Marking and Labelling for Export

Posted on | Posted on Igor Chigrin, CITP

Mandatory Labeling Requirements

  1. Language. Labels must be written on the official language or languages of the country of destination. The exceptions are trademarks registered in the country of import on a language other than official. Most countries allow it.
  2. Country of origin. Each item must be labeled “Made in <Country of Origin>”, e.g. “Made in China”. Using widely accepted acronyms like the UK, EU or USA is allowed, though PRC for China may be confusing.
  3. Name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor (importer).
  4. Net quantity of contents (in terms of weight or mass, measure, or numerical count). You must use the most appropriate units for weight and measures (imperial vs. metric system).
  5. Separate statement with additional information, composition, user instructions where it makes sense.

You can also use following guides for your reference:

  1. USA: US Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
  2. Canada: Guide to the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations
  3. United Kingdom, Ireland and the rest of the European Union: A summary of the EU product labelling rules for goods sold within the Single Market
  4. Australia: Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905
  5. New Zealand: New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Export guide
  6. South Africa: No general rule, see product specific requirements.
  7. India: Notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on November 24, 2000

 

Product Specific Labeling Requirements

Industry

USA

Canada

UK, Ireland and EU

Australia

New Zealand

South Africa

India
Food Click Click Click
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Meat, poultry, fish Click Click Click Click Click Click Click, Section II
Fish and Seafood Click Click Click Click Click Click Click, Section II
Alcohol Click Click Click Click Click Click Click
Tobacco Click Click Click Click Click Click Click
Pharmaceuticals Click Click Click
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Cosmetics Click Click Click
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2013		 Click Click Click Click
Appliances Click Click Click Click Click Click Click
Radiation Emitting and Telecommunication Products Click Click Click Click Click Click Click
Medical Devices Click Click Click Click Click Click Click
Motor Vehicles and Fuel Economy Labeling Click
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Textile and Wool products Click Click Click
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Toys and Children products Click Click Click Click*
Click		 Click Standard SANS 8124 Standard IS 9873
Jewelry Click Click Click Click N/A Click Click
Wood products, Furniture Click Click Click Click Click
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Rubber and Plastics No specific regulations. See other products Click Click Click Click Click Click
Chemicals, Pesticides and Hazardous Products Click
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Detergents Click Click Click
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Notes: * Private or Non-Government source of information.

Packaging Markings

Click on the link to see standard packaging markings in international trade.

Warning Markings for Dangerous Goods

Click on the link to see standard warning markings in international trade.