Product labeling regulations in the US, EU, Australia

Product labels are as important as other product elements. Product labeling requirements are part of product safety standards and regulatory directives in Europe, the US and Australia. Failure to comply with the labeling regulations could result in your products being refused entry or withdrawn by the customs.

But that is not all. It is not always easy to properly understand a product's brand when buying from suppliers. Very few suppliers in developing and underdeveloped countries such as Vietnam are aware of how product labels should be designed, and what information is required to ensure compliance. compliance with regulations and laws in export markets. Here are the US, EU and Australian product labeling regulations - outlining what you need to know when designing a product label.

Product label design

Before starting with national product labeling requirements, a little knowledge of the design process is required. Asian manufacturers are inherently accustomed to producing products to the specifications provided by buyers.

Notes when designing product labels:

- Interface and text

- Font

- Color tones

- Picture

- Size

- Print or paste position

- Material of labels

It is not enough to just confirm the label material to the buyer via email, but should include it in the contract, and should have a copy of the sample with the buyer's signature and stamp of confirmation. early production.

Labeling required in the US

There are no federal labeling requirements that apply to all product categories. Instead, different product labeling requirements lie within different product safety directives - which apply differently to different types of products. But not enough, the labeling depends on the individual regulations of each state. It is generally too complex and can be summarized as follows:

• Federal regulations

• State-specific regulations

• Product type

• Product safety standards / laws must apply

Product labels are as important as other product elements. Product labeling requirements are part of product safety standards and regulatory directives in Europe, the US and Australia. Failure to comply with the labeling regulations could result in your products being refused entry or withdrawn by the customs.

But that is not all. It is not always easy to properly understand a product's brand when buying from suppliers. Very few suppliers in developing and underdeveloped countries such as Vietnam are aware of how product labels should be designed, and what information is required to ensure compliance. compliance with regulations and laws in export markets. Here are the US, EU and Australian product labeling regulations - outlining what you need to know when designing a product label.

Product label design

Before starting with national product labeling requirements, a little knowledge of the design process is required. Asian manufacturers are inherently accustomed to producing products to the specifications provided by buyers.

Notes when designing product labels:

- Interface and text

- Font

- Color tones

- Picture

- Size

- Print or paste position

- Material of labels

It is not enough to just confirm the label material to the buyer via email, but should include it in the contract, and should have a copy of the sample with the buyer's signature and stamp of confirmation. early production.

Labeling required in the US

There are no federal labeling requirements that apply to all product categories. Instead, different product labeling requirements lie within different product safety directives - which apply differently to different types of products. But not enough, the labeling depends on the individual regulations of each state. It is generally too complex and can be summarized as follows:

• Federal regulations

• State-specific regulations

• Product type

• Product safety standards / laws must apply

The website of the US Federal agencies usually refers to "manufacturer", but "manufacturer here" refers to domestic manufacturers in the US - not for foreign manufacturers. . When a product is produced abroad, it is always the responsibility of the importer to ensure that the imported product is labeled in accordance with the relevant regulations. This responsibility cannot be passed on to a foreign manufacturer - even if they are to blame, such websites include:

1. Tracking Labels for Children's Products (CPSC)

2. Food products (FDA)

3. Medical equipment (FDA)

4. Cosmetics (FDA)

5. Textiles, apparel, footwear and travel goods (OTEXA)

The FHSA labeling requirements apply to all products of the following nature:

• If your product could cause injury or illness when swallowed or absorbed through the skin

• If your product is hypersensitive

• If your product is "extremely flammable", "flammable", and "potentially flammable"

European Union labeling requirements

It is the European Union's responsibility that importers are responsible for ensuring that any product imported is labeled in accordance with the relevant regulations. The big difference from the US is that the EU specifies labeling rules for a wider variety of products. This makes it easier to define how a certain product should be labeled. Currently, there are requirements for specific labels for a product category as follows:

• Textile

• Cosmetic

• The product contains toxic substances

• Electrical equipment, electronic

• Household appliances

• Footwear

• Tire

• Wood Packaging

• Toy

All products imported into the European Union also require a product certification. The directives on product certification requirements include specific product labeling requirements.

CE Mark

If the product is the subject of one or more CE directives, you must affix the CE marking to your product, or on the product packaging. In other words, you need to print the CE mark somewhere, in accordance with the following principles:

• Start with "CE" according to standard specification.

• Minimum width of 5 mm (except for a specific CE directive allowing smaller printing)

• Print the CE mark attached to the product manual

• If you cannot print on the product, you can print it on the package

However, labeling requirements are not limited to CE marks. Additional item, importer, contact information and country of origin information are also required on the product label.

RoHS labeling

Beginning in 2013, RoHS is part of the CE directive. Therefore, CE marked products must also be RoHS compliant. RoHS marking is not required. But in fact, it is not possible even if the RoHS case is a separate directive.

Label WEEE

The WEEE directive applies to a wide range of electrical products and equipment. The WEEE directive requires the seller to print the WEEE marking symbols on the product.

REACH label

Toxic substances, and mixtures containing hazardous substances, are subject to the CLP (Classification, Labeling and Packaging Regulations) regulations. Until now, only applied to cosmetics and chemicals, not to consumer products. The list of hazardous substances covered by the REACH Directive, is also difficult to put on all labels of different product categories.

However, if a product contains more than 0.1% of a substance contained in REACH, the importer must inform the customer about the safe use. This is really different between different products.

Labeling required in Australia

Many products imported into Australia must comply with certain product safety standards. These regulations also include labeling requirements. Products are currently subject to one or more product safety standards

Toys & Children Products

Toys intended for children aged 3 years and over; Toys and finger paints that contain lead or other substances; Toys that contain magnets; Toys can be inflated; Projectile toys, prams and strollers, baby sleepwear, baby cot, bunk bed, balloon blowing kits, walkers, dummies, bathing aids, aquatic toys.

Sports & Outdoors: Soccer, portable swimming pool, gym equipment, basketball and basketball basket, ferris wheel.

Textile & Accessories: Sunglasses, luggage straps, Clothing & Textile.

Vehicles, accessories, spare parts and tools

Belt for vehicles, MC helmets, protective clothing, bike helmets, bicycles, motorcycles.

furniture

Fragrant bags, blinds, curtains and window accessories.

Other

Sprinklers, fire extinguishers, cosmetics, disposable lighters.

Penalty framework for non-compliance

Product labeling is important. Failure to comply may result in withdrawal of entry.