Product labels subject to a range of requirements

With the rapid growth of the Chinese economy, an increasing number of well-known international brands have set their sights on the PRC. The issue of how to label their products lawfully in the PRC has become pressing for many of them.

“Product label” is the collective term for indications used to identify products and their quality, quantity, features, characteristics and method of use. It can take the form of text, symbols, numbers, graphics or other form of explanation. A product label can be seen as a product’s business card. It has an advertising function and is an important manifestation of an enterprise’s image.

Chinese regulations governing product labels are numerous and complex. The PRC Product Quality Law and the Marking of Product Labels Provisions set out basic requirements for product labels, and other statutes, rules and regulations set out special provisions for certain key industries. However, to date, there is no specific law or statute addressing product labels that covers all industries.

Spring Chang is a co-founder of and partner at Chang Tsi & Partners. Her practice focuses on intellectual property. Wang Yue is an attorney at Chang Tsi & Partners.