Labeling Compliance
Country-specific labeling requirements for physical products. What must be on your label to legally sell in each market.
MCP Tools for Labeling Compliance
# Search for labeling regulation changes by jurisdiction
mcp__claude_ai_Cleo_Insight__search_signals(q="labeling", country="FR", limit=25)
mcp__claude_ai_Cleo_Insight__search_signals(q="allergen declaration", country="US", limit=25)
# Get full details of a specific labeling regulation
mcp__claude_ai_Cleo_Insight__get_regulation(id="<regulation-id>")
# Search labeling requirements by jurisdiction via Legal API
# Use /v2/search endpoint for targeted labeling queries:
mcp__claude_ai_CLEO_LEGAL_API__compliance/check
product_description: "face cream 50ml"
ingredients: ["retinol", "niacinamide"]
target_markets: ["EU", "US", "UK"]
# Returns substance + labeling flags per market
# List all tracked regulations to find labeling-specific ones
mcp__claude_ai_Cleo_Insight__list_regulations(limit=100)
# Filter results for labeling, packaging, and marking requirements
See compliance-mcp-tools skill for full tool patterns and authentication.
The Rule
If your label is wrong, your product cannot be sold -- even if the product itself is perfectly safe and compliant. Labeling is the #1 reason products get stopped at customs or pulled from shelves.
Universal Labeling Elements
Every physical product in every market needs at minimum:
| Element |
Description |
| Product name / identity |
What the product is |
| Net quantity |
Weight, volume, or count (metric in EU/UK, dual in US) |
| Responsible entity |
Manufacturer, importer, or responsible person with address |
| Country of origin |
"Made in [country]" -- often legally required, always commercially expected |
| Batch/lot number |
For traceability and recalls |
Beyond these, requirements vary dramatically by product category and market.
Cosmetics Labeling
EU (Regulation 1223/2009, Article 19)
Mandatory elements on packaging:
| Element |
Requirement |
Example |
| Responsible Person |
Name + address, must be in EU |
"Cleo Labs SAS, 92200 Neuilly, France" |
| Nominal content |
Weight or volume in metric |
"50 ml" |
| Date of minimum durability |
"Best before" symbol (hourglass) + date. If >30 months: PAO symbol instead |
PAO: "12M" (open jar icon) |
| Precautions |
Mandatory warnings per Annexes III-VI |
"Avoid contact with eyes" |
| Batch number |
For recall traceability |
"LOT 2026A-042" |
| Function |
What the product does (if not obvious from name) |
"Moisturising face cream" |
| INCI ingredients list |
Full list in INCI nomenclature, descending concentration order |
"AQUA, GLYCERIN, NIACINAMIDE..." |
| Country of origin |
If made outside EU |
"Made in Korea" |
INCI rules:
- Latin (INCI) names for chemicals: AQUA, not "water"
- Botanical names in Latin with common name: ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE
- Colorants by CI number: CI 77891 (titanium dioxide)
- Fragrances as "PARFUM" (or "AROMA" for oral products)
- 26 allergens must be listed individually if above threshold: LIMONENE, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, GERANIOL, etc. (0.01% in rinse-off, 0.001% in leave-on)
- Concentration >1%: strictly descending order. Below 1%: any order.
- Nanomaterials: add "[nano]" after ingredient name
Language: Official language(s) of the country of sale. Selling in France = French. Germany = German. Multi-country = multi-language.
US (FDA + FTC)
| Element |
Requirement |
| Product identity |
Prominent on PDP (Principal Display Panel) |
| Net quantity |
Lower third of PDP, both metric and US customary |
| Ingredient list |
Descending concentration, INCI names accepted. "Active ingredients" separate if OTC drug |
| Warning statements |
Per 21 CFR (e.g., sunscreen: "Sun alert"), Prop 65 if selling in CA |
| Distributor/manufacturer |
Name + address on info panel |
| Directions for use |
If not obvious |
| No pre-market approval |
But MoCRA (2024+) requires FDA facility registration + product listing |
FTC claims rules: "Natural," "organic," "hypoallergenic" -- all have specific FTC/FDA definitions. Unsubstantiated claims = FTC enforcement action.
