Product packaging and markings

Design the packaging so it is safe, protects the product and maintains the product’s characteristics. Select appropriate packaging material. See to it that the packaging is manufactured and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Ensure that the packaging is safe and that it is suited for the product it is being used as packaging for, especially so in the case of food products. For more information, please contact the Finnish Food Authority.

Make the package easy to use and durable. Ensure that the necessary markings can all fit on the packaging. Plan the size and shape of the packaging so that its transport, storage and presentation at sales points is easy and cost effective.

Make the packaging aesthetic, so that it draws the customer’s attention and highlights your product’s personality. Consider whether your product can be tailored to different target groups. You can use your packaging to tell customers about your product’s new characteristics.

The product’s packager or importer is responsible for the collection of packaging waste, its recycling and related costs. When necessary, add a recycling symbol to the packaging.

When designing packaging comply with the EU Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste.

Both EU and national legislation contain provisions on mandatory markings on packaging. The requirements for packaging markings differ greatly between different types of products.

Packaging for consumer products must at least list a name that expresses the purpose of the product, the name of the producer, manufacturer or importer. However, this is not enough most of the time. If the product is subject to special legislation, more extensive information must be supplied on packaging. Where necessary, add warning signs or information on the composition of the product. Ask for additional information on the product in question from the authority responsible for the supervision of the product.

The mandatory markings of packaging for food products include, at least, the name of the product, its ingredients, its minimum durability date or its use-by date, the weight or volume of the content, the contact information for the company responsible for the product, its country of origin and the food batch code. Allergens and substances that cause intolerance must be highlighted. Some food products have a larger number of mandatory markings. For additional information contact your municipality’s food safety authority or the Finnish Food Authority.

Find out which package markings are mandatory for each product separately. Provide the mandatory information in a clear and concise manner, in a language understood by consumers in the country of sale and required by law. Your company is responsible for the package markings on all its products. Various authorities oversee markings.

When designing the packaging of a food product, you must comply with legislation that is related to the safety and regulatory compliance of the materials you use. For more information, contact the Finnish Food Authority.

All food product packaging must include the following mandatory general markings: 

• name of the food product
• list of ingredients
• minimum durability date (best before date) or use-by date 
• preservation instructions
• content weight or volume
• name and address of the manufacturer 
• nutrition labelling 
• food batch code.

Any ingredients or product that can cause allergies or intolerances must be highlighted in the list of ingredients. The country of origin of a food product must always be stated if there is a risk that a consumer will feel that they have been misled if it has not been declared. Please note that any statements on the nutritional value or health benefits of a product that are presented on its packaging must be approved.

Some food products are also subject to other mandatory marking regulations that must be taken into account when designing the markings that are to be placed on their packaging. For more information, contact the food safety authority of your municipality. More information on food product packaging markings is also available on the website of the Finnish Food Authority.

By affixing the CE marking to a product, you guarantee that your company’s product meets all the legal requirements for the product in question laid down in EC Directives. The CE marking is not granted by an authority or any other body.

Before adding a CE marking to your product check that the product complies with all legal acts of the EU. If necessary, test your product and provide an assessment of your product’s conformity to a listed body, if legislation so requires. Where necessary draw up technical documents and instructions. Give an EC declaration of conformity.

You can only add the CE marking to a product, if you are the producer or an authorised representative of the producer. You can only affix the marking to those products for which product legislation requires the CE marking. These products include, for example, toys, electrical equipment and personal protective equipment.

If the product does not have the CE marking required by law or the marking is contrary to requirements, the producer may be required to withdraw the product from the market.

For additional information on the product in question, contact the supervisory authority responsible for the product.