Planning to import or export products to the European Union? In this guide, we explain what you must know about CE marking, WEEE symbol, textiles labels, tracking ID, and other mandatory labelling requirements in the European Union.
You will also learn which file formats to use when creating your label files and how to instruct your supplier.
Content Overview
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CE Marking
The CE mark indicates that the product is compliant with all applicable ‘CE directives’, such as the RoHS Directive, PPE Regulation, Toy Safety Directive, and the Low Voltage Directive.
The CE mark is mandatory for all products falling within the scope of one such directive. Further, the CE mark should not be affixed on a product that is not covered by a ‘CE directive’.
Product Examples
- Android tablets
- Smartphones
- Chargers
- Toys
- Sunglasses
- Helmets
- Medical devices
- Machinery
In addition to the CE mark, the directives also require that the manufacturer or importer can provide a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), Technical file, and user manual.
Product Traceability
In addition to the CE mark, most directives and regulations also require product labels to include additional information. This may include manufacturer or importer identity, address, SKU, user instructions, input voltage, or other information.
Keep in mind that the exact traceability information needed varies depending on the directive or regulation.
Examples
- Importer/Manufacturer
- Batch ID
- Contact details
- Model number
- Input/Output Voltage
- Safety Instructions
Products: Products covered by one or more CE directives or regulations
WEEE Symbol
The WEEE symbol indicates a separate collection of waste electronics. The WEEE mark is mandatory for most electronics, imported and sold within the European Union.
The WEEE symbol can be present on the product and the packaging.
Product Examples
- Refrigerators
- Printers
- Laptop computers
- Video cameras
- Bluetooth speakers
- LED lights
- Electronic toys
- Laboratory equipment
Products: Electronics
Separate Collection Symbol (Batteries)
Under the Battery Directive, covered batteries and accumulators must bear the ‘Separate Collection’ symbol to facilitate the collection, recycling, and disposal of such items.
The symbol indicates that consumers should not dispose of used accumulators and batteries in “general” waste bins, but instead separate them from regular waste and dispose of them in dedicated collection sit4s.
The symbol may be printed on the batteries and accumulators, and when the batteries are too small for such a symbol, it may be printed on the packaging instead.
Substance symbols
Accumulators, batteries, battery packs, and button cells are required to bear the chemical symbols of Hg, Cd, and Pb if they, respectively, contain more than:
- 0.0005% of mercury by weight
- 0.002% of cadmium by weight
- 0.004% of lead by weight
Product examples
- Battery
- Accumulator
- Battery pack
- Button cell
Products: Batteries
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 to the clothing item or printed. A sticker is therefore not enough.
Product Examples
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Children’s clothing
- Babywear
Optional
- Care labels (Recommended)
- Size (Recommended)
- Country of origin
Note: Some of the items listed above might be required in individual EU member states. As such, it’s strongly recommended that you always include care labels and size.
EU Clothing & Textiles Ecolabel
The voluntary EU Ecolabel for clothing and textile products can only be used if the product meets the following criteria:
a. Limited use of substances harmful to health and the environment
b. Reduction in water and air pollution
c. Colour resistance to perspiration, washing, wet and dry rubbing, and light exposure
Products: Clothing
Toy Labelling
Importers and manufacturers of toys must ensure that the product and the packaging carry the correct age warning labels, tracking ID, and contact details of the seller (e.g. manufacturer and importer).
You need a physical address in the EU, which could either be your office or a postbox. However, a website address is not sufficient. Note that the image above is outdated and only serves as an example.
Traceability Label
Some products, including toys, must carry a tracking label to ensure that unsafe products can be recalled effectively. A tracking label normally consists of the following parts:
- Importer or manufacturer
- Product model / SKU
- Batch number or serial number
- Manufacturing facility
- Contact point
Example: ABC-062020-GZ1-CN
Products: Toys
Food Contact Materials Symbol (EU FCM Framework Regulation)
Certain types of food contact materials, such as kitchen appliances and tools, must carry the glass and fork symbol represented above. However, it’s only needed if the products use as food contact material is not obvious to the end consumer.
For this reason, you don’t need this symbol in case you are manufacturing or importing food contact materials used in daily life, such as cutlery, drinking glasses, and common kitchen appliances.
Label Information
Food-contact materials that are sold before entering in contact with food might be required to bear the following:
- The words “for food contact” (instead of the glass and fork symbol)
- Special remarks instructing proper and safe usage
- Name and address of manufacturer, processor, or seller
- Traceability label
- Relevant information regarding permitted migratable substances
Product Examples
- Blenders
- Plastic plates
- Wooden chopping boards
- Pots
- Tinfoil
Products: Food contact materials
Single-Use Plastics Marking
Some types of plastic products, intended to be used only once and then discarded, are mandated to comply with the requirements provided by the Single Use Plastic (SUP) Directive. These requirements include a harmonised label.