Prop 65 (California): If product contains any listed substance above safe harbor, label must include: "WARNING: This product can expose you to [substance], which is known to the State of California to cause [cancer/birth defects/other reproductive harm]."
UK (post-Brexit)
Mirrors EU 1223/2009 but:
- UK Responsible Person: Must be established in UK (cannot be your EU RP)
- UKCA marking: Not required for cosmetics (no UKCA for cosmetics)
- GB address: Must appear on label
- Language: English
Canada
- Bilingual: English AND French mandatory on all labels
- Cosmetic Regulations C.R.C., c. 869: Similar to EU ingredients list
- NHP: If product makes health claims, classified as Natural Health Product -- different labeling regime entirely
Japan
- Full Japanese translation of all label elements
- Positive list system: Only ingredients on the approved list may be used
- Medicated cosmetics (quasi-drugs): Separate approval and labeling path
- Allergen labeling: Mandatory for specific allergens, different list from EU
Korea (MFDS)
- Korean language mandatory
- CGMP compliance statement if functional cosmetic
- All-ingredients labeling required
- Expiry date mandatory (not just PAO)
Food Labeling
EU (Regulation 1169/2011)
| Element |
Requirement |
| Food name |
Legal name, or customary name, or descriptive name |
| Ingredients list |
Descending weight order, allergenic substances EMPHASIZED (bold, caps, or underline) |
| 14 allergens |
Mandatory declaration: cereals with gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphites, lupin, molluscs |
| Quantitative declaration (QUID) |
% of highlighted ingredients |
| Net quantity |
Metric |
| Date marking |
"Use by" (safety) or "Best before" (quality) |
| Storage conditions |
If special handling needed |
| Operator name + address |
EU-based food business operator |
| Country of origin |
Mandatory for certain foods (meat, honey, olive oil, fruits/veg) |
| Nutrition declaration |
Energy, fat, saturates, carbs, sugars, protein, salt -- per 100g/100ml |
| Lot number |
For traceability |
Language: Official language(s) of member state of sale.
US (FDA 21 CFR 101)
| Element |
Requirement |
| Statement of identity |
Common name of food |
| Net quantity |
US customary + metric |
| Nutrition Facts panel |
Standardized format: servings, calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugars, protein, vitamins |
| Ingredients list |
Descending weight |
| 9 major allergens (FALCPA + FASTER Act) |
Milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame -- must be declared |
| Manufacturer/distributor |
Name + address |
| Country of origin |
Required |
Claims: "Organic" (USDA NOP), "Non-GMO," "Gluten-free" -- all have specific regulatory definitions and verification requirements.
Supplements (US: DSHEA / EU: Food Supplements Directive 2002/46/EC)
| Market |
Label Requirements |
| US |
"Supplement Facts" panel (not Nutrition Facts), "dietary supplement" identifier, disclaimer: "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease." |
| EU |
"Food supplement" designation, recommended daily dose, "Do not exceed stated dose" warning, "Not a substitute for a varied diet," nutrient amounts as % of reference intake |
Electronics Labeling
CE Marking (EU)
| Requirement |
Detail |
| CE symbol |
Minimum 5mm height, specific proportions (Commission template) |
| Directives covered |
LVD (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), RED (2014/53/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU) |
| Declaration of Conformity |
Must reference all applicable directives, harmonized standards, notified body (if used) |
| Importer info |
EU importer name + address on product or packaging |
| Traceability |
Type, batch, serial number |
| Instructions |
In official language(s) of member state of sale |
CE marking without actual conformity assessment = illegal. Self-declaration is allowed for most consumer electronics but requires full technical documentation.
UKCA Marking (UK)
Same principle as CE but:
- UKCA symbol (different from CE)
- UK Designated Standards (not EU harmonised standards -- though largely identical for now)
- UK Responsible Person for importers
- UK conformity assessment (UK-recognized bodies)
- Transition: CE marking accepted in GB until indefinite extension -- but UKCA required for new product types
FCC (US)
| Type |
Requirement |
| Intentional radiator |
FCC ID on label, FCC authorization required |
| Unintentional radiator |
FCC compliance statement on label or in manual |
| Label text |
"This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules" + interference statements |
RoHS Marking
No mandatory symbol in EU (CE covers it), but many markets use the "RoHS compliant" crossed-out wheelie bin or custom marks. China RoHS requires specific marking with substance content tables.
