Content
Changes (increases or decreases) to a legally-required net content declaration are common across industry.
"Net Content" is defined as the amount of the consumable product of the trade item contained and declared in a package, as required to be presented to the consumer on the label. This may include: net weight, volume, count, units.
- The requirement does not include any marketing declarations or suggestions that are for the consumer’s knowledge, but not directly related to pricing, brand, government regulations. For example: suggested serving size.
- Declared net content is what is used to develop shelf labelling and price per unit declared to the consumer. Accuracy and synchronisation is essential and failure to comply may result in a penalty.
Examples of declared net content changes
- The declared net weight of a bag of salty snacks increases from 680 g (24 oz) to 794 g (28 oz).
- The declared number of diapers in a package of disposable diapers changes from a 14 to a 12 count.
- The declared count of the number of razors in a package changes from 4 to 6 and there are no dimensional changes.
- A bonus amount of product is now included in the pack and in the declaration to the consumer. For example, a 4 pack (count) of lip balm is increased and is declared as a 6 pack (count) bonus pack. The additional product (2 count) is declared to the consumer (is now 6 count)
Examples not considered declared net content changes
- A product is changed to remove a suggested serving size statement (that is not a legally-required declaration).
- An additional net content unit of measure is added or removed (e.g. a package of chicken has a declared net content is 400 grams. Four “pieces” is added or removed from the package)
- Changes to production and manufacturing lines allow for tighter tolerances on manufacturing "fill" levels, having no impact on declared net content.