Marking Requirements
The harmonised markings may be placed on the packaging or the product. Either way, the markings might specify the following:
a. Suitable options for managing the waste product (or what to avoid doing when disposing of said product)
b. How the presence of single-use plastic waste products may negatively impact the environment by way of littering
You can download the different markings from this page.
Product Examples
- Sanitary towels (pads), tampons, and tampon applicators
- Personal and domestic wet wipes
- Tobacco products with filters
- Cups for beverages
Products: Single-use plastic products
Energy Label
The EU Energy Labelling Framework Regulations apply 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 incentivizing manufacturers to produce energy-efficient products.
You can create an Energy Label free of charge using the online Energy Label Generator.
Product Examples
- Lighting products
- Kitchen appliances
- Displays and TVs
- Computers and servers
- Washing machines and dryers
- Air conditioners and fans
Products: Electronics
Cosmetics Labelling
EU Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 requires that cosmetic products – both manufactured in the EU and imported from overseas – bear labels that inform the reader about the supplier and the product.
Label Information
Per the regulation, cosmetic products are required to bear information such as the following on their packaging before being placed on the market:
a. The importer or manufacturer’s registered name and address
b. Nominal content of the packaging by weight or volume
c. Expiration, or ‘best before’, date
d. Precautionary information
e. Reference or batch number of manufacturer
f. The product’s function
g. List of ingredients
Product Examples
- Hair products
- Skin products
- Lip products
- Nail products
- Eye products
Products: Cosmetic products
General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) Label
The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) covers a wide range of consumer products that, in general, fall outside the scope of specific directives and regulations (e.g. Toy Safety Directive).
The GPSD label allows for any responsible party to be contacted and be held accountable in the event of any potential risk happening while the product is in circulation.
Traceability Information
The GPSD requires consumer products to carry a label that enables the product to be traced. The product, or its packaging, should bear a label that includes information such as the following:
- Importer or manufacturer details
- Batch ID or serial number
- Product name or model number
Product Examples
Products: General consumer products
Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP)
The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation aims to ensure that health and the environment receive a high level of protection. It also aims to make sure that the unrestricted transportation of articles, mixtures, and chemical substances can take place.
Specifically, the CLP Regulation sets labelling requirements for dangerous substances and articles that contain such substances.
Labelling Information
The CLP Regulation requires hazardous mixtures, substances, and articles that contain these substances, to carry a label that provides information such as the following:
a. The supplier’s name and contact details
b. A number signifying the amount of mixture or substance in the package
c. Product identification details
d. Hazard pictograms, where appropriate
e. Signal words, where appropriate
f. Hazard statements, where appropriate
g. Relevant precautionary statements, where appropriate
h. Supplementary information, where appropriate
Product Examples
- Scented candles
- Detergents
- Glue
- Drain cleaners
Products: Articles containing hazardous substances
Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel demonstrates that a certain product is made using more friendly processes, and materials. That said, unlike most other compliance marks in this article, the Ecolabel is voluntary.
Requirements
Using the Ecolabel requires approval. In other words, you cannot use the Ecolabel based on self-certification. The specific criteria you must fulfil depends on the product. Below follows the criteria for Textiles and Furniture:
Textiles
a. The product shall not contain lead-based pigments.
b. Manufacturers shall perform colourfastness, washing, wet rubbing, and dry rubbing tests on dyed yarn, final fabrics, or final products.
c. Manufactured elastane shall not contain organotin compounds
Furniture
a. Manufacturers shall not use restricted hazardous substances and mixtures such as lead and cadmium
b. Manufacturers shall use PVC-free plastic
c. Manufacturers shall provide a minimum of 5 years of guarantee at no additional cost. Also, they shall make spare parts available to customers.
Product Examples
- Textiles
- Footwear
- Furniture
- Cosmetics
- Flooring
- Paper Products
- Electronic Displays
Products: Clothing, Furniture, and more
Packaging Recycling Symbols
Packaging recycling symbols are generally used on products or their packaging to indicate the recyclability of those products or to provide information about the disposal and collection of the products and packaging. These symbols include, but are not limited to, the Green Dot, the Mobius Loop, and the OK Compost Symbol.
Green Dot
Importers and manufacturers may use the Green Dot symbol on product packaging when they have signed an agreement, and paid, a PRO Europe national organization to recover and recycle their packaging for them.
Products and packaging that bear the Green Dot symbol are assumed to be compliant with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements across the EU. In some countries, such as in Spain, the Green Dot symbol is mandatory.
Mobius Loop (Universal Recycling Symbol)
The Mobius Loop is widely used and known as the universal recycling symbol. Decision 97/129/EC establishes material symbols and numberings such as the following:
- PET (polyethene terephthalate), 1
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride), 3
- PAP (paper), 22
- ALU (aluminium), 41
- TEX (textiles e.g., cotton), 60
- GL (colorless/green/brown glass), 70, 71, 72
The material symbols indicate what the packaging materials are made of and whether or not they can be recycled. The Mobius Loop may be used together with these symbols and numbering to inform consumers and recyclers how the product or packaging should be recycled.