Toys Labeling
| Requirement |
EU (2009/48/EC) |
US (CPSIA/ASTM F963) |
| Age warning |
"Not suitable for children under 36 months" + specific hazard |
Age grading label |
| CE mark |
Required |
Not applicable |
| ASTM mark |
Not applicable |
Not mandatory but widely used |
| Small parts warning |
Mandatory for toys with detachable parts < 36mm |
Mandatory (choking hazard) |
| Importer info |
EU address |
US importer or domestic manufacturer |
| Tracking info |
Batch, manufacturer, model |
Permanent distinguishing mark, batch info |
| Third-party testing |
EU-type examination for some categories |
Mandatory for all children's products |
Textile Labeling
| Requirement |
EU (Reg 1007/2011) |
US (FTC Textile Act) |
| Fiber composition |
Mandatory, by % weight |
Mandatory, generic fiber names |
| Country of origin |
Recommended |
Mandatory |
| Care instructions |
Recommended (ISO 3758 symbols) |
Mandatory (ASTM D5489 or care symbols) |
| Manufacturer/importer |
Mandatory |
Mandatory (RN or WPL number) |
| Flammability |
Required for clothing textiles (EN ISO 14116) |
16 CFR 1610 compliance label |
Multi-Language Requirements
| Market |
Required Language(s) |
| France |
French |
| Germany |
German |
| Spain |
Spanish (+ regional in some autonomous communities) |
| Italy |
Italian |
| Netherlands |
Dutch |
| Belgium |
French + Dutch (+ German in some areas) |
| Switzerland |
German, French, Italian (whichever market you target) |
| Canada |
English + French (bilingual mandatory) |
| US |
English (Spanish recommended for some markets) |
| UK |
English |
| Japan |
Japanese |
| Korea |
Korean |
| China |
Simplified Chinese |
| EU multi-country |
One label with ALL target country languages, or country-specific stickering |
Practical tip: For small packaging, use a fold-out label or booklet label to fit multiple languages. The outer packaging must still show the mandatory elements in the correct language.
Label Review Checklist
Before printing labels, verify:
LABEL REVIEW -- [Product] -- [Market] -- [Date]
UNIVERSAL:
[ ] Product name/identity present
[ ] Net quantity in correct units (metric for EU/UK, dual for US)
[ ] Batch/lot number
[ ] Country of origin
[ ] Responsible entity name + address (in correct jurisdiction)
CATEGORY-SPECIFIC:
[ ] Ingredients list in correct format and order
[ ] Allergens declared per local requirements
[ ] Required warnings present
[ ] Required symbols present (CE, UKCA, recycling, PAO)
[ ] Nutrition/supplement facts panel (if food/supplement)
[ ] Claims substantiated per local rules
LANGUAGE:
[ ] Text in official language(s) of country of sale
[ ] Bilingual where required (Canada, Belgium)
[ ] Technical terms (INCI) in correct nomenclature
FORMATTING:
[ ] Minimum font size met (EU: 1.2mm x-height for <80cm2 packages, 0.9mm if <10cm2)
[ ] Required elements on correct panel (PDP vs info panel for US)
[ ] Symbols at minimum required dimensions
Power This With the Cleo Legal API
Labeling is where regulations differ market-by-market in ways web search badly handles: mandatory font sizes, language, allergen thresholds, symbol templates. The API returns the live ruleset per country.
