A label is the first thing a user notices about your product — but it’s also one of the most regulated and sensitive pieces of information, where mistakes aren’t acceptable. In practice, we repeatedly see companies making the same slip-ups — the good news is: almost all of them are easily fixable once you know what to watch out for.
And because these mistakes keep popping up — regardless of company size or team experience — I’ve collected the most characteristic ones below. Those that can save you the most gray hairs if you catch and correct them early.
1. Label without essential legally required information
Visually attractive, colorful, full of effects and marketing slogans… but missing the basic mandatory elements:
- signal words,
- GHS pictograms,
- hazard statements (H-phrases) and precautionary statements (P-phrases),
- product identifier.
2. Product name on the label differs from the name on the safety data sheet
It might sound trivial — but it truly is a top mistake. The label shows one name, the safety data sheet a different one — marketing vs. legislation.
Legislation is very clear: the product name must be consistent everywhere. Any deviation is a red flag for inspectors.
3. Black-and-white pictograms
Whether because of forgetfulness or cost-saving: pictograms must be in color. A black-and-white version on the label means the label is non-compliant.
4. Pictograms hidden among text
If pictograms are too small or buried in text, the user misses the most important information. For containers up to 3 L, the recommended size is at least 16 × 16 mm (minimum 10 × 10 mm). Smaller than that is simply not acceptable.
5. Font size too small
The idea “if we squeeze everything into smaller space, it’ll look cleaner” — in practice, that means the user cannot read the warnings. The basic rule: if the content cannot be read from a normal viewing distance, the font is too small. Better increase the label size or distribute the information more thoughtfully.
6. Label that must be rotated to read
If the user has to tilt or rotate the packaging to read the label, the label is incorrectly designed. The text must be readable horizontally when the product is placed normally on a shelf.
7. Names of hazardous substances not in the language of the country of sale
English names may be convenient… until the inspector shows up. If you sell in Slovenia (or any other country), all warnings and hazardous-substance names must be in the local language — not just “optional.”
Because a label is not just “a sticker” — it is:
- the first protection for the user,
- an official document for regulatory authorities,
- a reflection of your company’s professionalism.
A properly made label means:
- fewer problems during inspections
- more trust from customers
- fewer complaints
- proof that your processes are under control.
If you know these 7 points and consistently apply them, you are already a step ahead of the competition — and far from unnecessary complications.
If you need additional professional support with preparing or reviewing labels, contact me at spela.hudobivnik@bens-consulting.eu.
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