OK Compost Label
The OK Compost Label indicates the compostability of products or packaging that bear the label. The label can only be used placed if TÜV Austria has certified said product.
Though it is not mandatory for products and packaging to carry the OK Compost Label, the label signifies that the product or packaging (such as trays and wrapping papers) conforms to relevant standards applicable to eco-friendly compostable materials.
Products: Packaging
Footwear Labels
The upper material, outer sole, and inside lining of the shoe must be correctly labelled. You can use written instructions to specify the materials or use a graphical representation of the shoe.
Example Materials
- Leather
- Synthetic leather
- Coated leather
- Textile fibre
Products: Footwear
Amazon (EU) Product Labelling Requirements
While Amazon doesn’t set its labelling requirements, they do require that all products sold on its platform are compliant with labelling and other compliance requirements in each respective country.
If you’re selling on Amazon.de, Amazon.co.uk, or Amazon.fr, you need to ensure that your product is labelled according to European Union product labelling requirements.
For example, products that fall within RoHS or the Low Voltage Directive must, therefore, be CE marked. Further, products should not carry labels that don’t apply. Amazon is strict about compliance and far more likely to take action against incorrectly or otherwise non-compliant products than the customs or other market surveillance authorities.
Amazon Label Check Example
Amazon may require product and packaging images as evidence supporting that your product is correctly labelled. Here is an example of such a request sent by the Amazon compliance team:
Hello from Amazon Selling Partner Support,
Thank you for your interest in selling [PRODUCT]. We have reviewed the information you provided and determined that it does not meet our requirements. To allow us to continue processing your application, please address the following issues:
Product Packaging Picture:
– 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.
– 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 labelling requirements, which state that the label must contain a certification mark. Please provide images showing all sides of the product packaging including appropriate certification mark.
Please respond to this case and provide updated document(s) that remedy the issue(s) indicated above. You can respond to this case within the next 14 days or create a new application at a later time.
Why your product may need more than one label
Commonly, products are covered by more than one labelling requirement in Europe. Electronics, for example, must often carry the CE mark and the WEEE mark, in addition to the directive’s specific labels.
Importers and manufacturers must consider all applicable labelling requirements, rather than looking for labelling requirements that may apply specifically to that product.
In addition, labelling requirements also extend to the packaging and even user manuals.
FAQ
Do I need a country of origin label when selling in the EU?
No, country of origin labelling is generally not required in the European Union. That said, many products sold in the European Union still carry a country of origin label (e.g. Made in China) as this is a requirement in many other countries, including the United States.
If you’re selling, or at least planning to sell, in the United States, you may as well get your product labelled according to US labelling requirements – in addition to those in the EU.
Further, although the country of origin is not required, you are not allowed to mislead consumers by claiming that the product is manufactured in another country than it actually is.
How do I know if my supplier labels the product correctly?
Manufacturers, at least outside the EU, are not compliance experts. They don’t keep track of labelling requirements in other countries and simply rely on their buyers to provide accurate label files.
As such, you must create compliant label files and submit these to your supplier before entering production.
How do I create the label file?
You can use Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or any other software. What matters is that you create a label file that is an accurate representation of the label you want to be printed on the product, packaging and user manual, if required.
Recommended file formats
- .ai
- .eps
- .png
Additional information
- Dimensions
- Colour
- Print type
- Print position
How do I make sure my factory gets the label right?
I strongly recommend that you include a label check in your standard quality control checklist. Assuming you’re importing products from overseas, it’s only a matter of providing photocopies and design drawings showing the labels, dimensions, and where (e.g. product, packaging, and manual) the labels should be present.
The quality inspection agent can take photos of the labels, helping you decide whether the products are correctly labelled or not.
What should I do if my product is incorrectly labelled?
You need to instruct your supplier to relabel the product, assuming the items are still in their production facility. If not, you must either return or relabel the products.
However, it’s often impossible, or expensive, to relabel an incorrectly labelled product – so you better make sure that you provide label files and detailed documentation to your supplier to prevent such situations from occurring in the first place.
Can I label the product once it’s imported into Europe?
In general, a product must be correctly labelled ‘once it’s placed on the market’. This can be interpreted in different ways, which is why I recommend that you ensure that your product is correctly labelled before the product is imported into the EU.
It’s also more expensive to label products once inside the EU, compared to instructing your manufacturer to do it for you.
There are also cases in which the customs authorities have seized imported products for not being correctly labelled.
All in all, there’s no benefit in labelling the products once in Europe, assuming you are not manufacturing inside the EU.
Are barcodes required when selling in the EU?
Barcodes are not mandatory but strongly recommended if you intend to sell to retailers or online marketplaces.
Some of the companies that use and require GS1 barcodes include Amazon, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, WHSmith, Unilever, Ocado, Nestle, Google, Fruugo, La Redoute, New Egg, NHS, Walmart, and Macy’s.
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!