Find US, EU, UK & CA requirements
Products manufactured in or imported to the EU are subject to various labelling requirements. This guide serves as an overview to a wide range of labelling requirements, covering consumer products and goods used for industrial or commercial purposes.
Note: You can find a guide dedicated to packaging recycling symbols here.
Content Overview
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Overview
| Examples | Label | Scope |
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GPSR Label | The General Product Safety Regulation sets labelling requirements for consumer products |
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CE mark | CE marking is required for toys, electronics, PPE, medical devices, batteries, construction products and other products covered by certain EU regulations and directives |
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WEEE symbol | Required for electronics covered by the WEEE Directive |
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Power supply pictogram | Indicates if an external power supply is included for certain products covered by the Radio Equipment Directive |
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Digital Product Passport | The DPP is expected to be affixed to products and/or packaging and links to compliance information |
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Energy label | Required for certain electronic products covered by delegated acts under the EU Energy Labelling Framework regulation.
Examples
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Toy age warning labels | Required for toys not suitable for children younger than 36 months (as specified in Annex V of the Toy Safety Directive) |
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Textiles labels | The fibre composition must be specified according to the requirements of the Textiles Labelling Regulation. |
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Footwear labels | Footwear materials must be indicated according to the requirements in the Footwear Labelling Directive. |
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Food contact materials symbol | This symbol is required for certain products/materials covered by the Food Contact Materials Framework Regulation. |
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Single use plastics symbol | The Single-Use Plastics Directive sets various labelling requirements for covered products. |
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EU Ecolabel (Voluntary) | The EU Ecolabel can be used for products that comply with EU Ecolabel Regulation. |
General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
The GPSR requires that products be labelled with certain traceability information. In some cases, instructions and safety information may also be required.
Traceability
- Product type, batch or serial number
- Manufacturer name, registered trade name or registered trade mark
- Manufacturer postal and electronic address
- Importer name, registered trade name or registered trade mark
- Importer postal and electronic address
- EU AR information (if applicable)
Instructions and warnings
- Age suitability
- Instructions
- Warnings
Recommended article: General Product Safety Regulation Labelling Requirements Guide
CE Marking
CE marking is mandatory for all products covered by certain EU regulations and directives that mandate the affixing of a CE mark. Note that a CE mark can only be affixed if a product complies with certain requirements:
- Harmonised standards
- Conformity assessment procedures
- Declaration of Conformity
- Technical documentation
- Traceability labelling
- Instructions and safety information
- Warning labelling (if applicable)
CE mark
The CE mark must generally be affixed to the product. If that cannot be done, then affixing to the following may be an option:
- Packaging
- Accompanying documentation
Traceability
CE marking regulations and directives generally also require that the following information is present:
- Product type, batch and serial number
- Manufacturer name and address
- Importer name and address
- EU AR information (if applicable)
Additional labelling requirements
CE marking regulations and directives also tend to set the following labelling requirements:
- Instructions and safety information
- Warnings
- Pictograms
Note that some labelling requirements only apply to particular product categories, such as PPE or construction products.
Recommended article: Labelling Requirements for CE Marked Products
Digital Product Passport (DPP)
A Digital Product Passport (DPP) is generally expected to be a product compliance document hosted online. Consumers will be able to scan a data carrier (likely a QR code) to access product compliance information and user instructions.
This data carrier must be affixed to the product, packaging or an accompanying document.
The DPP is expected to be required for the following:
- Toys
- Construction products
- Batteries
- Certain products covered by the ESPR
Recommended article: What information must be in a Digital Product Passport?
Electronics
Electronic products are subject to CE marking requirements. That said, there are also additional labelling requirements that apply.
Radio Equipment and Charging Devices Labelling
The Radio Equipment Directive sets labelling requirements for radio equipment and charging devices with a USB Type-C receptacle. Radio equipment includes, for example, WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled devices.
a. If the radio equipment includes a charging device, it must include the pictogram found under Annex Ia, Part III 1.1.
b. If it does not include a charging device, it must include the pictogram found under Annex Ia, Part III 1.2.
In the case that the radio equipment does include a charging device, the label on the charging device must include the following information:
a. XX — YY: “XX” and “YY” representing the minimum and maximum required power, respectively.
b. W: Representing the power, in watts.
c. USB PD: Include this abbreviation for “USB Power Delivery” if the radio equipment can efficiently deliver the current from the charging device to the radio equipment without compromising the battery life.
Recommended article: Electronics Labelling Requirements in the European Union
WEEE Symbol
The WEEE symbol indicates a separate collection of waste electronics, and it is mandatory for most electronics imported and sold within the European Union.
Producers must affix the WEEE symbol to the electronic and electrical equipment. When the product prevents placement of the symbol, they should affix it to the packaging, the usage instructions, and the product’s warranty.
