separate label statement of net quantity of contents appearing upon or affixed to anypackage:

(A)forthoseportionsofthenetquantityofcontentsstatementusinginchpoundunits,

(ii) ifonarandompackage,maybeexpressedintermsofpoundsanddecimalfractionsofthepoundcarriedouttonotmorethanthreedecimalplaces;andisnotrequiredto,butmayinclude a statement in terms of the SImetric system carried out to notmore than threedecimalplaces.

T

15

iii. AmendSection(a)(5)byinsertingtheunderlinedtextasshown:

(a)(5)Forpurposesofparagraph(3)(A)(ii)andparagraph(6)ofthissubsection,theterm"randompackage" means a package which is one of a lot, shipment, or delivery of packages of the sameconsumercommoditywithvaryingweightormass, that is,packageswithno fixedweightormasspattern.

iv. Revise(a)(6)byinsertingtheunderlinedtextasshown:

(a)(6)Thenetquantityofcontentsstatementforfoodsthatarepackagedattheretailstorelevelandfor randompackagesshallbeexpressedusingoneof threepossible regimes: usingonly themostappropriateunitsofthemetricsystem,usingonlythemostappropriate inchpoundunits,orusingbothmetricunitsandinchpoundunits.

v. Deletethestruckthroughtextin(a)(6)asshown:

(a)(6) The requirement of paragraph (2) that the statement of net quantity of contents include astatement in termsof theSImetric systemshallnotapply to foods thatarepackagedat the retailstorelevel.

vi. In1458addanewsubsectiontoenabletheSecretaryofCommercetocarryoutaprogramofplanning,coordination,andpubliceducation,consistentwithothernationalpolicyandinterests,withtheaimofcoordinatingvoluntaryconversiontothemetricsystemonpackagedgoods:

1458. Cooperation with State Authorities; Transmittal of Regulations to States; NoninterferencewithExistingPrograms,CoordinationofVoluntaryConversion

(a) AcopyofeachregulationpromulgatedunderthischaptershallbetransmittedpromptlytotheSecretary of Commerce,who shall (1) transmit copies thereof to all appropriate State officersandagencies,and(2) furnishtosuchStateofficersandagencies informationandassistancetopromote to the greatest practicable extent uniformity in State and Federal regulation of thelabelingofconsumercommodities.

(b) Nothingcontained in this sectionshallbeconstrued to impairorotherwise interferewithanyprogram carried into effect by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under otherprovisions of law in cooperation with State governments or agencies, instrumentalities, orpoliticalsubdivisionsthereof.

(c) The Secretary of Commerce shall carry out a program of planning, coordination, andpublic education, consistent with other national policy and interests, with the aim ofcoordinatingvoluntaryconversiontothemetricsystemonpackagedgoodsand:

(i) Providecoordinationandappropriateforumssothatlargeandsmallmanufacturers,wholesalers,retailersandotherinterestedpartiesmayformulate,andrecommendorsuggest, specificprograms for coordinatingvoluntary conversion ineachpackagingsegment.

(ii) Publicize,inanappropriatemanner,proposedprogramsandprovideanopportunityfor interestedgroupsor individuals to submit commentsonorparticipate in theseprograms.

(iii) Coordinate and/or promote public information and education programs, to aidindustryandconsumers inbecoming familiarwith themeaningandapplicabilityof

16

metrictermsandmeasures indaily lifesothattheycanmakevaluecomparisons inthemarketplace.

vii. Add a new section that clarifies that no provision of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Actshouldbeconstruedtorequireanychange inunitpricing,productadvertisements,recipes,nutritionlabeling,packagesizes,orotherinformation:

1462. Limitations.Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to unit pricing, advertising, recipes,nutritionlabeling,othergeneralpricinginformation,ortorequirechangesinpackagesizes.

17

18

THECURRENTFAIRPACKAGINGANDLABELINGACTWITHPROPOSEDAMENDMENTSSHOWNASTHEYWOULDAPPEARIN

THELAW.

TITLE15COMMERCEANDTRADECHAPTER39FAIRPACKAGINGANDLABELINGPROGRAM

1451. CongressionalDelegationofPolicy.

Informedconsumersareessential tothe fairandefficient functioningofa freemarketeconomy. Packagesandtheir labelsshouldenableconsumers toobtainaccurate informationastothequantityof thecontentsandshouldfacilitatevaluecomparisons.Therefore,itisherebydeclaredtobethepolicyoftheCongresstoassistconsumersandmanufacturersinreachingthesegoalsinthemarketingofconsumergoods.

