Regulatory Compliance for Packaging

Q: Can you certify our packaging?

We coordinate testing (e.g., ISTA/APASS) and supplier declarations. Formal regulatory certification is handled by notified bodies or authorities where applicable.

Q: Do we need separate packaging for the EU and U.S.?

You can often harmonize structures and adjust labeling/claims for each region. We build a global core spec with regional label variants.

Q: How do EPR laws affect us?

You may owe fees and reporting by material weights/types. We set up data capture and templates so compliance is straightforward.

From food contact and medical device labeling to EPR laws and recycling claims, packaging regulations are evolving fast. Influence Packaging helps you design and document packaging that meets requirements in the U.S., EU, and beyond—without slowing down your launch.

FDA & EU Ready EPR & Recycling Labels Transit & Marketplace Documentation & SOPs

What We Cover

Food Contact (U.S. FDA): 21 CFR substances, indirect food additives, migration and intended-use considerations.
Medical / Device Packaging: labeling basics (e.g., UDI on device labels), sterile barrier considerations (when applicable), and distribution packaging validation.
Environmental & Claims: U.S. FTC Green Guides (truthful recycling/compostability claims), EU/UK guidance, and clear consumer instructions (e.g., How2Recycle).
EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): producer obligations for packaging in jurisdictions like California and Canada; data reporting readiness.
Hazmat / Transport: UN/DOT for regulated goods (e.g., UN 4G boxes), markings, and test certificates when required.
Retailer / Marketplace Rules: Amazon FBA carton/label specs, APASS/ISTA transit expectations, barcode placement (GS1/FNSKU).

Quick Region-by-Region Overview

Region	Key Focus	What It Means for You
United States	FDA food contact; FTC Green Guides; state EPR (e.g., CA); Prop 65 warnings (where applicable)	Confirm food-contact safety where relevant; make truthful recycling/compost claims; plan EPR fees/data; evaluate Prop 65 for exposures.
European Union	Food-contact framework; packaging design & waste rules; EPR; eco-claims scrutiny	Ensure materials compliance, design for recycling, meet producer responsibilities, and avoid vague “green” claims.
United Kingdom & Canada	Recycling labeling, EPR schemes, eco-claim guidance	Use approved labels, register/report packaging data, align claims to local guidance.

This page is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Regulations change; we coordinate with your quality/regulatory teams and counsel as needed.

Documentation We Can Prepare

Bill of Materials (BOM) with substrate/ink/adhesive specs and change control.
Declarations of Compliance (supplier letters, composition statements, CoCs).
Transit Test Plans & Reports (e.g., ISTA protocols) aligned to product risk.
Label Matrices & SOPs (barcode placement, warnings, recycling icons).
EPR Data Readiness (packaging weights by material class; reporting templates).

Request a Compliance Review Download Checklist

Compliance by Category

Food & Beverage Verify food-contact suitability (intended use, time/temperature), inks/coatings migration, and clean recycling instructions.

Medical Device Label accuracy (UDI data where applicable), sterility indicators (if used), and distribution packaging validation to reduce damage risk.

Consumer Electronics Robust transit with clear safety/warning labels; check for battery/hazmat transport rules where applicable.

E-commerce Amazon/retailer specs (box size/weight, FNSKU/Box ID), drop tests, and frustration-free considerations.

Do/Don’t: Claims & Labels

Do use specific, substantiated claims (e.g., “Made with 60% PCR”).
Do provide disposal guidance that matches local systems (e.g., How2Recycle).
Don’t use vague terms like “eco-friendly” without context or proof.
Don’t place barcodes over creases or glossy glare zones; keep scannable.

Typical Workflow with Influence

Scope & risk screen by product/market.
Spec & substrate review; supplier declarations.
Label/marking matrix & regulatory copy check.
Transit plan (ISTA/APASS) & corrective loops.
Compliance packet hand-off + change control.

FAQs

Can you certify our packaging?

We coordinate the right tests and documentation (e.g., ISTA/APASS, supplier CoCs). Regulatory certification per se is typically done by notified bodies or authorities where applicable.

Do we need separate packaging for the EU and U.S.?

Often you can harmonize structures but adjust labeling/claims to local rules. We design “global core” specs with regional label variants.

How do EPR laws affect us?

Producers may owe fees and data reporting based on material types and weights. We set up data capture so reporting is straightforward.

Why Influence Packaging

Hands-on with FDA, marketplace, and EPR expectations
Supplier network for declarations & chain-of-custody
Labeling SOPs that reduce defects and delays
Speed: design → proof → compliant pack-out

Packaging Compliance Checklist

Regulatory Compliance for Packaging

What We Cover

Quick Region-by-Region Overview

Documentation We Can Prepare

Other resources

San Francisco Bay Area Packaging and Displays Manufacturer.