Mandatory product labeling is a commercial signage model through which companies provide information to their potential customers or consumers about their intrinsic characteristics, in a manner consistent with the legislation of each territory or country in which they carry out their activity. commercial.
Governments and organizations for the defense of consumer rights in the different countries of the world have been agreeing with their companies on the provision of the most accurate information when putting products of all kinds on the market.
In this way, and with the addition of constant legal updates, the concept of current mandatory labeling has been reached, characterized especially by the maximum possible transparency in terms of the content marketed, as well as its benefits and possible threats to the end customer.
Companies have faced the obligation / need to offer a greater amount of information about their products as a resource to be exploited within their marketing and packaging strategies, turning the obligation into an advantage and a tool to distinguish themselves from their competitors by creating new and innovative packaging or presentation designs to the public.
Main sectors to be protected by mandatory labeling
It is recommended that the products offered for sale have information about their use by means of explanations on the packaging or additional instructions or instructions for use. The same is true when it comes to its preservation.
In the food sector (or that of alcoholic beverages), in the pharmaceutical or chemical industries (such as cosmetics, cleaning products or for automobiles) labeling acquires a vital importance since it is closely related to the care of the health and the satisfaction of primary consumer needs. For this reason, it is legally necessary that they have graphic and / or textual information, highlighting: the name of the food, its components and ingredients, its nutritional value, the warning about causing possible allergies or other threats to the health of the consumer and the quantity net of product that is acquired.
In the same way, it is necessary for the labeling to provide clear information on its expiration date, the clear identification of the company that puts the good into circulation and its geographical origin.
Specific requirements for mandatory labeling
The information provided must be clear, concise and legible. Similarly, it must not be false or erroneous or mislead consumers. In this way, the labeling must strictly adhere to the benefits of the product, in a tangible and demonstrable way (weight, quantity, life estimate, etc.) and its optimal mode of use.
Mandatory labeling in Spain
Spain is governed according to the EU Regulation 1169 of 2011 on Food Labeling and Food Information provided to the Consumer and the subsequent modifications and updates that have emerged in this area, as a member of the European Union.