Marking of goods

The marking of goods consists in attaching information to a specific product. The attachment is usually done through a label or via direct marking (e.g. inkjet printing).

The correct labeling of goods is important for everyone involved in the merchandise management chain. Labeling is used for tracing or production monitoring. Consumers can use the label to obtain important information about the goods, such as the content and origin. In order to label goods properly, products usually have to be accompanied by information such as their name, brand, size, weight, price and country of origin. In some cases, additional information is also required (e.g. warnings for dangerous products or ingredients for food and cosmetics). Exact labeling requirements may vary by country and industry.

As different product groups have their own specifications, the products are labeled differently. Here are some of the most popular groups:

• Clothing.
• Electronics (computers, cell phones, cameras, audio and video equipment, home appliances, etc.).
• Housewares (kitchen utensils, cleaning products, DIY supplies, garden supplies, etc.).
• Food (fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, grain products, etc.).

A key element of product identification is the barcode. It contains information such as the name of the product and the manufacturer. The barcode enables retailers to identify and manage goods quickly and easily. The Global Trade Number (GTIN), formerly known as the European Article Number (EAN), is often used as a barcode.

There are various quality marks with information about the quality, safety or origin of a product. Examples include:

• The CE mark.
• Organic seals.
• Fair trade seals.
• The GS mark.
• The FSC seal.
• The TÜV seal.
• The Öko-Tex Standard 100, MSC- seals.

Trade classes are defined for certain goods such as fruit, vegetables or meat and provide information about the quality (e.g. size, color, shape). Trade classes determine the value of the commodity and allow traders to adjust the price accordingly. As a rule, the commercial grades are indicated on the products themselves or on the packaging.

Here are a few examples of trade classes:

1. Fruits and vegetables

There are three trade classes: I, II and III. Class I includes products that have no or only minor defects, while Class III includes products with significant defects that are only suitable for processing.

2. Meat

Depending on the type of meat, there are different commercial classes that describe the quality and fat content of the products.

3. Fish

There are also trade classes for fish products, which are based on the freshness and quality of the fish.

4. Dairy products

In the case of dairy products, the trade grades provide information on the fat content or consistency.

5. Eggs

In the case of eggs, the commercial grades are based on size and weight.

The Best Before Date (BBD) is another important part of the product labeling. The best-before date indicates the minimum shelf life of a product. However, the best-before date is not the same as the sell-by date given for perishable goods such as meat or dairy products.

In Europe, goods must meet certain labeling requirements that are set out in various regulations. For example, the regulations may dictate what information must appear on the label of a product. They can also regulate the use of quality marks or specify the requirements for the BBD.

In Europe, for example, Regulation (EU) n.° 1169/2011 and Regulation (EC) n.°. 178/2002 are responsible for food labeling and food safety. Regulation (EU) n.° 1169/2011 stipulates that certain information such as the list of ingredients, best before date and nutritional information must be given on the label. Regulation (EC) n.° 178/2002 lays down the general principles and requirements for food safety, stipulates that food must be safe and must not pose any health risks to the consumer.

In the United States, product labeling is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has established certain food and drug labeling requirements to ensure consumers can use the goods safely and correctly.

There are also ordinances and laws in other sectors that regulate the labeling of goods. In the textile industry, for example, certain information such as material composition and care instructions must be given on the label.