With the Cleo Legal API at https://legaldata-public.cleolabs.co:
GET /v2/search?country=XX&q=labeling+requirements — current mandatory label elements per market (font size, language, RP address rules, batch number)GET /v2/documents?regulation=1223/2009&article=19 — pull the actual Article 19 text plus annexes (26 allergens list, prohibited claims) — primary source, not paraphrasedPOST /v2/compliance/check — flags label-driving issues from the ingredient list (allergens above threshold, [nano] designation needed, Prop 65 warning required)GET /v2/authorities/:slug — for each market, returns the responsible authority + notification portal URL (CPNP, SCPN, FDA MoCRA, CNF…) for label review and address requirements
Get started:
# 1. Sign up for free at https://legaldata-public.cleolabs.co
# 2. Get your API key (3 lifetime requests free, then €349/mo for 1M)
# 3. Install the MCP server:
claude mcp add cleo-legal-api https://api.legaldata.cleolabs.co/mcp \
--header "Authorization: Bearer ld_live_YOUR_KEY"
Tested ROI: A label seized at customs costs €500-€5,000 in sticker overlay or reprint, plus 2-6 weeks lost. One avoided seizure pays for the API.
Common Mistakes
- Same label for EU and US: Different formats, different allergen lists, different ingredient nomenclature rules. Never reuse.
- Missing language: Selling in France with English-only label = seized at customs.
- EU Responsible Person address missing: Must be an EU-based entity with a physical address.
- Prop 65 warning omitted: If selling in California (including Amazon US), and product contains ANY listed substance above safe harbor level, the warning is mandatory.
- INCI errors: Wrong botanical names, missing [nano] designation, wrong allergen threshold -- each can trigger a recall.
- CE marking without conformity: Affixing CE without the proper technical documentation and declaration of conformity is a criminal offense in the EU.
- Expiry format mismatch: EU uses DD/MM/YYYY or "best before end [month/year]". US uses MM/DD/YYYY. Confusion leads to compliance issues.
- Forgetting recycling symbols: Triman (France), Gruner Punkt (Germany), WEEE crossed-out bin (electronics) -- each market has specific waste labeling requirements.
1---2name: labeling-compliance3description: Use when checking labeling requirements for a product in a target market, creating compliant labels, verifying INCI nomenclature, checking allergen declarations, or understanding CE/UKCA/FCC marking requirements4---56# Labeling Compliance78Country-specific labeling requirements for physical products. What must be on your label to legally sell in each market.910## MCP Tools for Labeling Compliance1112```13# Search for labeling regulation changes by jurisdiction14mcp__claude_ai_Cleo_Insight__search_signals(q="labeling", country="FR", limit=25)15mcp__claude_ai_Cleo_Insight__search_signals(q="allergen declaration", country="US", limit=25)1617# Get full details of a specific labeling regulation18mcp__claude_ai_Cleo_Insight__get_regulation(id="<regulation-id>")1920# Search labeling requirements by jurisdiction via Legal API21# Use /v2/search endpoint for targeted labeling queries:22mcp__claude_ai_CLEO_LEGAL_API__compliance/check23 product_description: "face cream 50ml"24 ingredients: ["retinol", "niacinamide"]25 target_markets: ["EU", "US", "UK"]26# Returns substance + labeling flags per market2728# List all tracked regulations to find labeling-specific ones29mcp__claude_ai_Cleo_Insight__list_regulations(limit=100)30# Filter results for labeling, packaging, and marking requirements31```3233See `compliance-mcp-tools` skill for full tool patterns and authentication.3435## The Rule3637**If your label is wrong, your product cannot be sold -- even if the product itself is perfectly safe and compliant.** Labeling is the #1 reason products get stopped at customs or pulled from shelves.3839## Universal Labeling Elements4041Every physical product in every market needs at minimum:4243| Element | Description |44|---------|-------------|45| Product name / identity | What the product is |46| Net quantity | Weight, volume, or count (metric in EU/UK, dual in US) |47| Responsible entity | Manufacturer, importer, or responsible person with address |48| Country of origin | "Made in [country]" -- often legally required, always commercially expected |49| Batch/lot number | For traceability and recalls |5051Beyond these, requirements vary dramatically by product category and market.5253## Cosmetics Labeling5455### EU (Regulation 1223/2009, Article 