Battery Labelling
Batteries must carry the Separate Collection Symbol, as shown in Annex VI Part B. The symbol must:
- Cover at least 3% of the battery’s largest side.
- Cover at least 1.5% of the surface area of cylindrical battery cells.
- Have a maximum size of 5 x 5 cm.
- Be 1 x 1 cm and be printed on the packaging if the battery’s small size prevents placement of the symbol.
Additional battery information can also be required:
- Battery category and identifying information (model identification, batch/serial/product number).
- Geographical location of the battery manufacturing plant
- Manufacture date (month and year)
- Battery weight
- Battery capacity
- Chemistry
- Hazardous chemicals
- Usable extinguishing agent
- Critical raw materials, in a concentration exceeding 0.1% weight by weight
Batteries, or their packaging and accompanying documents, should also bear a visible and permanent QR code that provides access to the battery’s product passport.
Energy Label
The Energy Labelling Framework Regulation applies to electronics, such as lighting products, kitchen appliances, electronic displays, computers, washing machines, and air conditioners. The Energy Label specifies device classification and energy consumption, thereby incentivising manufacturers to produce energy-efficient products.
Examples
- Product examples
- Lighting products
- Kitchen appliances
- Displays and TVs
- Computers and servers
- Washing machines and dryers
- Air conditioners and fans
EPREL
You can use the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) database to register your product and then generate an energy label based on that product.
Recommended article: Which products require an energy label in the EU?
Toy Warning Labelling
Annex V of the Toy Safety Directive specifies certain warning labelling requirements for particular risks and toys:
Toys considered dangerous for children under 3 years
“Not suitable for children under 36 months”, or “Not suitable for children under three years”, or the age warning symbol.
Functional toys
“To be used under the direct supervision of an adult”.
Skates, skateboards, scooters, toy bikes
“Protective equipment should be worn. Not to be used in traffic”.
Toys in food
“Toy inside. Adult supervision recommended”.
Toys meant to be strung by cords across cradles
“To prevent possible injury by entanglement, remove this toy when the child starts trying to get up on its hands and knees in a crawling position”.
Recommended article: Warning Labelling Requirements for Toys & Other Children’s Products in the EU
EU Authorised Representatives
Most products that either require CE marking or are covered by the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) can only be sold in the EU if there is an EU economic operator present. Non-EU companies selling to consumers in the EU, therefore, need to sign an agreement with an EU AR company and affix the following information to their labels:
- EU AR name
- EU AR address
- EU AR contact point
Textiles and Softline Labelling
This section covers labelling requirements for textiles and other softline products.
EU Textiles Labelling
Clothing and other products containing a minimum of 80% by weight of textile fibres must be labelled with the correct fibre composition (e.g. 100% Cotton or 100% Polyester).
Further, the label must be permanent, which means it must either be attached or printed to the item. A removable sticker is generally not sufficient.
Examples
- Product examples
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Children’s clothing
- Home textiles
Recommended article: Textile Labelling Requirements in the European Union
Footwear Labels
Directive 94/11/EC sets labelling requirements for the materials used in the main components of consumer footwear.
You must correctly label the upper material, outer sole, and inside lining of the shoe, per Annex I:
- Leather
- Synthetic leather
- Coated leather
- Textile fibre
You can use written instructions to specify the materials or use a graphical representation of the shoe. Additionally, you should ensure the information is obvious, permanent, and visible.
Recommended article: Shoes and Footwear Regulations in the European Union
Biocidal Labelling
The Biocidal Product Regulation requires importers and manufacturers to ensure that biocidal products and treated articles comply with certain labelling requirements. Note that textiles and footwear can be treated with biocidal products to make them antibacterial, for example.
Labelling information (Treated articles)
The responsible person placing a treated article on the market must ensure that the label includes:
- A statement regarding the article’s biocidal properties
- Biocidal properties, if any
- Information regarding active substances and nanomaterials, if any
- Instructions for use, including precautions, if relevant
You can find more information about the labelling of treated articles in Article 58.
Labelling information (Biocidal products)
Authorisation holders must make sure biocidal products bear labels that comply with the summary of the characteristics of the biocidal product.
The label should also contain hazard and precautionary statements, and other relevant information as listed in Article 69.
Product Examples
- Textiles
- Washing liquids
- Veterinary disinfecting soaps
- Wood preservatives
- Slimicides
- Rodenticides
- Embalming fluids
Recommended article: Biocidal Products Regulation
EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel communicates that a certain product is made using sustainable processes and materials. That said, unlike most other compliance marks and labelling requirements in this article, the EU Ecolabel is voluntary.
Requirements
Using the EU Ecolabel requires approval. In other words, you cannot use the label based on self-certification. The specific criteria you must fulfil depend on the product.
