Suffocation Warning Bags

Suffocation Warning Label Requirements & Regulations

There are no federal laws which require warning labels on plastic (poly) bags. However, some states and a few municipalities have enacted their own legislation with regard to suffocation warning labels for plastic (poly) bags.Regulations stipulate If bag thickness is 1 mil the bag's dimensions need to be considered in conjunction with labeling specifications of individual jurisdictions order establish compliance pass fail. Below are the individual state and local government requirments for that that require that a suffocation warning be printed on a poly bag.

CALIFORNIA

Suffocation labeling is required if:

1. The thickness is on average less than one mil
2. The size of the opening is larger than 25 square inches or a capacity of more than 125 cubic inches.

CHICAGO, IL

Suffocation labeling is required for polyethylene bags intended for household use, other than ones used for food products weighing not more than 5 pounds.

MASSACHUSETTS & NEW YORK
Suffocation labeling is required if:

1. thickness is less than one mil,
2. size of the opening has a diameter of seven inches or more
3. length + width = 25 inches or more.

RHODE ISLAND

Suffocation labeling is required if:

1. thickness is less than one mil
2. size of opening is larger than 5 inches in diameter.

VIRGINIA

Suffocation labeling is required for dry cleaning bags if:
The thickness is <1 mil="" and="" br="">2) length totals 25 inches or more.

Suffocation labeling Type Size And Placement

CALIFORNIA & RHODE ISLAND

Total length and width of:
<30 inches="10" point="" type="" minimum="" br="">= or > 30 inches and < 40 inches = 14 point type minimum
= or > 40 inches and < 60 inches = 18 point type minimum
= or > 60 inches = 24 point type minimum.

MASSACHUSETTS

Total length and width of:
= or > 25 inches and < 40 inches = 14 point type minimum
= or > 40 inches and < 60 inches = 18 point type minimum
= or > 60 inches = 24 point type minimum.
Suffocation label shall appear on both sides of the bag. If the total length and total width are more than 40-inches (when added), the label shall be repeated at 20-inch intervals.

NEW YORK
Total length and width of:
= or > 25 inches and < 30 inches = 10 point type minimum
= or > 30 inches and < 40 inches = 14 point type minimum
= or > 40 inches and < 60 inches = 18 point type minimum
= or > 60 inches = 24 point type minimum.

VIRGINIA
36 point type minimum. (This is about 1/2”)

Suffocation Warning Language
Plastic bags in California, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia require the following warning:
“WARNING: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this plastic bag away from babies and children. Do not use this bag in cribs, beds, carriages or play pens. This bag is not a toy.”

Suffocation warning bags are plastic bags that are used to package products that pose a suffocation hazard to small children. These bags are typically made from thin plastic material and are used to package items such as plastic toys, stuffed animals, and similar products.

The purpose of the suffocation warning bags is to warn consumers about the potential danger to small children posed by the product if it is not properly secured or stored. The warning label on the bag is designed to inform consumers that the bag is not a toy and that it can pose a suffocation hazard to children if they put it over their heads.

The suffocation warning must be prominently displayed on the bag and must state that the bag is not a toy and can pose a suffocation hazard to children.

It's important to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of children and avoid potential liability. If you are in doubt about whether your products require a suffocation warning bag, it's best to consult with a packaging expert or legal professional for guidance.