Title 21, Food and DrugsRelease 119-110

§379s Preemption for Labeling or Packaging of Cosmetics

Title 21 › CHAPTER 9 — FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT › SUBCHAPTER VII — GENERAL AUTHORITY › Part F — National Uniformity for Nonprescription Drugs and Preemption for Labeling or Packaging of Cosmetics › § 379s

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

States may not make or keep rules about how cosmetics are labeled or packaged that are different from the federal rules under this law or the Poison Prevention Packaging Act or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. The ban covers any specific rule about the same part of a cosmetic’s packaging or label, including rules about public information. A state can ask the Secretary for an exception. The Secretary can allow an exception after notice and a chance to speak if the rule (1) protects an important public interest, (2) would not make the product break any federal law, and (3) would not unfairly burden interstate trade. This does not change state product liability laws. It also does not apply to state rules approved by public vote before September 1, 1997.

Full Legal Text

Title 21, §379s

Food and Drugs, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In general
Except as provided in subsection (b), (d), or (e), no State or political subdivision of a State may establish or continue in effect any requirement for labeling or packaging of a cosmetic that is different from or in addition to, or that is otherwise not identical with, a requirement specifically applicable to a particular cosmetic or class of cosmetics under this chapter, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (15 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.), or the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (15 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.).
(b)Exemption
Upon application of a State or political subdivision thereof, the Secretary may by regulation, after notice and opportunity for written and oral presentation of views, exempt from subsection (a), under such conditions as may be prescribed in such regulation, a State or political subdivision requirement for labeling or packaging that—
(1)protects an important public interest that would otherwise be unprotected;
(2)would not cause a cosmetic to be in violation of any applicable requirement or prohibition under Federal law; and
(3)would not unduly burden interstate commerce.
(c)Scope
For purposes of subsection (a), a reference to a State requirement that relates to the packaging or labeling of a cosmetic means any specific requirement relating to the same aspect of such cosmetic as a requirement specifically applicable to that particular cosmetic or class of cosmetics under this chapter for packaging or labeling, including any State requirement relating to public information or any other form of public communication.
(d)No effect on product liability law
Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify or otherwise affect any action or the liability of any person under the product liability law of any State.
(e)State initiative
This section shall not apply to a State requirement adopted by a State public initiative or referendum enacted prior to September 1, 1997.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 91–601, Dec. 30, 1970, 84 Stat. 1670, which is classified principally to chapter 39A (§ 1471 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 1471 of Title 15 and Tables. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 89–755, Nov. 3, 1966, 80 Stat. 1296, which is classified generally to chapter 39 (§ 1451 et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 1451 of Title 15 and Tables.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective 90 days after Nov. 21, 1997, except as otherwise provided, see section 501 of Pub. L. 105–115, set out as an

Effective Date

of 1997 Amendment note under section 321 of this title.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

21 U.S.C. § 379s

Title 21, Food and Drugs

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110