Article 14. Registered Brands of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 12. >> Part 4. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 14.

Every egg handler shall register with the director each brand name which is intended for use by the handler on a master container of eggs, other than a container made of corrugated fiber.

It is unlawful for a brand registrant or his authorized agent or employees to pack eggs into a master container which does not bear the registrant's brand, or to transport or sell eggs in such container.

Any person who, without prior authorization, acquires possession of a master container which bears a brand belonging to someone else, shall, at his or her own expense, return the container to the registered owner within 30 days. This section does not apply to the operator of a retail store who is not otherwise an egg handler.

Every person who operates a container exchange business for master containers of eggs shall obtain a license from the director.

The director shall issue licenses to persons engaged in the container exchange business for master containers of eggs pursuant to such regulations as the director deems necessary to protect the shell egg industry.

Every licensee shall file with the director the name and address of each person or firm that has contracted to use the exchange services, and shall return all containers bearing a registered brand to the registered owner within 30 days after receipt.

A licensee may sell containers which do not have a registered brand, and the ownership of which cannot be determined, to egg handlers. The handlers shall apply a registered brand before use. The licensee shall keep a record of each sale for a period of two years. All records required to be maintained by a licensee shall be made available to the director upon request.

The director may suspend or revoke any license for failure to comply with the provisions of Sections 27664, 27666, or 27667 or regulations adopted by the director relating to activities which must be licensed pursuant to this article.

It is unlawful for any common carrier or private carrier for hire, except those which are engaged in transporting eggs and containers of eggs to and from farms where eggs are produced, to receive or transport any container which is marked with a brand that is registered pursuant to this chapter or regulation unless such carrier has in its possession a bill of lading or invoice which shows all of the following:
  (a) The name and address of the consignor.
  (b) The name and address of the consignee.
  (c) The number of containers.
  (d) The brand which appears on the containers.