Tadej Feregotto10.20.16
Correct labeling is an essential part of a cosmetic product. It is a tool used to convey information regarding a cosmetic product such as its intended use, list of ingredients, directions for use and any precautions to be observed with its foreseeable use.
Product label is also the first thing that customers would see which is critical to influence their purchasing decision and the use of a certain product. Therefore, laws and regulations are put into place by the government to protect consumers from potential health hazards and deceptive labeling practices and also to help them make informed purchasing decisions.
In the European Union, the legislation that covers the labeling requirements is the EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 which came into force on 11 July, 2013. It lists very specific requirements for cosmetic products labeling on the EU market.
According to Article 19 of the regulation, the container and packaging of cosmetic products have to bear the following information in indelible, easily legible and visible lettering:
Some of these elements may also be mentioned on an enclosed or attached leaflet, label, tape, tag or card if it is impossible to list them on the labels. Moreover, certain information on the label needs to be translated into a country’s official language. EU has 24 official languages and some countries have more than one official language, such as Belgium and Finland.
Product claims are also an important part of cosmetic labeling and they’re governed by a separate EU Regulation (655/2013). Each claim made on the label, unless obvious or a clear exaggeration, should be substantiated. Claims on product’s function should be in line with the definition of a cosmetic product in the EU which is exclusively or mainly to cleaning, perfuming, changing appearance, protecting, keeping in good condition or correcting body odors. Remember that some products are classified as cosmetics in the EU, which aren’t elsewhere, and vice versa.
If you are planning to export cosmetics globally, the key to efficient product labeling is to familiarize oneself with the specific regulations in each country where you intend to sell your products and to come up with a single label which complies with all the regulations. But most importantly, you should always prioritize the protection of the consumers and display complete and correct product information on your labels, which will also keep you out of trouble with the regulatory authorities.
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Product label is also the first thing that customers would see which is critical to influence their purchasing decision and the use of a certain product. Therefore, laws and regulations are put into place by the government to protect consumers from potential health hazards and deceptive labeling practices and also to help them make informed purchasing decisions.
In the European Union, the legislation that covers the labeling requirements is the EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 which came into force on 11 July, 2013. It lists very specific requirements for cosmetic products labeling on the EU market.
According to Article 19 of the regulation, the container and packaging of cosmetic products have to bear the following information in indelible, easily legible and visible lettering:
- Function of the cosmetic product, unless it’s clear from its presentation
- The name and address of the responsible person placing the product in the market
- The country of origin if the product is imported from countries outside of the EU
- Accurate net quantity of the contents of the product, given by weight or volume
- Date of minimum durability or period after opening for which the product is safe
- Precautions for use
- Batch number or any reference for product identification
- A full list of ingredients according to INCI name established in descending order of weight of the ingredients
Some of these elements may also be mentioned on an enclosed or attached leaflet, label, tape, tag or card if it is impossible to list them on the labels. Moreover, certain information on the label needs to be translated into a country’s official language. EU has 24 official languages and some countries have more than one official language, such as Belgium and Finland.
Product claims are also an important part of cosmetic labeling and they’re governed by a separate EU Regulation (655/2013). Each claim made on the label, unless obvious or a clear exaggeration, should be substantiated. Claims on product’s function should be in line with the definition of a cosmetic product in the EU which is exclusively or mainly to cleaning, perfuming, changing appearance, protecting, keeping in good condition or correcting body odors. Remember that some products are classified as cosmetics in the EU, which aren’t elsewhere, and vice versa.
If you are planning to export cosmetics globally, the key to efficient product labeling is to familiarize oneself with the specific regulations in each country where you intend to sell your products and to come up with a single label which complies with all the regulations. But most importantly, you should always prioritize the protection of the consumers and display complete and correct product information on your labels, which will also keep you out of trouble with the regulatory authorities.