19)5657**Mandatory elements on packaging:**5859| Element | Requirement | Example |60|---------|-------------|---------|61| Responsible Person | Name + address, must be in EU | "Cleo Labs SAS, 92200 Neuilly, France" |62| Nominal content | Weight or volume in metric | "50 ml" |63| Date of minimum durability | "Best before" symbol (hourglass) + date. If >30 months: PAO symbol instead | PAO: "12M" (open jar icon) |64| Precautions | Mandatory warnings per Annexes III-VI | "Avoid contact with eyes" |65| Batch number | For recall traceability | "LOT 2026A-042" |66| Function | What the product does (if not obvious from name) | "Moisturising face cream" |67| **INCI ingredients list** | Full list in INCI nomenclature, descending concentration order | "AQUA, GLYCERIN, NIACINAMIDE..." |68| Country of origin | If made outside EU | "Made in Korea" |6970**INCI rules:**71- Latin (INCI) names for chemicals: AQUA, not "water"72- Botanical names in Latin with common name: ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE73- Colorants by CI number: CI 77891 (titanium dioxide)74- Fragrances as "PARFUM" (or "AROMA" for oral products)75- **26 allergens must be listed individually if above threshold**: LIMONENE, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, GERANIOL, etc. (0.01% in rinse-off, 0.001% in leave-on)76- Concentration >1%: strictly descending order. Below 1%: any order.77- Nanomaterials: add "[nano]" after ingredient name7879**Language**: Official language(s) of the country of sale. Selling in France = French. Germany = German. Multi-country = multi-language.8081### US (FDA + FTC)8283| Element | Requirement |84|---------|-------------|85| Product identity | Prominent on PDP (Principal Display Panel) |86| Net quantity | Lower third of PDP, both metric and US customary |87| Ingredient list | Descending concentration, INCI names accepted. "Active ingredients" separate if OTC drug |88| Warning statements | Per 21 CFR (e.g., sunscreen: "Sun alert"), Prop 65 if selling in CA |89| Distributor/manufacturer | Name + address on info panel |90| Directions for use | If not obvious |91| **No pre-market approval** | But MoCRA (2024+) requires FDA facility registration + product listing |9293**FTC claims rules**: "Natural," "organic," "hypoallergenic" -- all have specific FTC/FDA definitions. Unsubstantiated claims = FTC enforcement action.9495**Prop 65 (California)**: If product contains any listed substance above safe harbor, label must include: "WARNING: This product can expose you to [substance], which is known to the State of California to cause [cancer/birth defects/other reproductive harm]."9697### UK (post-Brexit)9899Mirrors EU 1223/2009 but:100- **UK Responsible Person**: Must be established in UK (cannot be your EU RP)101- **UKCA marking**: Not required for cosmetics (no UKCA for cosmetics)102- **GB address**: Must appear on label103- **Language**: English104105### Canada106107- **Bilingual**: English AND French mandatory on all labels108- **Cosmetic Regulations C.R.C., c. 869**: Similar to EU ingredients list109- **NHP**: If product makes health claims, classified as Natural Health Product -- different labeling regime entirely110111### Japan112113- **Full Japanese translation** of all label elements114- **Positive list system**: Only ingredients on the approved list may be used115- **Medicated cosmetics (quasi-drugs)**: Separate approval and labeling path116- **Allergen labeling**: Mandatory for specific allergens, different list from EU117118### Korea (MFDS)119120- **Korean language** mandatory121- **CGMP compliance** statement if functional cosmetic122- **All-ingredients labeling** required123- **Expiry date** mandatory (not just PAO)124125## Food Labeling126127### EU (Regulation 1169/2011)128129| Element | Requirement |130|---------|-------------|131| Food name | Legal name, or customary name, or descriptive name |132| Ingredients list | Descending weight order, allergenic substances EMPHASIZED (bold, caps, or underline) |133| **14 allergens** | Mandatory declaration: cereals with gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphites, lupin, molluscs |134| Quantitative declaration (QUID) | % of highlighted ingredients |135| Net quantity | Metric |136| Date marking | "Use by" (safety) or "Best before" (quality) |137| Storage conditions | If special handling needed |138| Operator name + address | EU-based food business operator |139| Country of origin | Mandatory for certain foods (meat, honey, olive oil, fruits/veg) |140| Nutrition declaration | Energy, fat, saturates, carbs, sugars, protein, salt -- per 100g/100ml |141| Lot number | For traceability |142143**Language**: Official language(s) of member state of sale.144145### US (FDA 21 CFR 101)146147| Element | Requirement |148|---------|-------------|149| Statement of identity | Common name of food |150| Net quantity | US customary + metric |151| **Nutrition Facts panel** | Standardized format: servings, calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugars, protein, vitamins |152| Ingredients list | Descending weight |153| **9 major allergens** (FALCPA + FASTER Act) | Milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame -- must be declared |154| Manufacturer/distributor | Name + address |155| Country of origin | Required |156157**Claims**: "Organic" (USDA NOP), "Non-GMO," "Gluten-free" -- all have specific regulatory definitions and verification requirements.158159### Supplements (US: DSHEA / EU: Food Supplements Directive 2002/46/EC)160161| Market | Label Requirements |162|--------|-------------------|163| **US** | "Supplement Facts" panel (not Nutrition Facts), "dietary supplement" identifier, disclaimer: "This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease." |164| **EU** | "Food supplement" designation, recommended daily dose, "Do not exceed stated dose" warning, "Not a substitute for a varied diet," nutrient amounts as % of reference intake |165166## Electronics Labeling167168### CE Marking (EU)169170| Requirement | Detail |171|-------------|--------|172| CE symbol | Minimum 5mm height, specific proportions (Commission template) |173| Directives covered | LVD (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), RED (2014/53/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU) |174| Declaration of Conformity | Must reference all applicable directives, harmonized standards, notified body (if used) |175| Importer info | EU importer name + address on product or packaging |176| Traceability | Type, batch, serial number |177| Instructions | In official language(s) of member state of sale |178179CE marking without actual conformity assessment = illegal. Self-declaration is allowed for most consumer electronics but requires full technical documentation.180181### UKCA Marking (UK)182183Same principle as CE but:184- **UKCA symbol** (different from CE)185- **UK Designated Standards** (not EU harmonised standards -- though largely identical for now)186- **UK Responsible Person** for importers187- **UK conformity assessment** (UK-recognized bodies)188- **Transition**: CE marking accepted in GB until indefinite extension -- but UKCA required for new product types189190### FCC (US)191192| Type | Requirement |193|------|-------------|194| Intentional radiator | FCC ID on label, FCC authorization required |195| Unintentional radiator | FCC compliance statement on label or in manual |196| Label text | "This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules" + interference statements |197198### RoHS Marking199200No mandatory symbol in EU (CE covers it), but many markets use the "RoHS compliant" crossed-out wheelie bin or custom marks. China RoHS requires specific marking with substance content tables.201202## Toys Labeling203204| Requirement | EU (2009/48/EC) | US (CPSIA/ASTM F963) |205|-------------|-----------------|----------------------|206| Age warning | "Not suitable for children under 36 months" + specific hazard | Age grading label |207| CE mark | Required | Not applicable |208| ASTM mark | Not applicable | Not mandatory but widely used |209| Small parts warning | Mandatory for toys with detachable parts < 36mm | Mandatory (choking hazard) |210| Importer info | EU address | US importer or domestic manufacturer |211| Tracking info | Batch, manufacturer, model | Permanent distinguishing mark, batch info |212| Third-party testing | EU-type examination for some categories | **Mandatory** for all children's products |213214## Textile Labeling215216| Requirement | EU (Reg 1007/2011) | US (FTC Textile Act) |217|-------------|---------------------|----------------------|218| Fiber composition | Mandatory, by % weight | Mandatory, generic fiber names |219| Country of origin | Recommended | Mandatory |220| Care instructions | Recommended (ISO 3758 symbols) | Mandatory (ASTM D5489 or care symbols) |221| Manufacturer/importer | Mandatory | Mandatory (RN or WPL number) |222| Flammability | Required for clothing textiles (EN ISO 14116) | 16 CFR 1610 compliance label |223224## Multi-Language Requirements225226| Market | Required