Export Packaging & Labelling. Country-Wise Requirements Guide

Why Packaging Matters for Exports

Packaging is not just about putting your product in a box. In international trade, packaging serves four critical functions, and failure on any one of them can cost you the entire shipment.

Damage prevention

Export shipments travel thousands of kilometres across multiple handling points. Factory, warehouse, port, vessel, destination port, last-mile delivery. Goods face vibration, compression, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and rough handling at each stage. Inadequate packaging leads to transit damage, and the resulting insurance claims, replacement shipments, and buyer disputes eat into margins fast. Marine cargo insurance will not pay out if the surveyor finds that packaging was below the standard expected for the product and shipping mode.

Customs clearance

Customs authorities at the destination country inspect packaging for compliance with phytosanitary regulations (especially wood packaging), correct labelling, and proper markings. Non-compliant packaging triggers detention, inspection fees, and potential rejection at the port. In the worst case, the shipment gets sent back or destroyed at the exporter's cost.

Regulatory compliance

Every destination country has specific requirements for what information must appear on the product label, in what language, and in what format. These are not suggestions. They are legally enforceable requirements. Selling a product with a non-compliant label in the EU or USA is a regulatory violation that can lead to fines, product recalls, and import bans on future shipments.

Brand perception

For consumer-facing products, packaging is the first thing the buyer sees. Professional, compliant packaging signals quality and reliability. Shoddy packaging (even if the product inside is excellent) creates a negative impression that undermines your brand and makes repeat orders less likely. Export buyers from developed markets have high packaging expectations.

ISPM 15. International Wood Packaging Standard

ISPM 15 is the single most important packaging regulation in international trade. It governs all solid wood packaging material (WPM) used to ship goods between countries. Pallets, crates, dunnage, skids, and any other wood used to support, protect, or contain cargo. The purpose is to prevent the international spread of wood-boring insects and plant diseases through untreated wood.

What must be treated

• Pallets (the most common WPM in export shipping)
• Wooden crates and boxes used as outer packaging
• Dunnage (loose wood used to brace cargo inside containers)
• Wooden skids and runners
• Wood used in cable drums and spools

Approved treatment methods

The ISPM 15 stamp

Treated WPM must bear the official ISPM 15 stamp, which includes: the IPPC logo, the country code (IN for India), the producer/treatment provider registration number, and the treatment code (HT, DH, or MB). This stamp must be visible on at least two opposite sides of the wood packaging. Without this stamp, your shipment will be stopped at the destination port.

Exemptions from ISPM 15

ISPM 15 applies only to raw/solid wood. The following materials are exempt and do not require treatment: plywood, particle board, oriented strand board (OSB), veneer, wood wool, sawdust, shavings, and processed wood products that have been manufactured using glue, heat, or pressure. If you switch to plywood pallets or corrugated packaging, you bypass ISPM 15 entirely.

Indian Export Packaging Standards

Beyond international requirements, Indian exporters must also comply with domestic standards and guidelines set by various Indian agencies. These apply at the point of export and are checked during pre-shipment inspections.

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)

BIS has published several standards specifically for export packaging. Key standards include IS 7028 (packaging of dangerous goods for transport), IS 2771 (dimensions and specification for wooden pallets), IS 7093 (corrugated fibreboard boxes for exports), and IS 4985 (unitization and palletization). While these are often voluntary, many Export Promotion Councils reference them as minimum requirements, and export quality inspection agencies use them as benchmarks.

Export Promotion Council guidelines

Each EPC issues sector-specific packaging guidelines for its member exporters. These are typically more detailed than BIS standards and are aligned with the destination market's requirements. For example, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) specifies packaging standards for garment exports including hanger packs, flat packs, and carton specifications. The Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) publishes guidelines for heavy machinery packaging.

APEDA requirements for agricultural products

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has mandatory packaging requirements for all agricultural exports. These include specifications for packaging materials (food-grade only), cold chain packaging requirements for perishables, traceability labelling (GrapeNet for grapes, AnarNet for pomegranates, HortiNet for other fruits and vegetables), and residue-free certification labelling.

