Mandatory Product Labeling, Global Baseline
Let's use lotion as an example:
1. Product Identity
- “Body Lotion” / “Moisturizing Lotion”
2. Net Contents
- Dual units for international:
- mL (primary) + fl oz (secondary)
- Example:
- 300 mL / 10.1 fl oz
3. INCI Ingredient List
- Use standardized INCI names
- Order:
- Descending concentration (>1%)
- Then <1% in any order
- Fragrance:
- “Fragrance (Parfum)”
- EU:
- Must list allergens if above threshold (e.g., linalool, limonene)
A note on legibility:
- Body text: ≥ 6 pt absolute minimum
- INCI: 6–7 pt minimum
- Preferred: 7–8 pt for premium positioning
- Contrast matters more than size:
- Black on white = safest
- Low contrast = non-compliant even if technically big enough
4. Responsible Party
- Company name + address
- Must be region-specific:
- EU: Responsible Person in EU
- US: Manufacturer/Distributor
5. Batch / Lot Number
- For traceability (non-negotiable)
6. Shelf Life
Two options:
- PAO (Period After Opening) symbol (e.g., 12M)
- OR expiration date if <30 months shelf life
7. Function (if not obvious)
- Example:
- “Hydrating body lotion”
8. Warnings (if applicable)
- Usually minimal for lotion, but:
- “For external use only”
- “Avoid contact with eyes” (optional but common)
9. Country of Origin
- Required in many markets (especially outside US/EU)
High-Risk Mistakes (that cost real money)
- INCI too small → rejected at EU customs
- Missing EU Responsible Person → cannot legally sell
- No batch code → product recall nightmare
- Claims creeping into drug territory (“heals eczema”) → flagged by Food and Drug Administration
- Over-designed labels → unreadable → non-compliant
