Product labeling rules

Placing information on product packaging has a long history. However, the last decade has brought a number of legislative changes that manufacturers must adapt to. 

Labeling has two primary goals: to promote informed purchasing decisions and to protect consumers from risks. Today we will present the most important rules for placing labels on products. We invite you to read more! 

 

Product labeling in the Polish legal order

Polish regulations in the area of labeling correspond to EU requirements. One of the most important pieces of legislation is becoming Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 25, 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers. 

In Poland, there are relevant normative acts in the rank of law, such as the Act of August 25, 2006 on food and nutrition safety or the Act of December 21, 2000 on commercial quality of agri-food products. 
Still other regulations govern the labeling of chemical products. In this case, industrial plants are obliged to provide information about the specific risks associated with the use of a particular product. 

In summary - the labeling of food goods or industrial products is an integral condition for the release of goods. 

At the same time, it contributes to building brand recognition, which in itself becomes an effective inspiration for an interesting design. 

 

The most important rules for the marking of approved goods 

Comprehensive marking of goods should fulfill four basic functions: identification, information, warning and utility. The purpose of the first pillar becomes instant batch identification on the logistics line. 

The process of distributing goods to retail outlets consists of many factors. 

Legible and standardized labels speed up warehouse procedures and help reduce costs. In second place we have guidelines on informing customers about product-specific features. The labeling principles developed focus on concisely including the necessary data and providing an accessible layout. Warning information specific to chemical or industrial products is becoming an extension of this function. 
The way in which goods are used in general circulation sometimes raises legitimate questions. The lack of intuitive operating instructions would lead to improper handling of the product. For this reason, the handling information on the labels should provide precise guidance on recommended practices. 

 

>>> see also Key features of product and packaging labels

 

Markings of goods - what should you beware of? 

Mistakes at the labeling stage generate considerable risk of misinformation and contribute to regulatory tightening. Among the most common deficiencies or abuses, we can include: 

• misleading consumers, 

• incomplete information package, 

• illegible label (e.g., font too small), 

• incomplete list of ingredients, 

• incorrect data of origin, 

• placement of graphics that suggest non-existent product features. 

Acting in unknowing or against the law sooner or later leads to severe consequences for the manufacturer. State institutions have gained considerable leeway in recent years in matters of control and financial penalties. Failure to comply with the requirements of the law will result in a mandatory fee of up to several hundred thousand zlotys. 

 

How should information be provided by product labeling? 

The catalog of guidelines for marking goods is subject to far-reaching differences depending on the industry and technical characteristics of the product in question. We will see different information on food packaging, and still others on industrial goods. However, economic practice provides knowledge of the general regularities that apply to a wide range of goods in market trading. The list of information to be included on the label contains such items as the name, list of primary and secondary ingredients, unit weight, bulk package weight, expiration date, place of origin, specific storage conditions, user instructions, bar code, features, etc. 

Product labeling is taking on the role of a safety brake against the progressive dilution of producer responsibility outside the European Union. Local regulations are designed to unify supply chains and give consumers all the data to make informed decisions. 

The power of the label also lies in visually appealing ways of labeling. The print on the packaging material becomes the company's business card in the eyes of a potential customer. It's worth betting on a well-thought-out design that takes into account the requirements listed above and embeds them in an interesting, eye-catching graphic. Take advantage of the offer of professional label printing company AZ Color and get comprehensive support in the design and production of a legal marking system for goods. 

 

Check out our offer of self-adhesive labels.

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