• APEDA registration number must appear on all agricultural export packaging
• Phytosanitary certificate number from the Plant Quarantine station must be referenced
• Lot-level traceability codes mandatory for fruits, vegetables, and spices
• FSSAI licence number required on all processed food export packaging

Export Inspection Council (EIC)

For products under compulsory inspection before export (fish and fishery products, dairy products, certain food products, black pepper), the EIC and its Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs) verify packaging compliance during pre-shipment inspection. Non-compliant packaging results in the inspection certificate being withheld, which blocks the shipment.

Country-Specific Labelling Requirements

This is where most exporters stumble. Each destination country has its own labelling laws, and the requirements vary not just by country but by product category. Getting any single element wrong can result in your goods being held at customs. Here is a market-by-market breakdown.

United States

USA Labelling Requirements

FDA labelling (food products): All food products entering the USA must carry a Nutrition Facts panel in the FDA-prescribed format, ingredient list in descending order of predominance by weight, allergen declaration covering the Big 9 allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame), net quantity of contents, name and address of the manufacturer/packer/distributor, and country of origin. The FDA's Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requires US importers to verify that foreign suppliers meet US food safety standards.

CPSC labelling (consumer products): Consumer products must comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission labelling requirements including tracking labels (manufacturer name, date and place of manufacture, batch information) for children's products, warning labels for choking hazards, and flammability warnings where applicable.

FTC labelling (textiles): Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, all textile products must be labelled with fiber content (generic names and percentages), country of origin ("Made in India"), manufacturer or dealer identification (RN/WPL number or company name), and care instructions using ASTM symbols or written instructions.

European Union

EU Labelling Requirements

CE marking: Mandatory for products falling under specific EU directives. Machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, medical devices, toys, personal protective equipment, construction products, pressure equipment, and radio equipment. The CE mark indicates that the product meets all applicable EU safety, health, and environmental requirements. It must be at least 5mm in height, affixed visibly and legibly on the product or its nameplate. The manufacturer must prepare a Declaration of Conformity and maintain a technical file.

EU energy labels: Required for electrical appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, televisions, air conditioners, lighting, and ovens. The rescaled A-to-G energy label format is mandatory with QR code linking to the EU product database EPREL.

REACH SVHC disclosure: Under Article 33 of REACH, if a product contains a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) above 0.1% by weight, the supplier must communicate the name of the substance to the recipient. This is not strictly a packaging label requirement, but it is a disclosure obligation that affects how you document and communicate with EU importers.

Food labelling (Regulation 1169/2011): Mandatory information includes food name, ingredient list, allergen highlighting (in bold or distinct typography), net quantity, date of minimum durability or use-by date, storage conditions, country of origin (mandatory for specific products), nutritional declaration (per 100g/100ml), and operator name and address. Labelling must be in the official language(s) of the destination member state.

Textile labelling (Regulation 1007/2011): All textile products must show fiber composition using the harmonized EU fiber names (e.g., "cotton" not "cotton blend"), with percentages by weight. Multi-fiber products must list each fiber with its percentage. Origin marking is recommended but not mandatory in the EU for textiles (unlike the USA).

United Kingdom

UK Labelling Requirements (Post-Brexit)

UKCA marking: The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark has replaced CE marking for products sold in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). The UKCA mark applies to the same product categories that require CE marking in the EU. However, the conformity assessment must reference UK-designated standards (which are largely identical to EU harmonized standards, but are legally distinct). The UKCA mark must be at least 5mm in height and must be accompanied by the name and address of a UK-based responsible person or importer.

UK food labelling: Largely mirrors EU Regulation 1169/2011, but with a critical difference. The label must include the name and address of a UK-based food business operator (the importer or distributor in the UK). Labels must be in English. Allergen rules follow Natasha's Law (introduced 2021) requiring full ingredient labelling on all pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) food.

Northern Ireland: Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland continues to follow EU rules. Products sold in Northern Ireland can carry CE marking. Products moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland require additional compliance checks.

United Arab Emirates

UAE Labelling Requirements

Arabic language requirement: All mandatory label information must be in Arabic. You can include English (or other languages) as well, but Arabic is non-negotiable. This applies to product name, ingredient list, nutritional information, instructions for use, warnings, manufacturing date, expiry date, country of origin, and manufacturer/importer details.

ESMA standards: The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (now part of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology) sets conformity requirements through the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS). Products must be registered in the ECAS system before import. The Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) is required for certain product categories.