Textiles, for example, must meet these requirements before the ecolabel can be used:
1. The product shall not contain lead-based pigments.
2. Manufacturers shall perform colourfastness, washing, wet rubbing, and dry rubbing tests on dyed yarn, final fabrics, or final products.
3. Manufactured elastane shall not contain organotin compounds.
Product examples
- Textiles
- Footwear
- Furniture
- Cosmetics
- Flooring
- Paper Products
- Electronic Displays
Recommended article: EU Ecolabel For Importers & Manufacturers
Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation
Note: The full table is available in the text of the CLP Regulation published in eur-lex.europa.eu
The CLP Regulation sets warning and precaution labelling requirements for dangerous substances and articles that contain such substances. This includes pictograms and written information.
Labelling information
The CLP Regulation requires hazardous mixtures, substances, and articles that contain these substances to carry a label that may provide information such as the following:
- Supplier name and contact details
- A number signifying the amount of mixture or substance in the package
- Product identification details
- Hazard pictograms
- Signal words
- Hazard statements
- Relevant precautionary statement
- Supplementary information
Pictograms
The CLP Regulation requires the provision of hazard pictograms on the label to communicate the exact hazards that the relevant substance presents.
The Classification and Labelling (C&L) Inventory lists many substances that have their specific hazard pictograms. We list several examples below and briefly state their meaning.
- N,N-diethyl-m-anisidine – exclamation mark symbol – health hazard
- α,α,α-trifluoro-p-toluoyl chloride – corrision symbol – corrosive
- Cyclobutanemethanol – flame symbol – flammable
- Isomethadone Nitrile – skull and crossbones symbol – acute toxicity
- Zinc oxide – environment symbol – hazardous to the environment
- Dialuminium cobalt tetraoxide – health hazard symbol – serious health hazard
- Lead(2+) 2,4-dinitroresorcinolate – exploding bomb symbol – explosive
Product examples
- Scented candles
- Detergents
- Glue
- Drain cleaners
Recommended article: Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation
Food Contact Materials Labelling
Food contact materials, such as kitchen utensils and food packaging materials, are subject to various FCM regulations that, in turn, set labelling requirements.
FCM Symbol
This symbol is required under the Food Contact Materials Framework Regulation for food contact materials and products where it’s not “obvious” that it is intended for food contact.
Other FCM labelling information
The following can be found in Article 15 of the Food Contact Materials Framework Regulation:
1. The words ‘for food contact’, or a specific indication as to their use, such as coffee machine, wine bottle, soup spoon, or the FCM symbol above
2. Special instructions to be observed for safe and appropriate use
3. The name or trade name and, in either case, the address or registered office of the manufacturer, processor, or seller responsible
4. Adequate labelling or identification to ensure traceability of the material or article
5. Active materials and articles information
Recommended article: Food Contact Materials Regulations in the European Union
Single-Use Plastics Marking
The Single-Use Plastics Directive sets various labelling requirements for products defined as single-use plastic products. Note that specific labelling requirements apply to specific types of single-use plastic products.
Examples
- Cutlery, plates, straws, and stirrers
- Food containers
- Cups for beverages
- Beverage containers
- Plastic bags
- Packets and wrappers
- Wet wipes and sanitary items
You can download the different markings from this page, and find product-specific harmonised marking rules in Annex I to IV of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151.
Recommended article: Single-Use Plastics Directive
Cosmetics Labelling
The Cosmetic Products Regulation requires that cosmetic products bear labels that inform the reader about the supplier and the product.
Per the regulation, cosmetic products are required to bear information such as the following on their packaging before being placed on the market:
- Registered name and address
- Nominal content of the packaging by weight or volume.
- Expiration, or ‘best used before the end of’, date.
- Precautionary information.
- Reference or batch number of the manufacturer
- Production function
- List of ingredients, including nanomaterials.
Note that warnings may also be required, depending on the substances used in the product.
Recommended article: Cosmetic Products Labelling Requirements in the European Union
FAQ
Do we need to specify the manufacturer on the label?
Yes, this is required under the GPSR and also many CE marking regulations and directives. Note that the manufacturer can be a company located outside the EU. The manufacturer’s address must also be provided.
Do we need to specify the importer on the label?
Yes, the name of the EU importer must be specified as well, and their address. Note that this is specified in the GPSR and many CE marking regulations and directives.
Where should labels be affixed on products sold in the EU?
The specific label placement requirements depend on which regulations and directives apply to the product. That said, label placements are often conditionals, which means that you may have several options:
- Affix labels directly on the product
- Print labels on a sticker affixed to the product
- Print labels on product packaging
- Print labels on accompanying documentation
Can we use QR codes instead of printed labels in the EU?
Label information must generally be affixed to the product, packaging or accompanying documentation. That said, the GPSR clarifies that a QR code can also be provided as a complement.
