All acupuncture needle packaging must bear a warning stating: "Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of qualified practitioners of acupuncture as determined by the States" .
Purchasing, receiving, or using these needles without a license can lead to the devices being classified as "adulterated" or "misbranded" under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), potentially resulting in civil or criminal penalties. State Laws and Restrictions buy acupuncture needles without license
Engaging in acupuncture or advertising as a practitioner without a license is a criminal offense in many jurisdictions (e.g., a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina). All acupuncture needle packaging must bear a warning
Most states require practitioners to have extensive training (often 2,000 to 3,000 hours) and pass standardized exams from bodies like the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Most states require practitioners to have extensive training
The restriction is intended to protect public safety due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Risks of unlicensed use include: NC General Statutes - Chapter 90 Article 30