Halal certification: For food products, cosmetics, and personal care items, halal certification from an approved certifying body is mandatory. The halal mark must appear on the label. India's halal certification bodies recognized by the UAE include Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust and the Halal India certification body, but always verify current accreditation status with the UAE authorities.

GSO standards: The UAE follows Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) standards for many product categories. GSO 9 (labelling of pre-packaged food), GSO 2233 (labelling of pre-packaged consumer products), and GSO 1943 (halal food) are particularly relevant for Indian exporters.

Japan

Japan Labelling Requirements

JAS mark (food): The Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) mark is required for specific food products including organic products, processed foods, and certain agricultural products. The organic JAS mark is mandatory for any product marketed as "organic" in Japan. India and Japan have a bilateral organic equivalence agreement, but Indian organic products must still be certified by a JAS-accredited certification body.

JIS mark (industrial): The Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) mark is a voluntary quality mark for industrial products, but is required by many Japanese buyers and is mandatory for certain product categories through government procurement rules. JIS certification is handled by accredited certification bodies.

PSC mark (consumer safety): The Product Safety of Consumer Products (PSC) mark is mandatory for specified products including pressure cookers, helmets, baby beds, lighters, and portable LPG equipment. Products requiring PSC must undergo conformity assessment before import.

Japanese language: All labelling for consumer products sold in Japan must be in Japanese. The Food Labelling Act (Shokuhin Hyouji Hou) requires food labels to include product name, ingredients, allergen information (mandates labelling of 8 specific allergens and recommends 20 more), net content, best-before or use-by date, storage method, country of origin, and manufacturer/importer name and address in Japan. All in Japanese using kanji, hiragana, or katakana script.

Australia

Australia Labelling Requirements

Country of origin labelling: Australia has one of the strictest country of origin labelling regimes in the world. Imported food products must carry the gold kangaroo in a triangle logo with a bar chart showing the percentage of Australian ingredients (which will be 0% for imported products) and a text statement such as "Made in India" or "Product of India." The format, size, and placement are prescribed by law under the Country of Origin Food Labelling Information Standard 2016.

ACCC requirements: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which requires all products to meet safety standards, carry appropriate warning labels, and not make misleading claims. Product recalls are enforced rigorously, and non-compliant imports can be seized at the border.

Therapeutic goods: Products classified as therapeutic goods (medicines, medical devices, supplements) must be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and carry the AUST R (registered) or AUST L (listed) number on the label. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is extremely strict, and non-compliant products are seized and destroyed.

Biosecurity: Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has some of the strictest biosecurity controls in the world. All wood packaging must comply with ISPM 15 (HT only. MB is banned), and agricultural products undergo rigorous inspection. Non-compliant shipments are fumigated, re-exported, or destroyed at the exporter's cost.

Singapore

Singapore Labelling Requirements

Singapore Food Agency (SFA): All food products imported into Singapore must be labelled in English with the product name, ingredient list, allergen declaration, country of origin, name and address of local importer/ distributor, net content, and date marking (use-by or best-before). The Nutri-Grade labelling system requires beverages with higher sugar and saturated fat content to carry a grade label (A to D).

Consumer protection labelling: Under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations, specified consumer products (33 categories including electrical and electronic products) must be tested and certified by a designated conformity assessment body and carry the SAFETY mark before they can be sold in Singapore.

Controlled goods: Singapore maintains a list of controlled goods that require import permits and specific labelling. These include hazardous substances, pharmaceutical products, and certain food items. Check with Enterprise Singapore or the relevant controlling authority before shipping.

Sector-Specific Packaging Requirements

Beyond country-level rules, each product sector has its own packaging and labelling standards. These are often set by international bodies and adopted by multiple countries simultaneously.

Food & Beverages

Food exports require the most detailed packaging and labelling compliance of any sector. Key requirements include:

• Cold chain packaging: Perishable food must maintain specified temperature ranges throughout transit. Insulated containers, gel packs, dry ice, and refrigerated containers are standard. Temperature data loggers are increasingly required by importers to verify cold chain integrity.
• Shelf life labelling: Manufacturing date, best-before date, or use-by date must appear on every unit. Format varies by country (DD/MM/YYYY in India and EU, MM/DD/YYYY in USA). Many countries require minimum remaining shelf life at the time of arrival (typically 60-75% of total shelf life).
• Allergen declarations: Mandatory in all major markets. The specific allergens that must be declared vary: USA requires Big 9, EU requires 14 allergens, Japan requires 8 with 20 recommended. Allergens must be highlighted in the ingredient list (bold, uppercase, or distinct font).
• Lot/batch traceability: Every food product must carry a lot or batch code that enables traceability back to the production batch. This is mandatory under both FDA (USA) and EU food safety regulations and is essential for managing recalls.

