Product packaging and labels
Product packaging and labelling regulations are used to protect consumers by providing essential product information. Clothing labels for example usually require information on care, materials used, washing instructions, and country of origin.
Country specific regulations may control things like:
- the composition and use of different packaging materials
- size and construction
- the use of reusable or disposable packaging
- additional packaging requirements for hazardous materials or perishables
- permissible or acceptable claims about your product’s benefits.
Regulations for foodstuffs are particularly stringent and may require information on:
- product name
- form (for example, smoked or frozen)
- coding of additives, colourings and flavour enhancers
- name and address of importer
- country of origin, and name and address of manufacturer
- date of manufacture, or date by which product must be consumed
- storage requirements
- ingredients in order of relative importance, often by weight
- instructions for preparation or use, particularly any precautions required
- net weight shown in measurements used by the importing country
- translations of information in the required language of the importing country.
For foodstuffs you might also need verification certificates from the:
New Zealand Food Safety Authority or
the New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority.
Dealing with hazardous waste
If you are dealing with hazardous substances, there are likely to be additional labelling requirements for your products, such as flammability warnings. The export of hazardous waste from New Zealand is controlled through a number of international agreements including the Basel Convention. Export is prohibited without permission from the Ministry of Economic Development.
There might also be requirements relating to the disposal of your packaging. You may be required to take responsibility for the recycling or the safe disposal of products or components (such as batteries) that pose a threat to the environment.
Get advice
It is best to talk to somebody already exporting to your destination country to find out the product and country specific requirements. Your industry association, or Chambers of Commerce may be able to recommend a business contact already in your field of export.
Standards New Zealand can supply standards from other international standards bodies.
You can also send a sample of your product to your importer or agent and ask them to check that everything complies with local regulations or standards.
Showing you fully comply with, or exceed, environmental regulations can be used to give you an advantage over your competitors.
Transportation labels
All transport labelling and marks should be clear and durable. Transport labelling and marking regulations vary from country to country. Freight forwarders, shipping companies or airlines can give advice on the current requirements. These may include:
- marking gross and/or net weight or volumetric measure
- serial and invoice numbers
- container dimensions
- name and address of importer
- transit instructions
- country of origin
- handling instructions shown in internationally accepted symbols or words
- translation into the language of handling or importing countries.
Find out the specific transport labelling requirements for your export destination early on in your export planning process to avoid unnecessary delays.
Hazardous goods usually require additional labelling and need to be identified and clearly marked.
Read the New Zealand Ministry of Transport’s guide for the transportation and labelling of hazardous goods.
Your product might be stopped at customs if your labelling does not conform to local requirements such as weight and electrical standards. You will also need to provide a packing list itemising the contents of each container or consignment.
Bar codes and tracking chips
Bar codes and the electronic identification of goods is now common as a result of the demand for real-time updates on consignment movement. Each product unit is given a unique identifying number or bar code (every variation in colour, size and pack has a separate number). This provides a common stock-handling method for manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, but does assume some level of technology integration.
Bar coding or electronic tracking through embedded product tracking chips is becoming a standard requirement for exporters. Keeping up to date with electronic identification tracking technology may give you a competitive advantage with speed to market.
GS1 New Zealand is a non-profit association that provides the identification of items, trade and logistic units, services and location.
Packaging for transport
When packaging your goods for shipment, bear in mind they could be in for repeated loading and unloading. Pack them to survive handling, rough roads, bad weather and extreme temperatures. Proper packaging will also reduce the risk of theft during transit.
Items should be packed into a box, crate of other suitable container. Fragile items should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap or foam padding. Items sent on pallets need to be securely attached to the pallet. Shrink-wrap is commonly used for this.
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