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HB 1526

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 11 of section 4.1-41-01 and section 4.1-41-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to pet food registration.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Mike Berg and 6 co-sponsors

ND requires pre-distribution pet food registration, two-year cycle, with fees ($120 out-of-state, $50 in-state) and penalties for noncompliance.

Filed with Secretary Of State 03/24
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1526

Summary — HB 1526 (North Dakota) — Pet Food Registration

Status: Enacted (became Act 575). Filed with Secretary of State March 24, 2025; signed by the Governor March 21, 2025.
Statutory changes: Amends ND Century Code §4.1-41-01(11) and §4.1-41-05.

Purpose and intent

The bill updates North Dakota law governing labeling and registration of pet food and specialty pet food. It clarifies what constitutes "labeling" (to include electronic and broadcast promotional material) and revises registration, fee, renewal, exemption, and penalty provisions for pet food products distributed in the state.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definition of "Labeling" (§4.1-41-01(11))

    • Expands the definition to explicitly include written/printed/graphic information that accompanies distribution, plus promotional materials and statements or promotions through radio, television, internet interfaces, or on an organization’s website.

  • Registration requirement (§4.1-41-05)

    • Before distribution in North Dakota, each pet food and each specialty pet food product must be registered with the Commissioner. Distributors are exempt from registering a product if another person has registered it.

  • Application and fees

    • Initial registration requires submission of an application in the form/time prescribed by the Commissioner.
    • Fee for products manufactured out-of-state: $120 per product.
    • Fee for products manufactured in-state: $50 per product.

  • Renewal

    • Renewal requires application and a renewal fee of $100 per product.
    • Registration term: January 1 of an even-numbered year through December 31 of the following odd-numbered year (two-year registration cycle).
    • Failure to renew within 31 days after expiration requires reapplication as an initial registration.

  • Certificates and transferability

    • Commissioner furnishes a certificate of registration upon approval; certificates are not transferable.

  • Penalty

    • Violation of the registration requirement incurs a penalty of $25 for each product requiring registration.

  • Exemptions

    • Persons are exempt from registration if they:
    • Are residents of the state;
    • Produce pet food in a noncommercial kitchen;
    • Sell directly to end consumers at community events or farmer’s markets; and
    • Do not use meat, poultry, fish, or their byproducts as ingredients.

Who is affected

  • Pet food manufacturers (in-state and out-of-state) and specialty pet food producers who distribute products in North Dakota are directly affected by the registration and fee requirements.
  • Small or hobbyist producers who meet the stated exemptions (noncommercial kitchen, direct-to-consumer sales, and no meat/poultry/fish ingredients) are exempt.
  • Distributors are affected only to the extent that they must ensure products they distribute are registered by the appropriate party.

Procedural/timing notes

  • Registrations follow a two-year cycle tied to even-numbered calendar years.
  • Missing renewal by more than 31 days triggers reapplication as an initial registration.
  • The statute grants the Commissioner administrative responsibility for forms, timing, and issuance of certificates.

Relevant statutory sections amended: NDCC §4.1-41-01(11) and §4.1-41-05.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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