Textiles & Garments

Textile labelling is governed by a mix of international standards and destination-specific regulations.

• Care labelling (ISO 3758): The international standard for care symbols (washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, professional care) uses standardized pictograms. Most countries accept ISO 3758 symbols, though the USA still requires written care instructions under the FTC Care Labelling Rule (or ASTM D5489 symbols).
• Fiber content: Must state the generic fiber name and percentage by weight. Multi-fiber products must list each fiber above 5% (or above the threshold set by the destination country). The EU uses harmonized fiber names under Regulation 1007/2011.
• Size labelling: No universal standard exists. EU, USA, UK, Japan, and other markets each have their own sizing conventions. Dual-size labelling (e.g., EU 38 / US 6) is common practice for multi-market distribution.
• Flammability: The USA requires flammability testing and labelling under 16 CFR 1610 (general wearing apparel) and 16 CFR 1615/1616 (children's sleepwear). Non-compliant textiles cannot enter the US market.

Chemicals & Hazardous Goods

Chemical exports are governed by the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labelling, adopted by most countries.

• GHS label elements: Product identifier, signal word (Danger or Warning), hazard pictograms (9 standard diamond-shaped symbols with red borders), hazard statements (H-codes), precautionary statements (P-codes), and supplier identification. All elements must appear on a single label visible on the outer packaging.
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A 16-section SDS in the GHS format must accompany every chemical shipment. The SDS must be in the language of the destination country. The EU requires SDS in the language of each member state where the substance is supplied.
• UN packaging: Dangerous goods must be packaged in UN-certified packaging (marked with the UN symbol and packaging code). Packaging must be tested and certified for the specific packing group (I, II, or III) of the substance being transported.
• IMDG Code (sea transport): Chemical exports by sea must comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, including proper packaging, marking, labelling, and documentation including the Dangerous Goods Declaration.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical packaging is heavily regulated with patient safety as the primary concern.

• WHO guidelines: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines cover pharmaceutical packaging including primary packaging (in contact with the drug), secondary packaging (outer carton), and tertiary packaging (shipper). WHO prequalification may be required for exports to certain markets.
• Tamper-evident packaging: Most markets require tamper-evident features on pharmaceutical packaging. Shrink bands, breakable caps, sealed blisters, or inner seals. The EU Falsified Medicines Directive requires anti-tampering devices on all prescription medicines.
• Serialization: Track-and-trace serialization is mandatory in the EU, USA (DSCSA), Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and several other markets. Each saleable unit must carry a unique serial number in a 2D Data Matrix barcode that links to a national or regional verification system.
• Cold chain (biologics): Temperature- sensitive pharmaceuticals (vaccines, biologics, insulin) require validated cold chain packaging with temperature monitoring devices and detailed temperature excursion records.

Electronics & Electrical Products

Electronic products face a unique combination of safety, environmental, and packaging requirements.

• RoHS marking: Products sold in the EU must comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), limiting lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBBs, PBDEs, and four phthalates. While there is no mandatory RoHS label or mark, compliance must be documented in the Declaration of Conformity and technical file.
• WEEE symbol: The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol is mandatory on all electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU. It indicates that the product must be separately collected for recycling and not disposed of with household waste. The producer is responsible for financing the collection and recycling.
• Battery disposal labels: Products containing batteries must carry the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol for batteries, along with the chemical symbols for lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), or cadmium (Cd) if the battery exceeds threshold levels. The EU Battery Regulation (2023) introduces additional requirements including carbon footprint labelling for EV batteries and recycled content declarations.
• ESD packaging: Electrostatic-sensitive components must be packaged in anti-static or static-dissipative materials (pink poly bags, static shielding bags, conductive foam) to prevent electrostatic discharge damage during transit.

Packaging for Different Shipping Modes

The shipping mode determines the stresses your packaging must withstand and the specific packaging requirements that apply.

