The study, design and implementation of a product label is a fundamental element in import projects from non-EU countries. In most cases, the label could also be an obstacle at customs, for this reason it is essential to be followed by experts who assess the correctness of the same for import and marketing.
In most cases, suppliers do not have knowledge about the regulations of the countries subject to importation, for this reason it is highly discouraged to trust the supplier in structuring the same.
Designing your product label
As already mentioned, it is essential to avoid relying on the supplier in filling out the label, but to consult with experts in the import sector to be followed in the design and implementation of this fundamental support in import practices.
The label becomes more important for all e-commerce and dropshipping practices, in which the various platforms require that certain information about the traceability and compliance of the product to be marketed be reported, in addition to the legal constraints.
If you intend to develop an e-commerce business, it is necessary to pay obsessive attention to this element.
As we have said, it is essential not to trust the supplier with regard to the compliance of the labels on the products being imported.
The legal responsibility for ensuring label compliance always rests with the importer without exception.
Label regulations in Italy and other European countries
The responsibility for labelling products from non-EU countries is always the responsibility of the importer and never falls on the product; this means that if you import from China or other similar countries, it is always the importer (for example the Italian company that buys from China) who is legally responsible for the labeling on the product, despite the fact that it does not physically produce the goods.
Here are some common product categories for which there are specific European label regulations:
- Textiles;
- Footwear;
- Cosmetics;
- Electrical and electronic equipment;
- Household appliances;
- Toys
Products imported from outside the EU are subject to one or more internal regulations, based on their composition and functionality of use; some examples of RoHS, REACH, LVD regulations; machine directive, EMC, toy directive etc.
What happens if you import products without labels or with incorrect information
In the event that the products being imported do not bear the binding legal elements covered by European regulations, customs is free to seize the goods to be imported, destroy them (charging the costs to the importer) and to impose very high fines on the company (or private individual) who imports them.
That said, it is essential to comply with regulations regarding product labeling.
