United States Product Labeling Requirements: 2026 Overview

This guide provides an overview of various US product labeling requirements. We also provide label samples and information about covered products, label information, and placement.

Overview

Example	Label	Notes
	Country of origin marking	Most products sold in the United States require country of origin marking
	CPSIA tracking label	Required for children’s products (0 – 12 years old)
	CPSIA tracking label for durable infant and toddler products	Required for children’s products defined as durable infant and toddler products Examples: Baby carriers and cribs
	Small parts warning	Warnings apply under certain children’s product safety rules
	Part 1263 button cell battery warning label	Warning labels apply to button cell battery packaging and consumer products containing such batteries
	Textile label	Fiber composition and care label instructions
	FCC logo	The FCC logo can be voluntarily affixed on products that are subjected to the SDoC procedure to indicate compliance
	US Law Label	Certain products with filling materials require law labels in many US states
	16 CFR Part 305 Energy label	Required for certain products covered by 16 CFR Part 305

16 CFR Part 134 – Country of Origin Marking

Country of origin marking is mandatory for most products sold in the United States. For example, products manufactured in Vietnam should be labeled as Made in Vietnam.

Examples

• Made in Vietnam
• Made in Germany
• Made in China

Placement

The marking can either be applied to the product or the packaging, depending on the size and various exemptions. However, many brands choose to apply the country of origin marking both to the products and the packaging, as it can be difficult to navigate the exemptions.

Special rules

Further, special rules concerning country of origin marking for the following products:

• Watches
• Native American style jewelry
• Native American style accessories
• Assembled products

Recommended article: Country of Origin Requirements in the United States: An Overview

16 CFR Part 323 – Made in USA Labelling

16 CFR Part 323 defines “Made in the United States” as products, including its components, that are built, crafted, created, made, manufactured, or produced in the United States.

Products should generally not bear the “Made in the United States” label unless the following take place within the United States:

• Processing of the product
• Final assembly
• Component sourcing

Children’s Products (CPSIA)

Children’s products subject to the CPSIA are subject to various labeling requirements. Note that the CPSIA covers toys and other children’s products, such as baby carriers and cribs.

CPSIA Tracking Label

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Tracking labels must be affixed to the product and packaging when possible. The tracking label should generally include the following information:

1. Company name (Manufacturer, importer, or private labeler)

2. Production location

3. Production date

4. Batch or run number or other identifying manufacturing process characteristics

5. Any other information to facilitate ascertaining the specific source of the product (e.g., address of the manufacturing plant)

Recommended article: CPSIA Tracking Label Guide For Importers & Amazon Sellers

Durable infant and toddler products

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Additional CPSIA labelling requirements apply to products defined as durable infant and toddler products. This includes children’s furniture, baby carriers, and many other products.

1. Company name (manufacturer or private labeler)

2. Production location (city, state)

3. Production date

4. Batch or production run number

5. Manufacturer contact information (U.S. address and telephone number, toll-free if available)

6. Model name

7. Model number

Warnings labels

Certain children’s product safety rules and incorporated standards (such as ASTM F963) set warning labeling requirements applicable to particular types of children’s products and risks.

The example above comes from 16 CFR Part 1500.19, which sets choking hazard labeling requirements for:

• Small parts
• Balls and small balls
• Latex balloons
• Marbles

Note that additional warning labeling requirements can apply under other parts and standards.

Recommended article: Warning Labeling Requirements for Children’s Products in the United States

General Use Products

Various types of general-use products are also subject to labelling requirements. Below follow two examples of such products.

Button Cell Batteries

Part 1263 – Safety Standard for Button Cell Batteries mandates that button cell batteries and consumer products that contain such batteries comply with specific labeling requirements.

1. The example above is relevant for button cell battery packaging

2. Additional requirements can be found in ANSI/UL 4200A

Recommended article: Part 1263 – Safety Standard for Button Cell Batteries

Mattresses

Mattresses are subject to labeling requirements set out by the following standards:

a. 16 CFR Part 1632 – Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads

b. 16 CFR Part 1633 – Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets

Importers and manufacturers should provide labels that bear information such as the following:

• Protection instructions
• Importer’s or manufacturer’s name and address
• Compliance statement
• Information concerning fire retardants

Recommended article: Mattress Regulations in the United States: An Overview

Upholstered Furniture

16 CFR Part 1640 mandates that covered upholstered furniture must comply with California Technical Bulletin 117-2013. Assuming the product passes testing, it should carry this certification statement:

“Complies with U.S. CPSC requirements for upholstered furniture flammability”

Art Material Labels

The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA) sets labeling requirements for products defined as art materials.

