46 CFR §160.036-5

1. (a)General. Each hand-held rocket-propelled parachute red flare distress signal shall be legibly marked or labeled as follows:
2. (b)Marking of expiration date. The expiration date must be not more than 42 months from the date of manufacture.
3. (c)Other marking.
   1. (1)On each hand-held rocket propelled parachute red flare distress signal there shall be die-stamped in figures not less than 3 mm ( 1/8 in.) high, on the signal, numbers indicating the month and year of manufacture, thus: “6-54” indicating June, 1954.
   2. (2)The pyrotechnic candle shall be legibly marked with the month and year of manufacture.
   3. (3)In addition to any other marking place on the smallest packing carton or box containing signals, each carton or box shall be plainly and permanently marked to show the service life expiration date, date of manufacture, and lot number.
   4. (4)The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.”