1452. UnfairandDeceptivePackagingandLabeling:ScopeofProhibition.

(a)Nonconforming labels It shallbeunlawful foranypersonengaged in thepackagingor labelingofanyconsumercommodity(asdefinedinthischapter)fordistributionincommerce,orforanyperson(otherthana common carrier for hire, a contract carrier for hire, or a freight forwarder for hire) engaged in thedistribution in commerceofanypackagedor labeledconsumer commodity, todistributeor to cause tobedistributed in commerce any such commodity if such commodity is contained in a package, or if there isaffixedtothatcommodityalabel,whichdoesnotconformtotheprovisionsofthischapterandofregulationspromulgatedundertheauthorityofthischapter.

(b) Exemptions The prohibition contained in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to personsengaged inbusinessaswholesaleor retaildistributorsof consumer commoditiesexcept to theextent thatsuchpersons(1)areengagedinthepackagingorlabelingofsuchcommodities,or(2)prescribeorspecifybyanymeansthemannerinwhichsuchcommoditiesarepackagedorlabeled.

1453. Requirements of Labeling; Placement, Form, and Contents of Statement of Quantity;SupplementalStatementofQuantity.

(a) Contents of label No person subject to the prohibition contained in section 1452 of this title shalldistributeorcausetobedistributedincommerceanypackagedconsumercommodityunlessinconformitywithregulationswhichshallbeestablishedbythepromulgatingauthoritypursuanttosection1455of thistitlewhichshallprovidethat

(1) The commodity shall bear a label specifying the identity of the commodity and the name andplaceofbusinessofthemanufacturer,packer,ordistributor;

(2)Thenetquantityofcontents(in termsofweightormass,measure,ornumericalcount)shall be separately and accurately stated in a uniform location upon the principal displaypanelofthatlabel:

(A) using themost appropriate unit of themetric system ofmeasurement and theinchpound measurement equivalent, except as provided in paragraph (6) of thissubsection;or

(B)usingonlythemostappropriateunitsofthemetricsystemofmeasurement.

(2)Thenetquantityofcontents(in termsofweightormass,measure,ornumericalcount)shall be separately and accurately stated in a uniform location upon the principal display

19

panelofthatlabel,usingthemostappropriateunitsofboththecustomaryinch/poundsystemof measure, as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, and except as provided inparagraph(3)(A)(ii)orparagraph(6)ofthissubsection,theSImetricsystem.

(3)Theseparatelabelstatementofnetquantityofcontentsappearinguponoraffixedtoanypackage

(A) for those portions of the net quantity of contents statement using inchpoundunits,

(i)ifonapackagelabeledintermsofweight,shallbeexpressedinpounds,withanyremainderintermsofouncesorcommonordecimalfractionsofthepound;orinthecaseof liquidmeasure, inthelargestwholeunit (quarts, quarts and pints, or pints, as appropriate) with any remainder in terms of fluid ounces orcommonordecimalfractionsofthepintorquart;

(ii)ifonarandompackage,maybeexpressedintermsofpoundsanddecimalfractionsofthepoundcarriedouttonotmorethanthreedecimalplaces;andisnotrequiredto,butmayincludeastatementintermsoftheSImetricsystemcarriedouttonotmorethanthreedecimalplaces

(iii)ifonapackagelabeledintermsoflinearmeasure,shallbeexpressedintermsofthelargestwholeunit(yards,yardsandfeet,orfeet,asappropriate)withanyremainderintermsofinchesorcommonordecimalfractionsofthefootoryard;

(iv) if on a package labeled in terms ofmeasure of area, shall be expressed in terms of the largestwholesquareunit(squareyards,squareyardsandsquarefeet,orsquarefeet,asappropriate)withanyremainderintermsofsquareinchesorcommonordecimalfractionsofthesquarefootorsquareyard;

(B)shallappear inconspicuousandeasily legibletype indistinctcontrast(bytopography,layout,color,embossing,ormolding)withothermatteronthepackage;

(C) shall contain letters or numerals in a type size which shall be (i) established inrelationshiptotheareaoftheprincipaldisplaypanelofthepackage,and(ii)uniformforallpackagesofsubstantiallythesamesize;and

(D) shall be so placed that the lines of printed matter included in that statement aregenerallyparallel tothebaseonwhichthepackagerestsas it isdesignedtobedisplayed;and

(4) The label of any package of a consumer commodity which bears a representation as to thenumberofservingsofsuchcommoditycontainedinsuchpackageshallbearastatementofthenetquantity(intermsofweightormass,measure,ornumericalcount)ofeachsuchserving.

