Code of Massachusetts Regulations 202 CMR - DIVISION OF STANDARDS
Here’s a comprehensive overview of 202 CMR – Division of Standards in the Massachusetts Code of Regulations, current as reflected in the Trial Court Law Libraries and secondary sources (mass.gov):
🛠️ What Is 202 CMR?
Issued by the Division of Standards under Mass. General Laws c. 94 & c. 98, these regulations govern standards related to consumer protection, weights and measures, packaging/labeling, pricing, and retail practices.
📚 Structure & Key Chapters
202 CMR is organized into these major parts:
2.00 – Massachusetts Standards (Advertising & Sale of Motor Fuel)
Covers §2.06–2.11, including:
Standards for motor fuel & lubricating oil advertising
Strength and quality specifications for antifreeze (§2.10)
Heating oil grades, testing standards (ASTM), sampling, inspections (§2.11) (law.cornell.edu, mass.gov, law.cornell.edu, casetext.com)
3.00 – Model State Packaging & Labeling
Defines packaging and labeling requirements (e.g. content disclosure, net quantity & identity statements). Sourced from official listings (mass.gov).
5.00 – Unit Pricing & Automated Retail Checkout Systems
§5.01–5.10:
§5.03 outlines unit‑price label formats: orange top, white bottom; font sizes; location rules (law.cornell.edu).
§5.04 mandates unit price display by weight/volume, etc. .
Covers exemptions, compliance oversight, and inspections.
6.00 – Consumer and Merchant Protection Act Committee
Establishes a committee to advise on consumer protection reforms and implementing related statutes (mass.gov, regulations.justia.com).
7.00 – Price Disclosure
§7.01–7.11: demands clear price labeling, scanner accuracy, receipts, lowest-price policies, signage, violations & appeals procedures (regulations.justia.com, tobweb.town.barnstable.ma.us).
Definitions (e.g., loyalty cards, correct price) in §7.02 (tobweb.town.barnstable.ma.us).
🔍 Why It Matters
Ensures fair, transparent consumer transactions—proper fuel advertising, accurate weight/price disclosures, consistent packaging labels.
Enhances retail accountability through clear unit-pricing and price scanner standards.
Provides enforcement mechanisms: inspections, penalties, appeals, and consumer rights.
⏱️ Legal Status & Updates
Regulations are reviewed quarterly; current versions are available via the Trial Court Law Libraries (law.cornell.edu, tobweb.town.barnstable.ma.us, mass.gov).
§5.00 is updated through March 14, 2025 (Register 1543) (regulations.justia.com).
§7.00 held effective through March 29, 2024 (Register 1518) (regulations.justia.com).
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