• Mandatory Labeling Requirements
• Product Specific Labeling Requirements
• Packaging Markings
• Warning Markings for Dangerous Goods

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 Click	Click	Click	Click	Click, Section II
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 Click	Click	Click	Click	Click Click
Cosmetics	Click	Click	Click Click Click New! 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 Click	Click Click	Click Click	Click	Click	Click	Click*
Textile and Wool products	Click	Click	Click Click	Click Click	Click	Click* Click*	Click
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 Click	N/A	Click
Rubber and Plastics	No specific regulations. See other products	Click	Click	Click	Click	Click	Click
Chemicals, Pesticides and Hazardous Products	Click Click	Click	Click Click Click	Click	Click	Click	Click
Detergents	Click	Click	Click Click	Click Click	Click	Click	Click

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.