(5)Forpurposesofparagraph (3)(A)(ii)andparagraph(6) of this subsection the term ''randompackage'' means a package which is one of a lot, shipment, or delivery of packages of the sameconsumercommoditywithvaryingweightsormasses,thatis,packageswithnofixedweightormasspattern.

(6)Thenetquantityofcontentsstatementforfoodsthatarepackagedattheretailstorelevelandforrandompackagesshallbeexpressedusingoneofthreepossibleregimes:usingonlythemostappropriateunitsofthemetricsystem,usingonlythemostappropriateinchpoundunits,orusingboththemetricunitsandinchpoundunits.

(6)Therequirementofparagraph(2)thatthestatementofnetquantityofcontentsincludeastatement intermsoftheSImetricsystemshallnotapplyto foodsthatarepackagedattheretailstorelevel.

20

(b)Supplementalstatements

Noperson subject to the prohibition contained in section 1452of this title shall distribute or cause to bedistributed in commerceanypackagedconsumer commodity if anyqualifyingwordsorphrasesappear inconjunctionwith the separate statement of thenet quantity of contents requiredby subsection (a) of thissection, but nothing in this subsection or in paragraph (2) of subsection (a)of this section shall prohibitsupplementalstatements,atotherplacesonthepackage,describinginnondeceptivetermsthenetquantityofcontents:Provided,Thatsuchsupplemental statementsofnetquantityofcontentsshallnot includeanyterm qualifying a unit of weight or mass, measure, or count that tends to exaggerate the amount of thecommoditycontainedinthepackage.

1454. RulesandRegulations.

(a)PromulgatingauthorityTheauthoritytopromulgateregulationsunderthischapterisvestedin(A)theSecretary of Health and Human Services (referred to hereinafter as the ''Secretary'') with respect to anyconsumercommoditywhichisafood,drug,device,orcosmetic,aseachsuchtermisdefinedbysection321oftitle21;and(B)theFederalTradeCommission(referredtohereinafterasthe''Commission'')withrespecttoanyotherconsumercommodity.

(b)ExemptionofcommoditiesfromregulationsIfthepromulgatingauthorityspecifiedinthissectionfindsthat, because of the nature, form, or quantity of a particular consumer commodity, or for other good andsufficientreasons,fullcompliancewithalltherequirementsotherwiseapplicableundersection1453ofthistitle is impracticable or is not necessary for the adequate protection of consumers, the Secretary or theCommission (whichever the case may be) shall promulgate regulations exempting such commodity fromthoserequirementstotheextentandundersuchconditionsasthepromulgatingauthoritydeterminestobeconsistentwithsection1451ofthistitle.

(c) Scope of additional regulations Whenever the promulgating authority determines that regulationscontaining prohibitions or requirements other than those prescribed by section 1453 of this title arenecessary to prevent the deception of consumers or to facilitate value comparisons as to any consumercommodity,suchauthorityshallpromulgatewithrespecttothatcommodityregulationseffectiveto

(1) establish and define standards for characterization of the size of a package enclosing anyconsumer commodity, which may be used to supplement the label statement of net quantity ofcontents of packages containing such commodity, but this paragraph shall not be construed asauthorizing any limitationon the size, shape,weight ormass, dimensions, or number of packageswhichmaybeusedtoencloseanycommodity;

(2)regulatetheplacementuponanypackagecontaininganycommodity,oruponanylabelaffixedtosuchcommodity,ofanyprintedmatterstatingorrepresentingbyimplicationthatsuchcommodityisofferedforretailsaleatapricelowerthantheordinaryandcustomaryretailsalepriceorthataretailsalepriceadvantage isaccordedtopurchasersthereofbyreasonofthesizeof thatpackageorthequantityofitscontents;

