Standard Regulations That Cannot Be Ignored In Packaging Design

In today's business world, packaging is not just a protective cover for a product, but also the first "face" of a brand. A beautiful and suitable packaging design not only helps attract customers' attention but also conveys a message about the quality, reputation and value of the product. However, in addition to aesthetic factors, packaging design must also comply with a series of legal regulations and technical standards to ensure information security, protect consumers and protect the environment.

In the article below, SaDesign will help you learn in detail about the regulations that cannot be ignored when designing packaging. Through that, you will better understand the importance of complying with these regulations as well as applying them to the creative process to create packaging products that are not only beautiful but also legal and effective.

1. State regulations on packaging design

Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP stipulates mandatory information on packaging, including:
Product Name
Name and address of the company responsible for the goods
Origin of goods
Quantity, composition of goods
HSD & NSX
Specifications, warning information

In addition to the above information, the brand can provide additional content to promote the product or brand. Goods with very small sizes must be accompanied by documents that fully record the above necessary content. All organizations and individuals representing the product brand must be responsible for providing complete information according to regulations. At the same time, the information must be accurate and reflect the truth.

2. Notes on the content of each regulation

2.1. Product name

In order for a buyer to know what the product is, the designer needs to clearly present the product name as suggested by the brand. The product name needs to be large in size and clearly designed, placed in an easy-to-see position. Some special products such as pharmaceuticals, functional foods, chemicals, etc. can have additional quantity attached to distinguish them from other packaging of the same type.

2.2. Name and address of the manufacturing company, or responsible individual

The proper name of the organization, individual and the attached address must be clearly noted on the packaging, no abbreviations are allowed. Domestically produced goods will have the name of the company, individual and the address of domestic production. Imported goods must clearly state the name of the company, individual and the address responsible for importing or distributing the product. Goods that undergo processing and assembly at another company will need to have the name and address of this processing company noted.

2.3. Quantification of goods

Many brands offer products in different quantities, with different packaging designs. The quantity information should also be clearly stated on the packaging, including the number and unit of quantity. For example: 1kg, 1L…

2.4. Production date and expiry date

Products cannot lack information about the date of manufacture and expiry date. This information is usually recorded in the following way:

Record in order of day, month, year (solar calendar). The year can be shortened if the product surface area does not allow. All are recorded in numbers standing next to each other, the number for day, month, year is limited to 2 numbers. The year can be recorded with 4 digits. In front of these series of numbers, it is necessary to clearly state the date of manufacture and the expiry date to avoid confusion for buyers.

2.5. Ingredients and nutritional information

Ingredients and nutritional quantities of each item are often presented in the form of tables or lists printed on the packaging. This is necessary content and reflects the clarity and honesty of the brand. This content is very necessary, especially for cosmetic, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products. Through this, consumers can refer to the ingredients and quantities suitable for their health status as well as their needs.

2.6. Uses and warning information (if any)

The content on the packaging should also include the uses and warning information for consumers. Especially with warning information if any, this content will help consumers and brands avoid unnecessary accidents during use. For example, the drug packaging must clearly state the ingredients that are contraindicated for which subjects? What are the characteristics?

Note:

It should be noted that all the information specified above must be provided by the brand. Designers are not responsible for writing or editing content themselves. However, designers still need to understand the regulations to easily work with brands, avoid wasting time editing content, and also increase professionalism in the process of working and consulting with customers.

3. Risks of non-compliance

3.1. Legal and business consequences

Failure to comply with packaging design regulations can have serious consequences, not only legally but also directly affect the reputation and business operations of the enterprise. Errors such as missing mandatory information, using substandard materials or violating image copyright can lead to penalties from authorities such as fines, forced product recalls or even suspension of business operations.

In today's highly competitive environment, a small mistake in packaging design can become a "weak point" that causes customers to lose confidence and switch to using competitors' products. In addition, legal issues also increase production and management costs, negatively affecting the brand's cash flow and reputation in the market.

3.2. Lessons learned from violations

It is not uncommon for businesses to be fined or in trouble for failing to comply with regulations on packaging design. For example, there are products that have been recalled after it was discovered that the information on the packaging was incomplete or inaccurate, posing a health risk to consumers. These cases have become valuable lessons for other businesses, reminding them that compliance is not only a responsibility but also a vital factor for the success of a product.

Lessons learned from violations also help designers improve their quality control processes and communicate more closely with their manufacturing and printing partners. Keeping up to date with new regulations and reviewing the entire production process is the best way to ensure that your products meet standards and stay out of legal trouble.

The risks of non-compliance are not only legal penalties but also reputational and business risks. To avoid unwanted consequences, businesses need to establish a strict quality control process from the beginning.

Through the journey of learning about the regulations that cannot be ignored when designing packaging, we realize that each stage in the production process has strict and necessary requirements. From researching the legal regulations of the State, national and international standards, to presenting product information, all contribute to creating a perfect packaging product, not only aesthetically beautiful but also ensuring quality and safety for consumers. We hope that this article has provided you with useful information and practical suggestions for you to apply immediately to your creative process.