Common Packaging Mistakes That Cause Rejections

These are the packaging and labelling errors we see most frequently from Indian exporters. Each one has caused real shipment rejections, delays, or penalties.

Missing or incorrect ISPM 15 markings

Using untreated wood pallets, or pallets where the ISPM 15 stamp has faded, been placed incorrectly, or uses the wrong treatment code. This is the single most common cause of shipment detention at destination ports. Always inspect pallets for visible, legible ISPM 15 stamps before loading.

Wrong language on labels

Shipping English-only labels to Arabic-mandatory markets (UAE, Saudi Arabia), or English-only labels to Japan or France. Many exporters assume English is universally accepted. It is not. Each country has specific language requirements, and non-compliance means the goods cannot be sold until relabelled at destination (which is expensive and time-consuming).

Missing country of origin declaration

Every major importing country requires the country of origin to be stated on the product or its packaging. The format varies: "Made in India" for the USA, "Product of India" or the country of origin bar chart for Australia, country of origin field in the EU nutritional label format. Missing or incorrect country of origin marking leads to penalties and delays.

Barcode errors

Using incorrect barcode formats (EAN-13 vs UPC-A), barcodes that do not scan due to poor print quality, or barcodes that are not registered with GS1. Most modern retail supply chains reject products with non-scanning or unregistered barcodes. If you are supplying to retail channels, invest in GS1 registration and barcode verification testing.

Under-packaging for the shipping mode

Using packaging designed for domestic transport on export shipments. Export journeys are longer, rougher, and involve more handling than domestic transport. Products that survive a 500 km domestic truck journey may arrive damaged after a 30-day sea voyage. Design packaging for the worst-case scenario of your export route.

Non-compliant nutritional information

Using Indian nutritional label format for US-bound food products (which require the FDA Nutrition Facts panel), or missing mandatory nutrients in the EU declaration. Each market has specific requirements for which nutrients must be declared, in what unit, and in what format. A generic nutritional label will not work across markets.

Missing allergen declarations

Failing to declare allergens, or declaring them in a format that does not meet destination country requirements. The USA, EU, Japan, and Australia each have their own list of mandatory allergens, and the method of declaration (highlighting, separate statement) varies. This is a food safety issue that can result in product recalls and significant legal liability.

Packaging Cost Optimization

Packaging is a direct cost that affects your export margins. Over-packaging wastes money; under-packaging causes damage claims. The goal is right-sized, compliant packaging at minimum cost.

Material choices

Right-sizing

Over-sized packaging wastes shipping costs (especially for air cargo and courier, where volumetric weight applies) and increases material costs. Under-sized packaging causes damage in transit. Map your product dimensions to standard carton sizes and pallet footprints. For container loads, design carton and pallet dimensions to optimize container utilization. A standard 20-foot container has internal dimensions of 5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m, and a 40-foot container is 12.03m x 2.35m x 2.39m. Even small changes in carton dimensions can add or remove a row of cartons, changing the container utilization rate by 5-10%.

Reusable packaging

For ongoing supply chain relationships (where you ship regularly to the same buyer), explore reusable packaging options. Plastic crates, collapsible containers, and returnable pallets have higher upfront costs but lower per-use costs over 20-50 cycles. They also meet sustainability requirements more easily. CHEP and IFCO are global pooling providers that offer reusable packaging solutions for certain supply chains.

Sustainability Requirements

Packaging sustainability has moved from a "nice to have" to a legal requirement in many export markets. Regulations are evolving rapidly, and exporters who do not adapt will face market access barriers.

EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

The EU's PPWR, adopted in 2024, sets ambitious targets that directly affect Indian exporters selling into the EU market. Key requirements include: all packaging must be recyclable by 2030, minimum recycled content requirements (30% by 2030 for PET contact-sensitive packaging, 10% for other contact-sensitive plastic packaging, 35% for non-contact sensitive plastic packaging), packaging minimization requirements (maximum empty space and packaging-to-product weight ratios), and restrictions on specific packaging formats (single-use plastics for certain applications).