(3)requirethatthelabeloneachpackageofaconsumercommodity(otherthanonewhichisafoodwithin the meaning of section 321(f) of title 21) bear (A) the common or usual name of suchconsumer commodity, if any, and (B) in case such consumer commodity consists of two ormoreingredients, the common or usual name of each such ingredient listed in order of decreasingpredominance, but nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to require that any trade secret bedivulged;or

(4)preventthenonfunctionalslackfillofpackagescontainingconsumercommodities.Forpurposesofparagraph(4)ofthissubsection,apackageshallbedeemedtobenonfunctionallyslackfilledifitis

21

filledtosubstantially lessthan itscapacity forreasonsotherthan(A)protectionofthecontentsofsuchpackageor(B)therequirementsofmachinesusedforenclosingthecontentsinsuchpackage.

(d)Developmentbymanufacturers,packers,anddistributorsofvoluntaryproductstandardsWhenevertheSecretaryofCommercedeterminesthatthereisundueproliferationoftheweightsormasses,measures,orquantities inwhich any consumer commodityor reasonably comparable consumer commodities arebeingdistributed in packages for sale at retail and such undue proliferation impairs the reasonable ability ofconsumerstomakevaluecomparisonswithrespecttosuchconsumercommodityorcommodities,heshallrequest manufacturers, packers, and distributors of the commodity or commodities to participate in thedevelopmentofavoluntaryproductstandardforsuchcommodityorcommoditiesundertheproceduresforthedevelopmentofvoluntaryproductsstandardsestablishedbytheSecretarypursuanttosection272ofthistitle. Such procedures shall provide adequate manufacturer, packer, distributor, and consumerrepresentation.

(e)ReportandrecommendationstoCongressuponindustryfailuretodeveloporabidebyvoluntaryproductstandardsIf(1)afteroneyearafterthedateonwhichtheSecretaryofCommercefirstmakestherequestofmanufacturers,packers,anddistributorstoparticipateinthedevelopmentofavoluntaryproductstandardas provided in subsection (d) of this section, he determines that such a standard will not be publishedpursuanttotheprovisionsofsuchsubsection(d),or(2)ifsuchastandardispublishedandtheSecretaryofCommerce determines that it has not been observed, he shall promptly report such determination to theCongresswithastatementoftheeffortsthathavebeenmadeunderthevoluntarystandardsprogramandhisrecommendationastowhetherCongressshouldenactlegislationprovidingregulatoryauthoritytodealwiththesituationinquestion.

1455. ProceduresforPromulgationofRegulations.

(a)HearingsbySecretaryofHealthandHumanServicesRegulationspromulgatedbytheSecretaryundersection1453or1454ofthistitleshallbepromulgated,andshallbesubjecttojudicialreview,pursuanttotheprovisionsofsubsections(e),(f),and(g)ofsection371oftitle21.HearingsauthorizedorrequiredforthepromulgationofanysuchregulationsbytheSecretaryshallbeconductedbytheSecretaryorbysuchofficeroremployeesoftheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesashemaydesignateforthatpurpose.

(b) Judicial review; hearings by Federal Trade Commission Regulations promulgated by the Commissionunder section 1453 or 1454 of this title shall be promulgated, and shall be subject to judicial review, byproceedingstakeninconformitywiththeprovisionsofsubsections(e),(f),and(g)ofsection371oftitle21inthesamemanner,andwiththesameeffect,asifsuchproceedingsweretakenbytheSecretarypursuanttosubsection(a)ofthissection.HearingsauthorizedorrequiredforthepromulgationofanysuchregulationsbytheCommissionshallbeconductedbytheCommissionorbysuchofficeroremployeeoftheCommissionastheCommissionmaydesignateforthatpurpose.

(c)CooperationwithotherdepartmentsandagenciesIncarryingintoeffecttheprovisionsofthischapter,theSecretaryandtheCommissionareauthorizedtocooperatewithanydepartmentoragencyoftheUnitedStates,withanyState,Commonwealth,orpossessionoftheUnitedStates,andwithanydepartment,agency,orpoliticalsubdivisionofanysuchState,Commonwealth,orpossession.

