Packaging labels are one of the important components that must exist for a product. Where the existence of packaging labels can also be a product identifier that distinguishes from competing products. With this packaging label, you can convey information to potential customers about the logo, quality, instructions for use, production code and so on. Well, the inclusion of this packaging label must also be done in accordance with applicable regulations, you know! So, what should be listed on a packaging label? Here’s the explanation.
Packaging Labels and Their Functions
Packaging label is one part of the product that contains information, be it images or words, which are useful as product information and product sales. However, in addition to functioning as important information on each product, packaging labels also function as branding and advertising of a product. According to Kotler (2000: 478), the functions of labels include the following:
- The label will identify the brand or product
- The label will determine the class of a product
- Labels can also promote products through various attractive images
- The label describes several things about the product, such as the manufacturer, the place of production, the contents of the product, how to use it, and so on.
Meanwhile, the purpose of labeling packaging on products, among others:
- Provides information about the contents of the product without having to open the packaging
- Serves as a means of communicating producers to consumers about things that consumers need to know, for example about the ingredients of the product.
- Provide proper instructions to consumers so that they can get the most out of the product.
- A means of advertising for manufacturers
- Provide a sense of security for consumers
Moreover, this packaging label should also not be ignored for those of you who are running a business in the field of processed food or food. This is because, based on Article 2 of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency Regulation No. 31/2018 concerning Food Labels (BPOM Food Label), every processed food business actor is required to include a label on the packaging.
What should be on the packaging label?
Labeling packaging will characterize a brand that distinguishes it from competitors. In addition, packaging labels will help consumers to know about product identity. Now as a business actor, you need to know what must be included in the packaging label. Because with complete information, it means that you have met the standards of consumer rights so that they do not feel disadvantaged because they have bought products that have clear information.
Product Name
The product name is the first thing that must be included on the packaging label. It is important to include an attractive and clear product name so that consumers are interested in buying. Preferably, the product name is also different from the business or company name. However, the name should also match the specific characteristics or ingredients of the product. You can make it with typography or fonts that are easy to read and stand out from other visual elements.
Production Name and Address
The packaging label must include the name of the company and the address of the factory where the product was manufactured. This factory address may be different from your company’s office address. For example, the office address is in the Central Jakarta area, while the factory where the production is located is in Karawang. So, you need to include the address in Karawang because that’s where the product is made. In addition, some company labels can also include the company that acts as the distributor of the product.
Date and Production Code
The production date and code should at least contain information about the production history of the product under certain conditions and at certain times. The production date and code can be included separately from the information on the label and must be accompanied by instructions on where to include the production code. The description of the place of inclusion of the production code can be:
- “Production Code, see bottom of can”
- “Production Code, refer to the bottle cap”
Validity/Expiration
The validity period or expiry date is the final limit of a product’s guaranteed quality, as long as its storage follows the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Just like the date and production code, the expiration date can also be listed separately from the words “Best used before”, and accompanied by instructions on where to include the expiration date. However, there are products that are exempted from the inclusion of expiration information, namely bread and cakes that have a shelf life of less than or equal to 24 hours.
Net Weight
Net weight is also one of the components that must be on the packaging label. The net weight is the weight of your product. This is very important to inform consumers so that they know how much they will consume in one package.
Product Composition
The composition itself contains all the ingredients used to make the product. According to the Food Standard Agency, ingredients must be listed by weight with the main ingredient listed at the top along with the amount and followed by the other ingredients in order. The product composition must also include allergenic ingredients, to help people who are allergic and cannot tolerate certain ingredients.
Nutritional Value Information
The next thing that must be on the packaging label is nutritional value information. Reporting from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nutritional value information can describe the number of calories, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, protein, and vitamins per serving of food in the package. Nutritional value information helps consumers to know and compare the content between one product and another. It also helps provide the nutritional advantages of one product over another.
Legality
The last thing that is not less important and mandatory on a packaging label is legality. This provides information on whether the product being sold is licensed and meets the standards or not. The legality in question includes a distribution permit from BPOM RI which shows that the product being sold has been authorized and passed the existing test process from the government. Especially for food businesses, the legality that must also exist is the Food Production Certificate – Home Industry (SPP-IRT). In addition, businesses that produce or import food packaged at retail are also required to include halal information after obtaining a halal certificate from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Keep in mind, the information on the packaging label must be included honestly. If not, then business actors can be subject to administrative sanctions. Based on Article 71 paragraph (1) of PBPOM Food Label, the administrative sanctions are:
- Temporary suspension of production and/or circulation activities;
- Withdrawal from circulation by the manufacturer and/or distributor;
- License revocation.
KH Contact
So, do you understand about packaging labels and what should be included? Or are you still confused and have questions about packaging labels? Well, for KH Pals who are currently preparing packaging labels for your business products, you can consult first with Kontrak Hukum.
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As a digital legal platform, we can help you to meet your business needs including the fulfillment of legality that will be included in the packaging label. To see information on services that suit your needs, please visit the KH Services – Business Licensing page. If you have any questions, you can also consult for free at Ask KH or send a direct message (DM) to Instagram @kontrakhukum.