Labeling information

ASTM D-4236, which is incorporated by reference in 16 CFR Part 1500, requires labeling information such as the following:

• Statement of conformance
• Signal word “WARNING” (when chronic hazards exist)
• List of potentially chronic hazards
• Name of chronically hazardous components
• Safe handling instructions
• List of sensitizing components
• Combined statement (for more than one chronic hazardous component)
• Phrases stating information sources
• Chronic hazard statements
• Precautionary statements
• Product examples

Product examples

• Paints
• Colored pencils
• Glues
• Model and Hobby kits

Recommended article: Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA): An Essential Guide

Textiles Labeling

Clothing and other textile products sold in the United States are subject to various labeling requirements. Below follows an overview for the following parts:

• 16 CFR Part 303 – ​​Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act
• 16 CFR Part 301 – Rules and Regulations Under Fur Products Labeling Act
• 16 CFR Part 300 – Rules and Regulations Under the Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939
• 16 CFR Part 423 – Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods as Amended

Overview

Part	Scope	Requirements
16 CFR Part 303	Textile products	Textile products must include a label that contains the fibre composition and traceability information Example: 100% cotton
16 CFR Part 301	Fur products	Fur product labels must be labelef with the applicable animal name as listed and traceability information
16 CFR Part 300	Wool products	Wool product labels must specify the contents and provide traceability information
16 CFR Part 423	Care labels	1. Manufacturers must provide care labels on their clothing textile products. 2. They must either use the care terms found in Appendix A to 16 Part 423, or the symbols found in ASTM D5489-96c.

Recommended article: Textiles Labeling Requirements in the United States

Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products

16 CFR PART 24 – GUIDES FOR SELECT LEATHER AND IMITATION LEATHER PRODUCTS

16 CFR Part 24 – Guides for select leather and imitation leather products provide guidance regarding how not to misrepresent leather products on labels that bear information such as the following:

• Material content
• Trade names
• Properties (e.g., “waterproof”)

If the product is made of or includes imitation leather, the label should disclose the product’s material, such as the following information:

• “Not leather”
• “Imitation leather”
• “Simulated leather”
• “Top Grain Cowhide With Simulated Pigskin Grain”

Recommended article: Leather Product Regulations in the United States: An Overview

Jewelry Marking

Jewelry products may be subject to different requirements, such as 16 CFR Part 23 and the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of 1906.

16 CFR Part 23 – Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries

These guides apply to jewelry and other products that contain precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. They set requirements for claims that are used in labels, advertising, and other marketing material, such as:

• The misuses of certain terms, such as “handmade” or “hand-polished”.
• Misrepresentation of precious metal content (e.g., gold or silver)
• Misuse of certain words, such as “flawless” or “perfect”

You can read the full guides in 16 CFR Part 23.

National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of 1906

This act aims to protect consumers by ensuring that articles that are marked as being made in gold or silver meet specific fineness standards. It sets:

• Standard of fineness of gold articles
• Standard of fineness of silver articles
• Requirements for stamping plated articles

California Proposition 65 Warning Label

California Proposition 65 restricts around 900 chemicals and heavy metals in consumer products sold in California.

As such, you can either get the product lab-tested to prove that it doesn’t contain any of the listed chemicals or ensure that the product carries a warning label.

Warning label example

“This product can expose you to chemicals including [name of chemicals] which are known to the State of California to cause [cancer/birth defects or other reproductive harm]. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov”

Recommended article: California Proposition 65 Guide for US Importers & Amazon Sellers

US Law Label

Example: Type No. 1 in California’s HFTI Laws and Regulations

More than 30 US states mandate that certain products with filling materials carry law labels.

Product examples

• Bedding
• Furniture
• Feather and down products
• Stuffed toys
• Mattresses
• Mattress pads

Label Information

• “Do Not Remove” Statement
• Filling materials (Weight %)
• Uniform Registry Number (URN)
• Company Name

Uniform Registry Number (URN)

Note that you might need to register to obtain a Uniform Registry Number (URN).

Recommended article: US Law Label Requirements: A Complete Guide

USDA Organic Seal

The USDA Organic Seal is a federally-protected official mark used by certified companies and farms to indicate that their products are organic.

Examples

• Textiles
• Beef
• Fruits
• Nuts

Labeling information

There are four different cases to take into consideration:

a. Products that contain 100% organic ingredients may bear a “100 Percent Organic” claim and/or the USDA organic seal.

b. Products containing at least 95% organic ingredients may bear an “Organic” claim and/or the USDA organic seal.

c. Products that contain at least 70% of organically-produced ingredients may use the “Made with Organic [insert 1–3 ingredients]” claim, but must not carry the USDA Organic Seal.

d. Products that contain less than 70% of organic content must not bear the word “organic” or the USDA Organic Seal.

Note that organic ingredients may need to be listed on the label. You can find more information on this page.

FCC Labeling Requirements

Electronics sold in the United States are subject to several FCC labeling requirements, such as those set by 47 CFR Part 15 – Radio Frequency Devices for unintentional and intentional radiators, and thus set by 47 CFR Part 8 Subpart B – Cybersecurity Labeling Program for IoT Products.