(d)Returnableorreusableglasscontainers forbeverages Noregulationadoptedunder thischaptershallprecludethecontinueduseofreturnableorreusableglasscontainersforbeveragesininventoryorwiththetrade as of the effective date of this Act, nor shall any regulation under this chapter preclude the orderlydisposalofpackagesininventoryorwiththetradeasoftheeffectivedateofsuchregulation.

1456. Enforcement.

(a)MisbrandedconsumercommoditiesAnyconsumercommoditywhichisafood,drug,device,orcosmetic,aseachsuchtermisdefinedbysection201oftheFederalFood,Drug,andCosmeticAct(21USC.321),and

22

whichisintroducedordeliveredforintroductionintocommerceinviolationofanyoftheprovisionsofthischapter, or the regulations issued pursuant to this chapter, shall be deemed to bemisbrandedwithin themeaningofchapterIIIoftheFederalFood,Drug,andCosmeticAct(21USC331etseq.),buttheprovisionsofsection303ofthatAct(21USC.333)shallhavenoapplicationtoanyviolationofsection1452ofthistitle.

(b)UnfairordeceptiveactsorpracticesincommerceAnyviolationofanyoftheprovisionsofthischapter,ortheregulationsissuedpursuanttothischapter,withrespecttoanyconsumercommoditywhichisnotafood,drug,device,orcosmetic,shallconstituteanunfairordeceptiveactorpracticeincommerceinviolationofsection45(a)ofthistitleandshallbesubjecttoenforcementundersection45(b)ofthistitle.

(c)ImportsInthecaseofanyimports intotheUnitedStatesofanyconsumercommoditycoveredbythischapter, the provisions of sections 1453 and 1454 of this title shall be enforced by the Secretary of theTreasurypursuanttosection801(a)and(b)oftheFederalFood,Drug,andCosmeticAct(21USC.381).

1457.AnnualReportstoCongress:SubmissionDates.

Eachofficeroragencyrequiredorauthorizedbythischaptertopromulgateregulationsforthepackagingorlabelingofanyconsumercommodity,shalltransmittotheCongresseachyearareportcontainingafullandcompletedescriptionoftheactivitiesofthatofficeroragencyfortheadministrationandenforcementofthischapterduringtheprecedingfiscalyear.AllagenciesexcepttheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesand the Federal Trade Commission shall submit their reports in January of each year. TheDepartment ofHealthandHumanServicesshallincludethisreportinitsannualreporttoCongressonactivitiesundertheFederalFood,Drug,andCosmeticAct(21USC.301etseq.),andtheFederalTradeCommissionshallincludethisreportintheCommission'sannualreporttoCongress.

1458. Cooperation with State Authorities; Transmittal of Regulations to States; NoninterferencewithExistingPrograms,CoordinationofVoluntaryConversion

(a)AcopyofeachregulationpromulgatedunderthischaptershallbetransmittedpromptlytotheSecretaryof Commerce,who shall (1) transmit copies thereof to all appropriate State officers and agencies, and (2)furnishtosuchStateofficersandagenciesinformationandassistancetopromotetothegreatestpracticableextentuniformityinStateandFederalregulationofthelabelingofconsumercommodities.

(b)Nothingcontainedinthissectionshallbeconstruedtoimpairorotherwiseinterferewithanyprogramcarried into effect by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under other provisions of law incooperationwithStategovernmentsoragencies,instrumentalities,orpoliticalsubdivisionsthereof.

(c.) The Secretary of Commerce shall carry out a program of planning, coordination, and publiceducation,consistentwithothernationalpolicyandinterests,withtheaimofcoordinatingvoluntaryconversiontothemetricsystemonpackagedgoodsand:

(i) Provide coordination and appropriate forums so that large and small manufacturers,wholesalers,retailersandotherinterestedpartiesmayformulate,andrecommendorsuggest,specific programs for coordinating voluntary conversion in each packaging segment.

(ii) Publicize,inanappropriatemanner,proposedprogramsandprovideanopportunityforinterestedgroupsorindividualstosubmitcommentsonorparticipateintheseprograms.

(iii) Coordinate and/orpromotepublic information andeducationprograms, to aid industry andconsumers in becoming familiar with the meaning and applicability of metric terms andmeasuresindailylifesothattheycanmakevaluecomparisonsinthemarketplace.

