Samples & Specifications
Part of Packaging and labelling specifications
Reviewing product labels before mass production
Check label wording, claims, variants, barcodes and final print before releasing artwork for mass production.
Review the exact label version against the product that will be supplied in Australia before releasing artwork for mass production. Check required information, voluntary claims, variant details and the final printed result separately. A tidy screen proof does not establish any of these by itself.
Key Regulatory References for Australian Product Labelling
- Product Safety Standards
- https://www.productsafety.gov.au/business/understand-product-safety-rules/product-safety-standards-and-how-to-comply
- Cosmetics Ingredient Labelling
- https://www.productsafety.gov.au/business/search-mandatory-standards/cosmetics-ingredients-labelling-mandatory-standard
- Clothing & Textiles Care Labelling
- https://www.productsafety.gov.au/business/search-mandatory-standards/care-labelling-for-clothing-and-textiles-mandatory-standard
- ACCC – Misleading Claims
- https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/advertising-and-promotions/false-or-misleading-claims
- ACCC – Country of Origin Claims
- https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/advertising-and-promotions/country-of-origin-claims
- GS1 Australia – Barcodes
- https://www.gs1au.org/resources/how-to-guides/creating-and-printing-barcodes
Fix the version and review scope
Gather the current product specification, variant list, intended sales description, instructions and packaging artwork. Identify the file and version the supplier will print. Review every variant whose contents, instructions or claims differ; do not approve one generic master.
Use a register with one row per label or panel: exact wording, symbol or barcode; affected variant; position; evidence or rule behind it; decision owner; and status. Keep variable information, such as a batch code where used, apart from fixed artwork. Identify who generates and checks it on the production line.
Separate requirements from chosen claims
First identify the rules for the actual product. Australian mandatory standards can prescribe packaging or labelling. Covered cosmetics have ingredient-labelling requirements; covered clothing and textiles have care-labelling requirements. Each standard has defined coverage and exclusions, so read the applicable rule before accepting supplier artwork or deciding where information may appear.
Then check claims the business chooses to make about description, quantity, material, origin, performance or environmental effects. Compare them with evidence for the finished item and consider the impression made by images. The ACCC can require businesses to back up claims they make about their products or services. It also says it can investigate and may take some form of compliance or enforcement action if a business breaks the rules about country of origin claims.
Mark each line approved wording, revision needed or open pending evidence or specialist review. Do not move or shrink required information to make it fit without checking the rule governing its placement and presentation.
Mandatory Labelling Requirements vs Voluntary Claims
- Mandatory Requirements (Australian Law)Must comply with relevant mandatory standards (e.g. cosmetics ingredient labelling, clothing care labelling)
- Voluntary Claims (Business Decisions)Descriptive, quantity, material, origin, performance, environmental claims – must be supported by evidence
- Enforcement RiskACCC can investigate, require evidence, and take compliance action if claims are false or misleading
- Approval Status**Approved wording**, **Revision needed**, or **Open pending evidence/specialist review**
Check the print that will be supplied
On a digital proof, check spelling, units, variant names, reading order and the artwork version. On a physical proof or first printed pack, check legibility, contrast, trim, folds, seams and anything that may hide a label. Compare the printed pack with the final product and contents.
If a GS1 barcode is used, check that the number identifies the intended trade item and packaging level. Then review its size, quiet zone, contrast, placement and print quality on the actual material. Seek a barcode verification or trading-partner check where the route requires one.
Record the scope of each approval. Content approval does not establish product safety; print-quality approval does not support an unverified claim. If a material, component, quantity or manufacturing source changes, revisit affected statements. Release one dated artwork version, remove superseded files from the active production pack and keep any unresolved question visible to the person authorising the print run.
