Requirements for product labeling within the TR CU

Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU) is a system of standards developed to ensure product safety and uniform requirements within the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). One of the key aspects of compliance with the requirements of the TR CU is the correct labeling of products. In this post, we will consider the main requirements for product labeling within the TR CU.

Purpose of product labeling TR CU

The main purpose of product labeling according to the TR CU is to:

• Ensure the safety of consumers;
• Provide the necessary information for the correct use of products;
• Warn about possible risks in case of improper operation;
• Provide the ability to trace goods in the supply chain.

Marking allows you to ensure that the products meet the safety and quality requirements established by the regulations of the Customs Union.

Basic elements of product labelling

Product labelling should contain the following mandatory elements:

1. Name of products

The label or packaging must indicate the exact name of the goods. The name should be clear, easy to read and correspond to the real purpose of the product.

2. Manufacturer

The full name of the legal entity or individual entrepreneur who is the manufacturer of the products is indicated. The contact details of the manufacturer (address, phone, website) are also indicated.

3. Importer

For products imported from abroad, it is necessary to indicate the full name of the importer with contact details.

4. Shelf life and storage conditions

For goods whose shelf life is limited, the date of production, storage period and conditions under which the goods retain their properties must be indicated.

5. Mass, volume, quantity

The label should contain information about the quantity of goods in the package: its weight, volume or number of units of production.

6. Energy value (for food)

For foods, it is necessary to specify information about calorie content, protein content, fats and carbohydrates.

7. Market circulation mark (EAC)

The EAC (Eurasian Conformity) circulation mark confirms that the products have passed the conformity assessment procedure within the TR CU and meet safety requirements.

Product circulation mark on the EAEU market

The EAC mark must be affixed to each item, packaging or documentation accompanying the product. It serves as confirmation that the goods meet the requirements of all applicable technical regulations of the Customs Union.

Requirements for the application of the EAC mark:

• The sign shall be easily distinguishable and marked in a visible place.
• The size of the sign shall not be less than 5 mm.
• The sign is applied in a contrasting color and must be resistant to external influences (moisture, friction, etc.).

Language of marking

One of the most important requirements of the TR CU concerns the language of marking. All information on the label must be in the official language of the country in which the products are sold. For example:

For Russia - in Russian;

For Belarus – in Russian or Belarusian;

For Kazakhstan - in Russian or Kazakh.

This requirement ensures that consumers can easily and correctly understand all the necessary product data.

Specific requirements for specific product categories

Different technical regulations may impose additional requirements for labeling for specific types of goods:

1. Food products (TR CU 021/2011) 

For food products, it is required to specify the composition, date of manufacture, shelf life, storage conditions, country of origin and information on the presence of allergens.

2. Perfume and cosmetic products (TR CU 009/2011) 

It is necessary to indicate the composition, shelf life after opening, date of production, storage conditions, as well as warnings about possible allergic reactions.

3. Children's products (TR CU 007/2011)  

The packaging of children's goods should contain information about age restrictions, operating conditions and the use of materials that are safe for children.

4. Light industry goods (TR CU 017/2011) 

Marking of textile products should include information about the composition of the fabric, the size of the product, recommendations for care and washing.

Liability for violation of marking requirements

Violation of product labelling requirements can have serious consequences for the manufacturer or importer. Possible sanctions:

• Fines – for incorrect labeling or lack of necessary data can be imposed administrative fines.
• Prohibition on the sale of products - goods that do not meet the labeling requirements can be withdrawn from circulation.
• Product recall – in the event of a security breach or inconsistency with the regulations, a recall of the goods from the market may be initiated.

Prospects and changes in requirements

Marking requirements within the TR CU are constantly updated depending on new technologies and changes in legislation. In recent years, there has been a shift to digital labeling of goods, making it easier to track products and combat counterfeiting.

In addition, work on the integration of the labeling system into international standards is intensifying, which increases the competitiveness of products on the world market.

Product labeling within the TR CU is an integral part of compliance with safety and product quality standards. It is important for manufacturers and importers to carefully observe all labeling requirements in order to avoid sanctions, preserve their reputation and ensure free access to the markets of the EAEU countries.

Compliance with these rules not only contributes to the protection of consumers, but also improves the competitive position of products in the international arena.