Packages of Multiple Items
This article applies to packages which are prepared in advance of retail sale (in the United States)
A package of different items, also referred to as a combination pack, is a package of two or more items which are different. For example, a set of products or a gift basket. This applies to packages that are created prior to sale and are sold as a unit. It does not to products that are purchased individually and then placed in a single box or package.
Gift basket: a package of different items (Brubaker-usa.com)
Ingredient Declaration
The labeling on the outside of the package must include separate ingredient declarations for each cosmetic item contained gift basket.1 That way the consumer can see what’s in the products and make a value judgement2 on whether they want to purchase the product.
Note that where there are two or more similar items in the packaged set, the ingredient declarations may be combined for those items. See Ingredient Declaration: Packages of Similar Items.
Text Size
The text of the ingredient declaration must be clear and conspicuous and able to read by ordinary individuals under normal circumstances. The ingredient declaration must be in text that is at least 1/16 inch high.3
See Labeling: Measuring the Text Size for details on how to measure the text size to make sure it’s large enough.
Labels on the Individual Products
If the products inside the package are individually labeled, they only need the identity, net weight, and business name and address. An ingredient declaration is not required on the inside items.4
Other Label Content
As with any product, the other required label information is still required on the outside of a package of different items:
Identity (What it is): Required on the front.5
Net Contents: Required on the outside front. See Net Contents: General Requirements, section on Combination Packs for complete details.6 Note that if sponges are included in the gift basket, they have particular requirements in most states for how they are stated in the net contents.7
Business Name and Address: Required on the back or sides.8
Food Items: If the basket contains food items, even if they are pre-packaged, the outside of the gift basket should also contain the nutrition and other required food label information.
Gift Packing as a Service
Where a gift set or basket is prepared as a service (like gift wrapping) for the consumer after they purchase or select items to be included, , the outside label is NOT REQUIRED.
1 21 CFR 701.3(a)
2 15 USC 1451 – Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
3 21 CFR 701.3(b)
4 21 CFR 701.3(a)
5 21 CFR 701.11)
6 21 CFR 701.13)
7 National Institutes of Standards & Technology. Handbook 130: Uniform Laws and Regulations, Section 2.6.15 “NCWM Policy, Interpretations and Guidelines; labeling guidelines for natural and synthetic sponges.”
8 21 CFR 701.12)