23

1459. Definitions.

Forthepurposeofthischapter

(a)Theterm''consumercommodity'',exceptasotherwisespecificallyprovidedbythissubsection,meansanyfood,drug,device,orcosmetic(asthosetermsaredefinedbytheFederalFood,Drug,andCosmeticAct[21USC. 301 et seq.]), andanyother article, product, or commodityof anykindor classwhich is customarilyproduced or distributed for sale through retail sales agencies or instrumentalities for consumption byindividuals,orusebyindividualsforpurposesofpersonalcareorintheperformanceofservicesordinarilyrendered within the household, and which usually is consumed or expended in the course of suchconsumptionoruse.

Suchtermdoesnotinclude

(1)anymeatormeatproduct,poultryorpoultryproduct,ortobaccoortobaccoproduct;

(2) any commodity subject to packaging or labeling requirements imposed by the Secretary ofAgriculturepursuanttotheFederalInsecticide,Fungicide,andRodenticideAct(7USC.136etseq.),ortheprovisionsoftheeighthparagraphundertheheading''BureauofAnimalIndustry''oftheActofMarch4,1913(21USC.151etseq.),commonlyknownastheVirusSerumToxinAct;

(3) anydrug subject to theprovisions of section503(b)(1)or506of theFederal Food,Drug, andCosmeticAct(21USC.353(b)(1)and356);

(4) anybeveragesubject toor complyingwithpackagingor labeling requirements imposedundertheFederalAlcoholAdministrationAct(27USC.201etseq.);or

(5)anycommoditysubjecttotheprovisionsoftheFederalSeedAct(7USC.1551etseq.).

(b)Theterm''package''meansanycontainerorwrappinginwhichanyconsumercommodityisenclosedforuseinthedeliveryordisplayofthatconsumercommoditytoretailpurchasers,butdoesnotinclude

(1)shippingcontainersorwrappingsusedsolelyforthetransportationofanyconsumercommodityinbulkorinquantitytomanufacturers,packers,orprocessors,ortowholesaleorretaildistributorsthereof;

(2) shipping containers or outerwrappingsusedby retailers to ship or deliver any commodity toretail customers if such containers and wrappings bear no printed matter pertaining to anyparticularcommodity;or

(3)containerssubjecttotheprovisionsoftheActofAugust3,1912(37Stat.250,asamended;15USC.231233),ortheActofMarch4,1915(38Stat.1186,asamended;15USC.234236).

(c)The term ''label''meansanywritten,printed,orgraphicmatteraffixed toanyconsumercommodityoraffixedtoorappearinguponapackagecontaininganyconsumercommodity.

(d)Theterm''person''includesanyfirm,corporation,orassociation.

(e) The term ''commerce'' means (1) commerce between any State, the District of Columbia, theCommonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States, and any place outsidethereof,and(2)commercewithintheDistrictofColumbiaorwithinanyterritoryorpossessionoftheUnitedStatesnotorganizedwithalegislativebody,butshallnotincludeexportstoforeigncountries.

(f)Theterm''principaldisplaypanel''meansthatpartofalabelthatismostlikelytobedisplayed,presented,shown,orexaminedundernormalandcustomaryconditionsofdisplayforretailsale.

24

1460. SavingsProvisions.

Nothingcontainedinthischaptershallbeconstruedtorepeal,invalidate,orsupersede(a)theFederalTradeCommissionAct(15USC.41etseq.)oranystatutedefinedthereinasanantitrustAct;(b)theFederalFood,Drug,andCosmeticAct(21USC.301etseq.);or(c)theFederalHazardousSubstancesLabelingAct(15USC.1261etseq.).

1461. EffectUponStateLaw.

ItisherebydeclaredthatitistheexpressintentofCongresstosupersedeanyandalllawsoftheStatesorpoliticalsubdivisionsthereofinsofarastheymaynoworhereafterprovideforthelabelingofthenetquantityofcontentsofthepackageofanyconsumercommoditycoveredbythischapterwhicharelessstringentthanorrequireinformationdifferentfromtherequirementsofsection1453ofthistitleorregulationspromulgatedpursuantthereto. 1462.Limitations.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to unit pricing, advertising, recipes, nutritionlabeling,othergeneralpricinginformation,ortorequirechangesinpackagesizes.