Labels seem like a small detail until a shipment is held at customs or a retailer refuses delivery because of a missing care label. Labelling rules vary widely by market and product, and they are enforced. Getting them right before production is far cheaper than relabelling at the destination.
Who Is Responsible?
Legally, the importer or the business placing the product on the market is often responsible for compliance. In practice, buyers expect the manufacturer to apply labels correctly, according to specifications they provide. Clarify responsibilities in writing and get artwork approved before printing.
Common Label Requirements
Country of Origin
Many countries require products or their packaging to show the country of origin — for example "Made in Pakistan". The marking must be accurate and, in some markets, meet rules on placement, permanence, and legibility.
Language
Labels often must be in the official language of the destination. Canada requires English and French for many consumer products. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf markets require Arabic for many products. Individual EU countries set language requirements for consumer information.
Textile Labelling
For textiles and apparel, common requirements include:
- Fibre composition using standard fibre names and percentages
- Care instructions, often using recognised care symbols
- Manufacturer or importer identification in some markets — for example US rules require the identity of a responsible company
- Size labels according to local conventions
The EU, UK, and US each have their own textile labelling rules. Check them for each market.
Food Labelling
Food labels are among the most regulated. Requirements typically include:
- Product name
- Ingredients list, with allergens highlighted
- Net quantity
- Date marking (best before or use by)
- Storage conditions
- Name and address of the responsible business
- Nutrition information in many markets
- Country of origin for certain foods
Rules differ significantly between markets. See exporting spices and food products.
Safety and Conformity Markings
Products covered by safety legislation may need markings like CE (EU), UKCA (Great Britain), or marks required under specific national schemes. Warnings, age grading for toys, and electrical ratings may also be required. See product certifications for export.
💡 Build a label spec per market
Create a label specification sheet for each product and market combination — text, languages, symbols, sizes, placement, and material. Have the buyer approve it in writing. It becomes your reference for every repeat order.
Carton and Shipping Marks
Outer cartons need shipping marks — typically the consignee name or code, destination, order number, carton number, and handling symbols such as "This way up" or "Keep dry". Some markets and retailers also require country of origin on outer cartons and specific barcode labels. See export packaging guide.
Barcodes
Retailers often require GS1 barcodes on products and cartons. The buyer usually specifies whether they provide the codes or whether you need your own.
Common Labelling Mistakes
- Missing or incorrect country of origin
- Wrong fibre composition percentages
- Care symbols that do not match the actual care requirements
- Labels in the wrong language
- Food labels missing allergens or using non-compliant formats
- Printing labels before the buyer approves the artwork
A Pre-Production Label Checklist
- Confirm destination market requirements with the buyer.
- Prepare artwork and specifications.
- Get written approval from the buyer.
- Check printed labels against the approved artwork.
- Inspect label application during and after production.
- Keep samples of the labels with the order records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "Made in Pakistan" labelling mandatory?
Many markets require country of origin marking on products or packaging, and the requirements vary by product. Check the destination market's rules and your buyer's specifications.
Who is responsible for labels on exported products?
Legal responsibility often lies with the importer or the business placing products on the market, but manufacturers are usually expected to apply labels correctly to the buyer's approved specifications.
Do export labels need to be in the local language?
Often, yes. Many countries require consumer information in their official language or languages. Confirm the requirements for each market.
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