The net contents statement indicates how much malt beverage is in the container on which the label appears.
On the label above, “1 Pint 0.9 FL. OZ.” is the net contents.
Where should the net contents statement be placed on the product?
The net contents may appear on any label. The net contents may also be blown, embossed, or molded into the container as part of the process of manufacturing the container. See 27 CFR 7.63(a)(5).
What are the formatting requirements for the net contents statement?
Net contents shall be stated in United States (U.S. standard measures (e.g., pints, fluid ounces) as follows. The equivalent metric measure may also be optionally stated. See 27 CFR 7.70.
- If less than 1 pint, in fluid ounces, or fractions of a pint.
- If 1 pint, 1 quart, or 1 gallon, the net contents shall be so stated.
- If more than 1 pint, but less than 1 quart, the net contents shall be stated in fractions of a quart, or in pints and fluid ounces.
- If more than 1 quart, but less than 1 gallon, the net contents shall be stated in fractions of a gallon, or in quarts, pints, and fluid ounces.
- If more than 1 gallon, the net contents shall be stated in gallons and fractions thereof.
Type size:
- Minimum 2 mm for containers larger than 1/2 pint
- Minimum 1 mm for containers of 1/2 pint or less
Note: The minimum type size applies to each numeral or letter in the statement, including both uppercase and lowercase letters. See 27 CFR 7.53.
Legibility:
- Must be readily legible under ordinary conditions;
- Must appear on a contrasting background; and
- Must appear separate and apart from, or be substantially more conspicuous than, descriptive or explanatory information.
More information on these requirements is available at 27 CFR 7.52–7.53.
Does the net contents statement need to indicate the contents of the container exactly, or does TTB allow a tolerance?
The statement of net contents shall indicate exactly the volume of beer within a bottle, except for variations in measuring that may occur in filling conducted in compliance with good commercial practice. The barrel equivalent of bottles filled during a consecutive three month period, calculated on the basis of the brewer's fill test records, may not vary more than 0.5 percent from the barrel equivalent of bottles filled during the same period, calculated on the basis of the stated net contents of the bottles. The brewer is liable for the tax on the entire amount of beer removed, without benefit of tolerance, when the fill of bottles and cans exceeds the tolerance for the three month period, or when filling is not conducted in compliance with good commercial practice. See 27 CFR 25.142(d).
May I use a metric equivalent in addition to a net contents statement in U.S. measurements?
Yes, the metric equivalent may appear on any label or anywhere on the container, but not in lieu of U.S. standard measures.
Example 1:
When using a 16 fluid ounce container, “1 Pint” is the required net contents statement. However, the metric equivalent, "473 mL" may be stated as additional information as long as a net contents statement in U.S. standard measures appears in the same field of vision. See 27 CFR 7.70(c).
Example 2:
When using a 12 fluid ounce container, “12 Fl. Oz.” or “12 Fluid Ounces” is the required net contents statement. However, the metric equivalent, “355 mL” may be stated as additional information as long as a net contents statement in U.S. standard measures appears in the same field of vision. See 27 CFR 7.70(c).
Page last reviewed: April 10, 2023
Page last updated: April 10, 2023
Maintained by: Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division