Government regulations can make or break a product, which is why it’s important to treat packaging requirements as much a priority as the product itself. Not only can a beautiful package help sell your product in terms of marketing, but a properly labeled package can prevent future expensive litigation and the potential misuse of your product.
Packaging and Product Stewardship and Appropriate Labeling
An important requirement is the use of labeling and packaging that accurately reflects the contents of the product. This includes not only the type and quantity of the product, but also important information such as warning labels, instructions for use, and disposal instructions. Companies must also ensure that the labeling and packaging accurately reflect any hazardous materials that may be present, and that they are in compliance with the latest safety regulations.
Product Stewardship is the concept in which individual industries, manufacturers, and designers assume the responsibility of packaging from the development phase to disposal in an environmentally responsible way. Although the practice itself is not a government regulation, it may be wise to prioritize it, especially if you want to sell your product globally, as shipping products also have the potential to create trails of litter and waste that can be traced back to the distributor.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has specific requirements on how automotive businesses and consumers must dispose of the waste produced from automotive goods, therefore the packaging must include appropriate labeling to allow consumers to satisfy those regulations. For example, the labeling should indicate if the product or packaging is recyclable (with the appropriate recycling symbology), flammable, contains hazardous waste, or lithium-ion batteries, which have specific disposal requirements.
Secure Packing
Companies must also ensure that their packaging is secure and that the products are protected during transport. This includes using appropriate packaging materials to prevent damage and ensuring that the packaging is properly sealed. Companies must also ensure that their products are transported in compliance with any relevant transportation regulations, which vary from region to region. This is especially important with electronic parts as many of the components required to manufacture them include hazardous waste such as lead, mercury, or lithium. Human or environmental exposure to these hazards is a huge liability that must be avoided.
We can appreciate government regulation for what it’s trying to do: protect the environment we live in and protect consumers (including ourselves), from harmful manufacturing practices. As a law firm that is dedicated to the automotive aftermarket, we understand the frustration and confusion that comes with participating in a heavily regulated industry. If you are a manufacturer or a producer of aftermarket automotive goods and have questions about satisfying regulations, get in touch with us online, or call 720-221-4545.
Aftermarket Law
