Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA)
Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) is the 1970 US law that requires child-resistant packaging for listed household substances that could seriously harm young children, such as many drugs, chemicals and liquid nicotine.
What it requires
Listed substances, including oral prescription drugs, aspirin and acetaminophen, iron supplements, some household chemicals, liquid nicotine and, since 2023, button and coin batteries, must be in packaging that most children under five cannot open within a reasonable time but most adults can use. Packaging must pass protocol testing under 16 CFR Part 1700, and products need certificates. One non-child-resistant size may be offered for older adults if labeled. Violations can lead to recalls and civil penalties.
Why it matters
The PPPA affects what packaging a fulfillment operation can use when it repacks, kits or bundles regulated products. Moving vitamins with iron or liquid nicotine into a new container, or splitting a pack, can break child-resistant compliance. For example, a subscription box company that decants iron supplements into sample pouches would need child-resistant pouches tested to 16 CFR 1700, so 3PLs should check PPPA status before agreeing to kitting projects for supplements, pharmaceuticals or household chemicals.
Related laws
Sources
- CPSC: Special packaging (PPPA) FAQs cpsc.gov
- eCFR: 16 CFR Part 1700 ecfr.gov
Not legal advice.