The information about the identification of the product and of the economic operators, as well as instructions and safety information, could in addition be provided by the economic operators in a digital form by means of electronic solutions, such as a QR or data matrix code.
That said, you should not use a QR code as a replacement for printed label information, instructions, or warnings.
How do I know which EU labelling requirements apply?
You must first establish which EU regulations and directives apply to a particular product. Once this is done, you must also review relevant product standards as these can also contain labelling requirements in the form of pictograms or required text.
Can a product be covered by more than one labelling requirement?
Yes, a single product can definitely be covered by several EU regulations and directives that each set their own labelling requirements. For example, an electronic kitchen appliance label may need to contain the following:
- CE mark
- WEEE symbol
- FCM symbol
- Traceability information
- Instructions and precautions
- Warnings
Do I need a country of origin label when selling in the EU?
No, country of origin marking is generally not required in the European Union. At least not for product categories we cover.
Can I label the product once it’s imported into the EU?
Yes, assuming the product is processed or assembled in the EU. That said, I would not suggest labelling finished goods in the EU as products can be seen as “placed on the market” at that time.
I am aware of cases where EU customs services have rejected shipments due to incomplete labelling, without offering the importer to relabel in the EU.
Are barcodes required when selling in the EU?
Barcodes are generally voluntary in the EU, but can be necessary for other reasons.
What can happen if a product does not comply with EU labelling requirements?
Products that are incorrectly labelled can be subject to seized shipments, product recalls or correction measures. It is essential that you ensure that you identify applicable labelling requirements and ensure that your product is correctly labelled
We ship items from the US to the EU. We are being informed that we need to provide the following 3 labels now on all of our products
Lot # needs to be added to all products
EU responsible party sticker
Item Barcode
We sell adult novelty items. Since we have inventory currently that does not have any of these labels, which ones do we really need to add on?
Also what if we just indicate the following in the commercial invoice instead to ensure clearance with customs.
Hey there!
Do you know if there are additional/separate requirements for labeling sleeping bags and tents? I know that the US requires law labels, for example. I also know that there’s an ISO standard (23537) for sleeping bags, but does the EU adopt this standard into any of their regulations regarding labeling for sleeping bags? Any info you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I sell bicycle battery fireproof bag in Germany. Does this require CE Mark?
Dos this labeling requirements also applicable for B2B? For Example, For hotels, if the slippers are provided in the hotel room for free, does the labelling requirements has to be also fulfilled the same way when the product is sold to direct consumer?
Hi, Frederick , thanks for all your advices.
I have a question about :
* Activity Book, coloring books, reading books need EN71 Standard test report for Peru ?
I appreciate your comments.
Best regards.
Sarahjane
Hello Sarahjane,
I have no experience with compliance requirements in Peru. However, Peru is not part of the EU so it’s up to them if they accept EN 71 compliance or not.
Hi There,
Please can you advise if you are able to help with CE labelling for the below products.
We have 2 requirements here – one for children’s toys below requiring a CE label, these have conformity reports and test certificates,
AN00029 Rubber Llama
AN00047 Wooden Puzzle
AN00065 Stuffed Pillow
AN00071 Stuffed Paint Animal
Then we have the following – NOT children’s toys, but we need labels in order to sell them. The label must show origin of products and type of textile. This is all we need.
PM010 ASSORTED BLANKET
PV005 ASSORTED KIERCHIF MIX
PM014 AREA RUG WOOL AND LEATHER
Hi Holly,
I suggest you book a call so we can discuss this further:
https://www.compliancegate.com/call/
Hello Fredrick,
Can we claim on our herbal products that they have health benefits such as sliming, relaxing, Liver care and etc. in EU?
There are many companies doing that in Europe and UK currently.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Sawhn,
Herbal products is not our area of expertise unfortunately
It is necessary to put a warning on a scissors product in the EU, for safe use against sharp edges even if I have completed a risk assessment which is low risk?
What about in a country like Romania- do they follow EU for this requirement?
thanks,
SB
Some specific labellnig quesitons:
In order to put a product on the market in the EU, does the importer/manufacturer NEED to have an EU address on the box/documentation? And if this is a UK company, will a UK address suffice, or will they need to have a different EU address as well?
And for the UK, does this need to be a UK address, or can an EU address be okay for sale in the UK?
Do you know of a good CE label software?
Hello Amy,
We have a list here: https://www.compliancegate.com/product-compliance-software/
HI Fredrik
I popped into your page searching for EU label requirement. I just started new job and my UK manufacturer does not have EU entities address on any of our products which are chemical moistures labels. In my previous job we have added that right after the brexit – but i forgot if the address is needed on both – product label and or outer packaging. Most of our products come in pre-printed cartridges or tubes, which then are boxes of 10 or so.
