Ask an Attorney

Search Questions

Q. Must all packaging containing products for retail sale display a physical address and phone number along with the company name, or will just a website address suffice? This is pertaining in particular to a packaged gift item, no food products included.

A. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (Title 16 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 500.5) specifies that the label of a consumer commodity shall specify the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor in a conspicuous place on the label. The Act also requires that, "The statement of the place of business shall include the street address, city, state, and zip code; however, the street address may be omitted if it is shown in a current city directory or telephone directory." Section 501 CFR lists a number of products that are exempt from the requirements of Section 500. Click here for a copy of the Act. Therefore, unless your product is exempted, you will need to include at a minimum the city, state and zip code of place of business, and the entire address if the place of business is not listed in a current city or telephone directory.