Overview

Part	Product examples	Requirements
Unintentional radiators	Coffee pots Motors Electrical power tools	1. Compliance information (as specified in 47 CFR Part 15.19 2. Responsible party identification information 3. Information to the user/instructions 4. FCC Logo (optional) 5. Requirements for specific products (e.g., some microphones)
Intentional radiators	Wireless microphones Wi-Fi transmitters Bluetooth radio devices	1. Compliance information (as specified in 47 CFR Part 15.19 2. FCC ID 3. Information to the user/instructions 4. Requirements for specific products

FCC Logo

You can affix the FCC logo on a voluntary basis to products that are subject to the Supplier Declaration of Conformity authorisation procedure in order to indicate that the products comply with the relevant requirements.

Cyber security

The FCC has established a labeling program for Internet of Things (IoT) products in order to improve cybersecurity in the country and inform consumers about the cybersecurity of such products.

The FCC IoT Label can only be affixed to products that have been certified by a Cybersecurity Testing Laboratory (CyberLAB) accredited by the FCC.

Recommended article: Electronics Labelling Requirements in the United States

Energy Labeling Rule

Sample from Appendix L to 16 CFR Part 305 in the eCFR

16 CFR Part 305, Energy and water use labeling for consumer products under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (“Energy Labeling Rule”), covers products such as energy and water use appliances.

Product examples

• Dishwashers
• Furnaces
• Television sets
• Faucets
• Ceiling fans

Labeling Information

The Energy Labeling Rule requires importers and manufacturers of energy and water appliance products to include information on labels such as the following on their products:

• Operating cost
• Water use rate
• Conformance with relevant standards
• Energy consumption
• Energy efficiency
• Energy cost
• Water cost

The above information may be different according to the product (e.g., lighting, washing machine) and should be placed in the following places:

• On product catalogs
• On labels attached to the product
• In written advertising
• In broadcast advertising
• On printed materials at the point of sale

Label design

Appendix L to Part 305 provides examples of prototype labels that include instructions regarding font, color, label size, and so on.

The specifics of each instruction depend on the appliance that the label is attached to, e.g., the font and label sizes for refrigerator-freezer energy labels differ from those for specialty consumer lamp energy labels.

Recommended article: Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) Guide: An Overview

OSHA Labeling Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) sets safety requirements for workers, including labelling requirements for certain products that are used in the workplace.

For example, 29 CFR Part 1910 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards sets labelling requirements for some types of personal protective equipment, such as:

• Eye and face protection products
• Respiratory protection products
• Electrical protective equipment

Additionally, the OSH Administration lists products for which approval from Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) is required.

Once you certify your product, you must affix the certification mark of the NRTL of your choice, such as UL Solutions or Eurofins.

Recommended article: Occupational Safety and Health Act: An Essential Guide

Packaging Labelling

You can find information about US packaging labeling requirements in the following guides:

• Fair Packaging Labeling Act (FPLA)
• Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA)
• Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation (UPLR)
• Bag suffocation warning
• ISPM 15 Mark
• Packaging recycling symbols

Certification labels

Some companies provide markings indicating that a product has undergone a voluntary certification process.

UL Marking

The Underwriter Laboratories (UL) mark indicates that the product has passed the UL testing and certification process. As such, you cannot affix the UL mark to a product that has not passed the relevant testing.

• UL Listed
• UL Certified
• UL Classified
• UL Recognized Component
• UL Performance Verified

Note that UL compliance is not mandatory unless a standard is incorporated by reference in a regulation. That said, many retailers and distributors will not consider products that are not UL tested and compliant. It can also help you verify product safety, even if this is voluntary.

Recommended article: UL Standards for Importers and Amazon Sellers: An Essential Guide

ETL Mark

Intertek has its own compliance program called the ETL Certification program. Products that pass the necessary testing can use the ETL Mark, which signals compliance with standards in the United States and Canada.

The ETL Mark is therefore not mandatory but still recognized by consumers, retailers, and the authorities as a reliable compliance mark.

Recommended article: ETL Certification and Marking: A Complete Guide

FAQ

Can we use QR codes instead of printed labels in the United States?

QR codes are a relatively new concept and are not addressed in US regulations concerning labeling requirements, as far as I am aware. Many regulations specifically mandate that label information must be present on the product or packaging.

As such, I would personally not consider using QR codes instead of affixing label information on the product and packaging.

How do I know which US labeling and marking requirements apply?

The specific labeling requirements are determined by the regulations and standards that cover your product. As such, the first step is to assess which regulations and standards apply to your product.

Can more than one US labeling requirement cover a product?

Yes, several regulations that set labeling requirements can apply to the same product. For example, an electronic device can be subject to both country of origin and FCC marking requirements.

If it’s also a children’s product, then it would additionally require a tracking label.

Note that one set of labeling requirements does not exclude other legislation mandating labeling requirements.

Can products be marked or labeled inside the United States?

Products manufactured in the United States can, of course, be labeled domestically. That said, it is not a good idea to import finished products that are incorrectly labeled, as this can result in action taken by the customs authorities or other government agencies, such as the CPSC.

Are barcodes required when selling in the United States?

Barcodes are generally voluntary, but can be required by resellers or logistics providers.

What are the potential consequences of incorrect labeling in the US?

Importing or manufacturing incorrectly labeled products for sale in the United States can result in fines or recalls. It is essential that you affix all applicable labels according to the placement requirements.