How can we quickly bring our existing stock to compliance – as its gonna be a lot of products that will need some form of overlay before we can created new format and order new complaint with EU CLP labels
I would really appreciate your inside
Hi Frederic,
Thank you for the information. Quick question, how about the compliance requirements for decorations such as metal signs, tags, and similar items. Are there any requirements in the EU?
I believe such products require a country of origin in the USA. What will be the minimum compulsory labeling requirements in the EU?
Thank you,
Hi Fredrik,
We manufacture/licence many products (eg cutlery, knives, dinnerware) for sale in the EU & beyond.
We include a product name/description, the country of origin, the materials it is made from, dimensions/capacities, importer details, plus some use/care icons, barcodes, FSC & recycling logos etc etc etc. Some of the information is also translated in up to 17 different languages. obviously this is a huge amount of information to include on printed product packaging and we are looking at including a QR code linking to a product website for a lot of the information. Is there anything that MUST be shown from a legal/regulatory standpoint?
Is there any obligation to indicate legal guarantee terms on package?
Or enough in user manual and/or guarantee list?
Hi Fredrik,
Recently, I have established a company in Belgium, which will lease premises in Belgium and operate a distribution centre. This entity will be established in the EU and its name and contact details will be labelled on our products for traceability purposes. Our products are shipped to the distribution centre and are labelled in accordance with all relevant EU and Member State requirements. However, it is possible that, in addition to EU labelling, the products may also have labels addressing regulatory requirements in other jurisdictions outside of the EU. For example, Californian Prop. 65 labelling.
Would this additional labelling be likely to be viewed as problematic? I’m not aware of any situations where parallel labelling of this kind has led to products begin seized or stopped on entry or any other difficulties with the relevant authorities, but please let me know if you are aware of these kind of situations.
Many thanks,
Nick
Hi Nick,
The only cases I know of in which “additional labels” have been a problem is when products that are not supposed to be CE marked are CE marked… we see “Made in China” and other country origin labels on products in the EU all the time despite this being a US requirement.
hello how is every one
i like to know what labeling on Moisture absorber bas and refill bas is required, and wich test report or certification would amazon ask to check, the content in the bag are Calcium Chloride.
thank you very much
Hussein
Hi Fredrik,
I would like to know what information should we need to put on a hand-held luggage scale when selling in EU? also what product/test certificates do we need for selling silicon earplug in EU? Thanks.
Hello,
I am having a white label agreement with a Chinese manufacturer for some measurement tools. In the EU regulation is stated that we as distributors under our own brand, should have all needed Tehnical docuemtnation. At the moment we are having test reports and CE certificate. What else should we request from manufacturer? I saw something about DoC tehnical documentation… what is that, what does it contain?
Also in the test report is tested only one product from the range with generic name at the biginning, is that correct?
Thank you!
Hi Andrei,
1. I suggest you read these guides:
https://www.compliancegate.com/technical-file/
2. Also, does that “CE certificate” state “Certificate of Conformity” or something along those lines?
3. I would need to look at the test report before I can comment
Hi im looking for advice/answer, I’m starting up my business in merchandising and found some tote bags in China that I would like to buy personalise and sell to my customers but the bags have no care label inside. Just wanting to know if I can sell these still or can I have the labels for them printed in the UK and attached inside the bags myself as I know country they were made and the fabric they are made of?
Hi Jodie,
You will probably need to ask the customs
Is importer name and address needed on the outer case? or just the importer name is fine?
Please help me here
Can you please let me know does the below Pictogram is needed on the PKG+ manual of the below products?
file:///C:/Users/Madhu.Chand/Downloads/Clarifications%20on%20Article%2010%20(10)%20RED%20(2).pdf
1) Wireless charger( inductive charging)
2) Bluetooth earbuds
3) Smart speaker with WIFI, Bluetooth, and Inductive charging function?
We don’t do product assessments in the comment section. You need to contact a lab or a consultant.
Is a manufacturing date required on consumer products label or their packages?
Hi Oleg,
Traceability is often required which generally includes some sort of information about the manufacturing date in order to identify the production run or batch the product belongs to.
Thanks for reply.
Are there any legislative acts with strict requirements – where date of manufacture should be inidicated and format of date (for example on separately package as MM.YYYY, or date of manufacture included in serial number)?
Yes, I suggest you read this guide:
https://www.compliancegate.com/product-traceability-requirements-european-union/
Dear Fredrik. Thank you.
hi , we sell video game worldwide , we located in asia country and ship from non-eu country as well~
let’s take nintendo as an example , all the EU game cartridge and the game case package at the back have the manufactuer info and importer address in EU , so i believe we don’t need AR address for this since they offically have all these info on the package.
Nintendo is a worldwide bussiness, non-EU title game i found out that there’re no EU importer infomation at the back of the game case, however all the game cartridge itself they do bear the CE mark there and i know they have all those test passed and etc since they’re well-known worldwide brand ~~
so in this case do we still need AR ? or we need to print nintendo EU headquarter address and stick it on the package? thank you
Hi Karl,
Not sure if this situation is addressed. Unfortunately I don’t have the answer.