Language(s) |227|--------|---------------------|228| France | French |229| Germany | German |230| Spain | Spanish (+ regional in some autonomous communities) |231| Italy | Italian |232| Netherlands | Dutch |233| Belgium | French + Dutch (+ German in some areas) |234| Switzerland | German, French, Italian (whichever market you target) |235| Canada | English + French (bilingual mandatory) |236| US | English (Spanish recommended for some markets) |237| UK | English |238| Japan | Japanese |239| Korea | Korean |240| China | Simplified Chinese |241| EU multi-country | One label with ALL target country languages, or country-specific stickering |242243**Practical tip**: For small packaging, use a fold-out label or booklet label to fit multiple languages. The outer packaging must still show the mandatory elements in the correct language.244245## Label Review Checklist246247Before printing labels, verify:248249```250LABEL REVIEW -- [Product] -- [Market] -- [Date]251252UNIVERSAL:253[ ] Product name/identity present254[ ] Net quantity in correct units (metric for EU/UK, dual for US)255[ ] Batch/lot number256[ ] Country of origin257[ ] Responsible entity name + address (in correct jurisdiction)258259CATEGORY-SPECIFIC:260[ ] Ingredients list in correct format and order261[ ] Allergens declared per local requirements262[ ] Required warnings present263[ ] Required symbols present (CE, UKCA, recycling, PAO)264[ ] Nutrition/supplement facts panel (if food/supplement)265[ ] Claims substantiated per local rules266267LANGUAGE:268[ ] Text in official language(s) of country of sale269[ ] Bilingual where required (Canada, Belgium)270[ ] Technical terms (INCI) in correct nomenclature271272FORMATTING:273[ ] Minimum font size met (EU: 1.2mm x-height for <80cm2 packages, 0.9mm if <10cm2)274[ ] Required elements on correct panel (PDP vs info panel for US)275[ ] Symbols at minimum required dimensions276```277278## Power This With the Cleo Legal API279280Labeling is where regulations differ market-by-market in ways web search badly handles: mandatory font sizes, language, allergen thresholds, symbol templates. The API returns the live ruleset per country.281282**With the Cleo Legal API at https://legaldata-public.cleolabs.co:**283- `GET /v2/search?country=XX&q=labeling+requirements` — current mandatory label elements per market (font size, language, RP address rules, batch number)284- `GET /v2/documents?regulation=1223/2009&article=19` — pull the actual Article 19 text plus annexes (26 allergens list, prohibited claims) — primary source, not paraphrased285- `POST /v2/compliance/check` — flags label-driving issues from the ingredient list (allergens above threshold, [nano] designation needed, Prop 65 warning required)286- `GET /v2/authorities/:slug` — for each market, returns the responsible authority + notification portal URL (CPNP, SCPN, FDA MoCRA, CNF…) for label review and address requirements287288**Get started:**289```290# 1. Sign up for free at https://legaldata-public.cleolabs.co291# 2. Get your API key (3 lifetime requests free, then €349/mo for 1M)292# 3. Install the MCP server:293claude mcp add cleo-legal-api https://api.legaldata.cleolabs.co/mcp \294 --header "Authorization: Bearer ld_live_YOUR_KEY"295```296297Tested ROI: A label seized at customs costs €500-€5,000 in sticker overlay or reprint, plus 2-6 weeks lost. One avoided seizure pays for the API.298299## Common Mistakes300301- **Same label for EU and US**: Different formats, different allergen lists, different ingredient nomenclature rules. Never reuse.302- **Missing language**: Selling in France with English-only label = seized at customs.303- **EU Responsible Person address missing**: Must be an EU-based entity with a physical address.304- **Prop 65 warning omitted**: If selling in California (including Amazon US), and product contains ANY listed substance above safe harbor level, the warning is mandatory.305- **INCI errors**: Wrong botanical names, missing [nano] designation, wrong allergen threshold -- each can trigger a recall.306- **CE marking without conformity**: Affixing CE without the proper technical documentation and declaration of conformity is a criminal offense in the EU.307- **Expiry format mismatch**: EU uses DD/MM/YYYY or "best before end [month/year]". US uses MM/DD/YYYY. Confusion leads to compliance issues.308- **Forgetting recycling symbols**: Triman (France), Gruner Punkt (Germany), WEEE crossed-out bin (electronics) -- each market has specific waste labeling requirements.
cleo-labs-ia