What is a Buff City Soap franchisee's responsibility regarding product labels?

According to the 2025 Buff City Soap Franchise Disclosure Document, Buff City Soap provides the required labels for products sold at its Makeries. However, it is the franchisee's responsibility to ensure that all products are properly labeled and meet all appropriate weights and measures.

Buff City Soap products fall into two regulatory categories: those regulated by the FDA (cosmetics) and those regulated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). The FDA mandates specific cosmetic labeling requirements, including a statement of identity, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, the net quantity of the product's contents, and a list of ingredients in descending order. Products that may be hazardous if misused must have appropriate label warnings and directions for safe use. The Tariff Act of 1930 also requires that all imported articles state the country of origin on the label.

For non-FDA regulated products, such as laundry soaps and soap dishes, franchisees must comply with the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), which requires a statement identifying the commodity, the name and place of the manufacturer, and the net quantity of contents. If any products qualify as children's products, they are subject to applicable children's product laws and regulations.

In addition to labeling requirements, Buff City Soap franchisees must comply with environmental regulations related to the disposal of containers used for lye storage, as well as OSHA requirements for worker safety when handling hazardous materials. Franchisees must also adhere to the Clean Air Act regarding the pH level and oil and grease content in wastewater, and they must satisfy all federal, state, and local requirements for wastewater disposal, including consulting with local authorities, installing grease traps, obtaining permits, and adhering to ongoing monitoring requirements.