Hello Fredrik, Do these new guidelines apply to individuals in the EU importing goods for personal use purchased through US site on eBay? I.E. Individual new in box toys, or out of package used toys. Thank you for your time.
Hi Lisa,
Which new guidelines are you referring to? The authorised representative address requirements?
If so, then yes. The AR requirements are specifically for businesses outside the EU selling directly to consumers in the EU.
Hi. Hoping you can help me. We sell products worldwide and need to ask a question on Country of Origin markings. Our part of this journey is importing into Europe.
We produce kits containing Far East product, which are assembled in USA.
No Country of Origin label on outside (shipper box) just assembled in USA and the new product number, as making the kit creates a whole new item.
Product inside box could be marked with coo China etc .
Do we need to include CoO on shipper/product box? For Customs, Compliance or the Toy Directive? Thanks Claire
Hello,
My company is importing pressure equipment from 3rd country to the EU, they are covered by PED Directive. We want to indicate our name as an importer on the equipment. According to PED Directive the label or sign should contain the name and address details. Are there any other requirements that such labeling should fulfill (CE mark etc.)?
Hi Bart,
If there are then that is likely written in the directive text, which can be found on the EU website.
For CE products and toys, is DoC required to be inside the packaging box and form part of the manual? If so, what needs to be done when the packaging is very small and no manual accompanies the item, in case of basic AUX or USB cables for example.
The DoC is normally downloadable from the brand’s website, not in the packaging.
I am a translation agency working with a toy manufacturer from the US. They are looking to add the how2recycle logo to their packaging (https://how2recycle.info/labels) Are you familiar with this program? Can you advise how countries like Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and Germany treat this information?
Thank you!
Hi Ina,
No, I am not familiar with this program.
Is `CE’ marking optional for the manufacturer (what I mean is, to put `CE’ mark on the surface of the product) even though a product of the manufacturer has been authorized to put the CE mark on that product? This question might sound a little bit weird but I want to make sure. Maybe, the company might put a wording that their product passed the CE testing somewhere in the product info sheet, which I did not see.
Hello J,
Normally a manufacturer is not authorized by any party to CE mark a product. In most cases, it’s a matter of “self-certification” based on lab test reports, and supported by the DoC and technical file.
Hi
I am an ecommerce company selling silicone plates and bowls on Amazon uk, Amazon has requested this :
Product Packaging Picture:
– The images provided do not meet the labelling requirements, which state that any information added to the product packaging must be securely adhered and not easily removable.
Please provide images that meet this requirement.
– The images provided do not meet the EU labelling guidelines,
which state that the label must contain the business name and address of the manufacturer.
Please provide product images that meet this requirement.
My product is packaged in a transparent poly bag and does not have a packaging box,
and I have non-removable labels on the polybag with the manufacturers address in China.Yet, they declined.
I am only looking to sell in the UK Market.
Are you able to advice please if:
1) Do I need to create product boxes and get the manufacturers address printed on the boxes instead of a polybag, to address the issue of being securely adhered?
2) Can I leave my packaging in the poly bag as it is, and change the sticker to reflect the manufacturers details to be my business address in the UK,
which could be the supposed EU representative, perhaps that what they are looking for, instaed of china manufactuer address?
3) Do I need to include both addresses on a package?
Is the issue with using a label to display manufactures details, or is it that they need the manufactures details in the UK, which could be the business registered address?
I’m just conscious that I could go with the extra cost of getting packaging done, but I don’t want to include the wrong information on the package.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated
Hi Jay,
Please send this text and product images to [email protected]. We can look into this.
Thanks, This is done now!
Hello, Could you share your solution?
I meet the same problem.
I really want what address Amazon need. Is address and business name from China manufactory or UK company business name and office address.
Any help would be very appreciate.
Scenario: The ‘Techy’ company in Japan makes a ‘Widget’ that made for, and shipped to, a UK distribution company ‘UKComp’ with a ‘UKComp’ logo, ‘Made in Japan’ and the ‘Techy’ address on the label. If ‘UKComp’ decide to sell the ‘Widget’ in the UK should the label be changed to say ‘Made in the UK’, and should the ‘UKComp’ address replace the ‘Techy’ address on the label? If ‘UKComp’ then also decide to sell the ‘Widget’ in the EU, through a German based local Economic Operator ‘GComp’, should the label be again changed to say ‘Made in Germany’ and the ‘Techy’ address replaced by the ‘GComp’ address? I assume you can only have one address on the label.
Hi Graham,
There is no country of origin labeling requirement in the EU and UK as far as I know, but it should not be misleading. Claiming that it is made in the UK could be misleading if it is not made in the UK.
