Labels are the bridge between producer and consumer - but they’re also a compliance checkpoint for regulators. Customs agents use labels to verify ingredients, allergens, country of origin, and more. Many countries refuse entry to foods that lack proper labelling, while others may insist on relabelling or destroy non-compliant goods, causing costly delays.

Food labelling rules aren’t just technical; they protect public health, empower consumers to make informed choices, and support fair market competition.

Rules vary by country, but most major food markets expect labels to include certain fundamental details. Here are the building blocks found in most modern food labelling laws:

• Product Name: Must accurately describe the food - no misleading or fanciful terms allowed.
• Ingredient List: All ingredients (including additives and food colouring) listed in descending order by weight.
• Allergen Information: Mandatory disclosure of common allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, etc.) either in the ingredients list or through a separate warning.
• Net Weight/Volume: Displayed clearly in metric units; required for customs declarations.
• Manufacturer (or Distributor) Information: Name and address so authorities and customers can trace the supply chain.
• Country of Origin: Shows where the food was made, processed, or packaged.
• Shelf Life/Use By/Best Before Date: Indicates when the food should be consumed for best quality and safety.
• Storage Instructions: Required if special handling is needed for safety or quality.
• Nutritional Information: For many packaged foods, detailed nutrition facts are mandatory—energy, fat, sugar, protein, and salt are the most common.

Many countries also place special requirements on language, font size, or placement to ensure information is visible and understandable to local consumers.

Australia: Importers face strict labelling audits. The Imported Food Control Act and the Food Standards Code specify mandatory statements, font sizes, and allergen declarations. Foods lacking compliant English labels can be rejected or relabelled at importers’ expense. A full breakdown can be found in Australia’s Food Standards Code.

Curious about getting products into the Australian market? The Importing Food into Australia: Guide for Businesses & Individuals (2025 Update) covers must-haves for packaged goods.

European Union: Every label must follow Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. This calls for prominent allergen declaration, specific nutritional content, detailed origin information for certain foods, and precise language use.

United States: The FDA sets the rules here (see FDA Food Labelling & Nutrition). The Nutrition Facts Panel, ingredient list, allergens following the FASTER Act, and contact info for responsible parties are all checked at entry.

Canada: Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enforce both bilingual labelling and detailed nutritional facts labels. Errors can lead to shipment holds or require relabelling.

These examples underscore a key point: Labelling rules are never “one size fits all.” Before shipping, always verify the destination country’s up-to-date food labelling laws.

Even experienced exporters run into labelling snags. Here are a few stumbles that trigger customs detentions or consumer complaints:

• Wrong or missing translation: Labels must be in the official language(s) of the destination. Sending Italian labels to Canada, for example, won’t pass.
• Incorrect or vague product name: Calling coffee-flavored candy simply “coffee” confuses both regulators and buyers.
• Undisclosed allergens or ingredients: Cross-contamination warnings must be clear, especially for nuts and gluten.
• Falsified country of origin: “Made in Vietnam” must mean actual processing occurred in Vietnam, not just packaging.
• Outdated nutritional tables: Label formats and reference values are updated periodically; using obsolete layouts may cause rejection.

Mistakes waste time and resources. Many importers now seek help from a food import consultant, who can review and audit packaging before goods ever leave the factory.

Plan ahead for relabelling: It’s common for imported foods to need new stickers or translated info before release. Budget time and money for this step.

Align SKUs with destination rules: Manage separate label templates for each country you sell into.

Use accredited translation and certification services: Poor translations not only break the rules but also harm brand image.

Check for overlaps with other import rules: Some foods require both a phytosanitary certificate and special origin marking.

Most customs delays for food products - especially those that travel far from the source, like instant noodles or specialty coffees - happen because of labelling issues. Improper or vague labelling can even affect duty calculation, as some tariff schedules change based on country of origin or product classification.

If import duties, documentation, or product categories are confusing, the Import Duty Rates in Australia: What Importers Need to Know in 2025 offers deeper navigation through regulatory barriers.

With regulators and consumers watching closely, food labelling compliance isn’t a “nice to have” - it’s a must. Staying ahead means keeping up with evolving regulations, making sure your label speaks the right language (literally and figuratively), and avoiding shortcuts.

For those bringing in packaged items - be it coffee, chocolate, or snacks - partnering with a supplier that gets compliance right makes a huge difference. MR.VIET provides export-ready Vietnamese foods, complete with compliant labels and support for all the paperwork, helping you steer clear of border headaches and unexpected costs. Learn more about MR.VIET’s wholesale and export services.