Country-specific sustainability marks

• France. Triman logo: Required on all recyclable packaging sold in France since 2022, with sorting instructions (Info-Tri) showing consumers how to sort the packaging
• Germany. VerpackG: All packaging placed on the German market must be registered with the Central Packaging Register (LUCID) and the producer must participate in a dual system (e.g., Der Grune Punkt) for collection and recycling
• Italy. Environmental labelling: Since January 2023, all packaging sold in Italy must carry alphanumeric codes identifying the packaging material composition and disposal instructions for consumers
• UK. Plastic Packaging Tax: A tax of GBP 217.85 per tonne applies to plastic packaging manufactured in or imported into the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic content

Recyclability marks and symbols

Common recycling symbols on export packaging include the Mobius loop (three chasing arrows indicating recyclability), resin identification codes (numbered 1-7 for plastic types), the FSC mark (for paper/cardboard from certified forests), and the Tidyman symbol (encouraging proper disposal). While not all are legally mandatory, they are increasingly expected by buyers and retailers in developed markets and will become mandatory under the EU PPWR.

Plastic reduction mandates

Several countries have banned or restricted specific plastic packaging: the EU has banned single-use plastic items including cutlery, plates, straws, and expanded polystyrene food containers. India's own single-use plastic ban (effective 2022) covers similar items. Canada has banned certain single-use plastics. These bans apply to packaging for exported goods sold in these markets, so Indian exporters must ensure their packaging does not include banned plastic items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISPM 15 and which countries require it?

ISPM 15 is an international standard that regulates wood packaging material used in international trade. Pallets, crates, dunnage, and other solid wood packaging. It requires wood to be heat treated (HT) to 56°C for 30 minutes or fumigated with methyl bromide (MB). Almost all countries that are signatories to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) require ISPM 15 compliance, covering over 180 nations including the USA, EU, China, Japan, and Australia.

What labelling is required for food exports to the USA?

Food exports to the USA must carry an FDA-compliant Nutrition Facts panel, ingredient list in descending order of weight, allergen declaration for the Big 9 allergens, net quantity, manufacturer/distributor name and address, country of origin, and English language labelling. Additionally, the foreign facility must be registered with the FDA and prior notice must be filed before each food shipment arrives.

What is CE marking and when is it required for exports to the EU?

CE marking is a mandatory conformity marking for products sold in the European Economic Area. It indicates that the product meets EU safety, health, and environmental requirements. It is required for categories including machinery, electrical equipment, medical devices, toys, personal protective equipment, construction products, and pressure equipment. The manufacturer must complete the applicable conformity assessment and prepare a Declaration of Conformity. For detailed guidance, see our CE Marking guide for Indian exporters.

How does UK labelling differ from EU labelling after Brexit?

Post-Brexit, the UK introduced the UKCA mark to replace CE marking for Great Britain. Key differences include: UKCA mark instead of CE mark, requirement for a UK-based importer address on product labels, UK-specific food labelling with a UK business address, and separate product registration with UK regulatory bodies. Northern Ireland continues to accept CE marking under the Windsor Framework.

What are the Arabic labelling requirements for exports to the UAE?

The UAE requires all mandatory label information to be in Arabic, including product name, ingredients, nutritional information, manufacturing and expiry dates, country of origin, and manufacturer details. Food products must carry halal certification from an approved body and comply with GSO standards. Products must be registered in the ECAS system before import.

What is GHS labelling for chemical exports?

GHS (Globally Harmonized System) is a standardized system for classifying and communicating chemical hazards. GHS labels must include product identifier, signal word (Danger or Warning), hazard pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier identification. A 16-section Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must accompany every chemical shipment. Most major countries have adopted GHS, though implementation details vary.

What packaging mistakes most commonly cause shipment rejections?

The most common causes of rejection are: missing or incorrect ISPM 15 markings on wood packaging, labelling in the wrong language, missing country of origin declarations, incorrect or non-scanning barcodes, non-compliant nutritional panels for food products, missing allergen declarations, and inadequate protective packaging leading to transit damage. One rejection creates an import history flag that increases inspection rates for future shipments.

What sustainability packaging requirements are being enforced globally?

The EU PPWR mandates all packaging be recyclable by 2030 with minimum recycled content. France requires the Triman logo on recyclable packaging. Germany enforces VerpackG requiring registration with the Central Packaging Register. The UK levies a Plastic Packaging Tax on packaging with less than 30% recycled content. Multiple countries have banned single-use plastics. Indian exporters should track destination-country sustainability laws as they are evolving rapidly.

Update history

• 2026-08-12 First published.