NSF/ANSI 305 labeling

What do I need to have on my label?

NSF/ANSI 305 requires certain information to be displayed on a product label, including:

• Ingredient statement listing all organic and non-organic ingredients using the International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) labeling system.
• Clearly distinguish “organic” ingredients produced in accordance with the National Organic Program requirements from those produced in accordance with the NSF/ANSI 305 Standards. 
  • Example: Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis (aloe vera) Extract*, Sodium Coco Sulfate**, Coco Glucoside**, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein*, Benzoic Acid.
    * Organic, **Contains Organic Ingredients
• Product certifier identified on the information panel, below or next to the information identifying the handler or distributor of the product and after the phrase “Certified to NSF/ANSI 305 by…” or similar phrase

What optional information can I put on my label?

• “Contains Organic Ingredients”
• “Contains organic [specified ingredients or ingredient groups]” provided the statement does not list more than three organically produced ingredients
• Percentage of organic ingredients in the product including, “Contains X% organic ingredient”, “X% Organic” and “X% Organic Ingredients”
• OTCO logo (provided it does not say “certified organic”)
• NSF/ANSI 305 Personal Care standard logo

What information am I not allowed to have on my label?

• USDA National Organic Program seal
• Identification of the product or any individual ingredient as “certified organic”
• Implication of certification to any organic standards other than NSF/ANSI 305
• Identification of any ingredients as “organic” when they are certified as “contains organic ingredients”

Can I use/print labels prior to approval?

Always submit your labels to OTCO before you print them — even if the change was small. Don’t risk reprinting and repackaging a product due to an unapproved label. Product sales with unapproved labels could jeopardize your certification.

Once you have finalized your label composition, submit it to OTCO for review and approval prior to use.