Hi,
Thanks for the great article. For selling licensed giftware into the EU, (mugs, vases, wallets, stationery etc.), please can you tell me if it is it mandatory or just preferable for labeling on the packaging to be translated in to multiple languages? We are currently using symbols for safety/care instructions (for example food safe logo, do not microwave etc.) but we particularly want to know if the product description for example ‘ceramic mug’ needs to be translated on the front of the packaging. Products will be imported directly from China to the EU.
Thanks, Angela
Hi Fredrik,
Now that the UK has left the EU, do you know if non-resident importers to the UK also need to have a UK-based address on their product label? We are based in the US and have no interest in setting up a UK branch. We have our US manufacturer’s address on our packaging. Thanks so much!
Hello Emilia,
Seems like it, but or a more limited product scope for the time being.
It’s well explained here: https://www.qservegroup.com/eu/en/qserve-consulting-services/regulatory-affairs/local-representation/ukca—uk-responsible-person
And here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulating-medical-devices-in-the-uk#responsible
Would you happen to know if “Age-labeling” statement, such as “Ages 3-12” is required on toys in the EU?
I am NOT referring to warning labels, rather a statement of age that the toy is safe and appropriate for the child’s age. Age-labeling of toys to guide purchasing decisions for the typically developing child.
“Age-labeling” statement is required in the US.
If you happen to be able to point me to the source, also, that would be very helpful!
Hi Jolanta,
We have a guide on that topic just about to be published. Check back in a week or two.
Hey Fredrik,
I’m in a very difficult and frustrating situation.
My product was also being in my listing was in active due to:
“The images provided do not meet the EU labelling guidelines, which state that address on the label must be that of an EU country. Please provide product images that meet this requirement.”
I have an CE mark on the package however I didn’t have an address.
I then used a sticker label and added UK address. They came back with the same response.
I’m a little confused as I’m selling in UK and my product is in UK, we are now out of the EU. I’ve asked for clarity but I’m getting the same response, which is really frustrating and dishearten. I really need some help! :(
Hi Asha,
In that case, it may be that they only accept an address in the EU. This will also be mandatory for all cross-border sales starting in July this year.
Read this for more details: https://www.compliancegate.com/european-authorised-representative/
Thanks!
This really helped answer some sections. I’ve changed the account to be UK only shipping but I got this message back “
Product Packaging Picture:– We were not able to verify the manufacturer’s information listed on the product packaging pictures provided. Please provide product packaging pictures with valid, verifiable supplier information.”
Not sure how they want me to send the supplier information. Is it a document invoice with their address ?
Thanks!
This really helped answer some sections. I’ve changed the account to be UK only shipping but I got this message back “
Product Packaging Picture:– We were not able to verify the manufacturer’s information listed on the product packaging pictures provided. Please provide product packaging pictures with valid, verifiable supplier information.”
Not sure how they want me to send the supplier information. Is it a document invoice with their address ?
Just to add to this the label has my address.
Hi Asha,
Are they not just referring to your company name?
I have been selling this product since 15th Dec-2020
And there has been no issue untill last week, my listing was in active due to
Product label guidelines.
I have provided all the images which they required but i keep getting the same email reply.
Kindly suggest what should i do
ThankYou
I have the same issue. I’ve started selling since beginning of this month. I’ve sent them 4 emails to them and they keep getting the same email reply too. It’s been nearly 2weeks and a half.
What kind of product is this?
I am having a problem with a personal gift ( belated birthday presents ) not for re-sale for a family member that is currently in Italy. The carrier is asking me to fill in the following , but I have experience with CE regs. Can someone help ?
I declare, on my responsibility, that (please mark with a “x” the correct
choice)
() goods imported with the above indicated awb consist of:
…………………………………………………..
() imported goods are CE marked.
() imported goods do not need to be CE marked as provided by: …………
of …….. (please indicate the related regulation)
() imported goods consist of prototypes which will not be put either for
sale or in service. In case the final use changes, we will comply with
the proceeding provided by the D.Lgs 194/07.
Hi Melissa,
1. Which carrier are you using?
2. Did you buy this from an online seller outside Italy/EU?
Hi Fredrik
We are a U.K. company importing non-food consumer goods into mainland EU. Will I need an EU address on my labelling from Jan 1st 2021 (Brexit) or will my U.K. address be ok?
Thanks
I should also point out that these goods are NOT CE marked. Thanks
Hi Charlie,
My understanding is that this will be a requirement from July 2021.
https://www.conformance.co.uk/9-ce-marking/131-ce-marking-and-authorised-representatives
“However, from July 2021, all manufacturers based outside the EU must appoint an AR (or an importer or a FSP) within the EU if they wish to continue to sell CE marked goods within the EU.”
