In addition to acting as marketing or advertising aids for the particular product, many labels are affixed because there is a legal requirement to do so.
Although each industry and each type of product has vastly different rules, the general legalities are that safety information must be displayed on potentially dangerous products, food products have lengthy rules which govern them and which must be adhered to, and that all labelling information must be informative, truthful and not misleading in any way.
Providing false or misleading information is an offence and is punishable by Trading Standards. Therefore, it is essential that information contains accurate information as to the nature of the product, its quantities, qualities and price. In the event that this information was found to be inaccurate then customers have the right to take legal action against the manufacturer. Therefore, it is extremely important for companies to consider exactly what information they include and how it is worded when performing their industrial labelling.
In addition to accurate information about the contents, certain manufacturers such as food producers are required to adhere to strict regulations regarding weights and measures. The weight, dimensions, length or minimum quantity of many products appears on their packaging and this is because such information is a legal requirement of that manufacturer. These measurements must adhere to current European Union regulations.
Safety information is lengthy and must be carefully considered because without the information then harm could come to either the consumer or someone transporting the goods.