I have also heard that this is supposed to apply to “non-CE” products too. We will do more research into this and publish an article on this topic.
Hi Fredrik, this was super helpful. We are a US company, importing from China to sell in the UK. our product does not qualify for CE marking. Do we need to have a EU AR? I can see here, you said you were going to do more research on this and publish an article but I can’t seem to find it in the site. I would really appreciate if you have the answer to share it with us . Thank you!!!
Hi,
Is company name (or maker’s) and address on product label required by International law?
RN number can be used on label instead of the company name in US, how about in Europe?
Hi TM,
I have never heard of any EU equivalent of the RN number
Hello Fredrik
We are a UK company and we have non-food consumer FMCG products that we sell worldwide including all EU countries. Currently we have our UK address on the packaging. Is this suffient or do we need an EU address? We do have country of origin which are variuous EU countries and also our website on the packaging. These are non-food, personal care items sold in supermarkets.
Thanks,
Steve
Hey Fredik,
Thanks very much for the helpful Video. 2 questions…
1) Do card games (with no other objects but cards in the box) come under Toys?
2) Do you need the address the company is registered on packaging to sell within the EU?
Thanks,
Georgia
Hi Georgia,
1. That’s a good question, and I don’t know the answer. I would contact the national regulators in your country.
2. Yes that is generally required
Hi Fredrik,
I am planning on importing AC to DC power supply (12V 200watt) into EU market and have already gotten my CE certificate + ROHS.
However do we also need a WEEE sticker on my power supply as well? If so must we do a WEEE evaluation in the lab first? Also do we need WEEE evaluation + official WEEE registration? Or is WEEE evaluation only acceptable. I only ask because the WEE evaluation + registration is really expensive.
Thanks for your answer in advanced.
Hi Fredrik,
We are importing into EU, and will have country of origin printed on package and product. However, do we need to translate this into multiple languages to where products will be shipped? example, Polish, German?
Hi Lisa,
Which country are you shipping from?
Hi Fredrik, I have a similar question to Lisa to which I would greatly appreciate your answer. Is there a requirement to translate product information (on the product itself) into local language? For example, if a product was sold in Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Poland, but distributed from Luxembourg and the on pack information (such as the name of the product and description) was in English, would the product information have to be translated in to German, French, Spanish, Italian and Polish before it could be sold in these markets? Or does the EU not regulate this? Lastly, who would actually be liable if such a translation was not done – the manufacturer of the product or the distributor?
Hi Nicola,
I think this is mentioned in some directives, but you will need to look it up.
Hi, great article, i do have a question, what is the minimum % of a product needs to be made in Europe to be labeled as “Made in EU”?
Hi Leo,
I have no idea if that is even regulated by the EU. It may be up to each individual country.
Hi, great article, I have a question I’m having issues finding the answer. Is it mandatory to include the IMPORTER details on the outer package? I see that the Country of origin is not required at least for Europe. However, is the importer detail required? Thank you!
Hi Diego,
Yes, that can be the case for specific product categories. It depends on the regulation/directive.
for non food products imported from China to UK do i legally need to include the importers address on the packaging ?
Hi there – We are importing equipment (cleaning and washing machine type product) from China. Are we required to list our importer on the label? Thanks!
I am looking for assistance with an EU nutritional panel
hi there,
If I import from China items, how do I need to mark products? Is it nessesey to put my name or company details for each items?Mostly I am intrested about garden equipment and electronic staff but not only. Any regulation for that?
Thanking you
Chris
Hi Chris,
What kind of electronics and garden equipment do you have in mind?
Note that CE marking is mandatory for all electronic products sold in the EU.
Hi ,
I would like to import infrared thermometer to UK and Europe from China, what are the requirements for labeling? CE, Weee mark? Does it need to carry manufacturer name, address, phone number and website ? Or any other information need to carry?
Thanks,
Winnie
Hi Winnie,
I would guess it goes under the Medical Devices Directive.
I suggest you read this article: https://www.compliancegate.com/medical-devices-directive/
Hello Fredrik,
I would to know if KN95 masks that passed Chinese standard GB2626-2006 are now allowed to be shipped to EU in response to Covid-19? if yes, what are the packaging requirements or markings that need to be put on the product, the packaging box, the inner box, the outer shipping carton? Thanks for the help.
I have no idea to be honest. Things are changing so fast right now.
have an inquiry dose CE regulation omit manufacture address and include legal address
Hi Amani,
Are you referring to the registered company address?
Hello, Fredrick.
Our company produce Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for face application under our own brand. The manufacture that produces it for us already has CE certification in EU.
We want to put our company name on the Label and we have some confusion about this.
There are 2 options:
1) Produced by: “Company name”
2) Distributor: “Company name”
We want to put 1) option but manufacture want’s us put 2) option.
Which one is correct? Could you please explain it?
Thank you in advance!