Fishery products marketed in the European Union (EU) are subject to the general labelling rules for foodstuffs, general labelling rules for fishery products and specific labelling rules for certain fishery products subject to harmonised marketing standards.

General labelling rules affecting foodstuffs

Labels of foodstuffs, according to the general rules laid down by Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169) on the provision of food information to consumers, must contain the following particulars (See Specific Requirement Labelling for Foodstuffs):

• The name under which the product is sold
• The net weight of pre-packaged products
• The date of minimum durability
• Any special conditions for keeping or use
• The name or business name and address of the manufacturer, packager or seller established in the EU
• Lot marking on pre-packaged product with the marking preceded by the letter 'L'

According to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169), a nutrition declaration is mandatory from 13th December 2016. It shall be included in the label with the following contents:

• energy value
• the amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt

The content of this mandatory declaration may be supplemented with additional information on the amounts of mono-unsaturates, polyunsaturates, polyols, starch or fibre.

Regulation (EU) 2018/775 (CELEX 32018R0775) lays down how the information on the origin of the primary ingredient should be displayed on labels when it is not the same as the given country of origin or the given place of provenance of the food, according to Article 26(3) of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169). The new rules are applicable as of 1 April 2020.

Mandatory information

In accordance with Regulation (EU) 1379/2013 (CELEX 32013R1379) on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products, fishery and aquaculture products referred to in points (a), (b), (c) and (e) of Annex I which are marketed within the EU, irrespective of their origin or of their marketing method, may be offered for sale to the final consumer or to a mass caterer only if appropriate marking or labelling indicates:

• Commercial and scientific designation of the species. For this purpose, Member States publish a list of the commercial designations accepted in its territory.
• Production method indicated by the harmonised terminology: '...caught...' or '...caught in freshwater...', or '...farmed...'
• Catch area:
  
  • Caught at sea: one of the FAO fishing Areas;
  • Caught in freshwater: reference to the country of origin;
  • Aquaculture: reference to the country in which the product is farmed
• Whether the product has been defrosted. This requirement shall not apply to:
  
  • ingredients present in the final product;
  • foods for which freezing is a technologically necessary step in the production process;
  • fishery and aquaculture products previously frozen for health safety purposes;
  • fishery and aquaculture products which have been defrosted before the process of smoking, salting, cooking, pickling, drying or a combination of any of those processes.
• The date of minimum durability, where appropriate

For non-prepacked fishery and aquaculture products, the mandatory information listed in paragraph 1 may be provided for retail sale by means of commercial information such as billboards or posters.

Where a mixed product consists of the same species but which has been derived from different production methods, the method for each batch shall be stated. Where it consists of the same species but which has been derived from a variety of catch areas or fish-farming countries, at least the area of the batch which is most representative in terms of quantity shall be stated, together with an indication that the products also come from different catch or fish-farming areas.

Small quantities of products sold directly from fishing vessels to consumers may be exempted from the requirements above-mentioned, provided that they respect the value referred to in Regulation (EC) 1224/2009 (CELEX 32009R1224).

Note: Products which were labelled or marked prior to 13 December 2014 which do not comply with these provisions, may be marketed until such stocks have been used up.

Additional voluntary information

The following information, may be provided on a voluntary basis if clear, unambiguous and verifiable and if there is no detriment of the space available for the mandatory information:

• the date of catch of fishery products or the date of harvest of aquaculture products;
• the date or the port of landing of fishery products;
• more detailed information on the type of fishing gear;
• when caught at sea, details of the flag State of the vessel that caught the products;
• environmental information;
• information of an ethical or social nature;
• information on production techniques and practices;
• information on the nutritional content of the product.

The use of a QR code supplements the mandatory written information and cannot replace such information. Additionally, it may be used on a voluntary basis, outlining part or all of the mandatory information.

Specific labelling rules for certain fishery products

Products imported from third countries which are subject to common marketing standards established by Council Regulation (EC) 2406/96 (CELEX 31996R2406), may be marketed in the EU if they are presented in packages with the following details clearly and legibly marked:

• Country of origin in Roman letters at least 20 mm high
• Scientific name and trade name
• Presentation
• Freshness and size categories
• Net weight in kilograms
• Date of grading and date of dispatch
• Name and address of consignor

Lots must contain products of the same size and uniform freshness. The freshness category, size category and presentation must be clearly and indelible marked, in characters of at least 5 cm high, on labels affixed to the lot.

The information provided by labels must be easy to understand, easily visible, clearly legible and indelible and must appear in the official language(s) of the Member State where the product is marketed.

Legislation

• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004 (OJ L-304 22/11/2011) (CELEX 32011R1169)
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/775 of 28 May 2018 laying down rules for the application of Article 26(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers, as regards the rules for indicating the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient of a food (OJ L-131 29/05/2018) (CELEX 32018R0775)
• Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1184/2006 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 (OJ L-354 28/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1379)
• Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 of 20 November 2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy, amending Regulations (EC) No 847/96, (EC) No 2371/2002, (EC) No 811/2004, (EC) No 768/2005, (EC) No 2115/2005, (EC) No 2166/2005, (EC) No 388/2006, (EC) No 509/2007, (EC) No 676/2007, (EC) No 1098/2007, (EC) No 1300/2008, (EC) No 1342/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1627/94 and (EC) No 1966/2006 (OJ L-343 22/12/2009) (CELEX 32009R1224)
• Council Regulation (EC) No 2406/96 of 26 November 1996 laying down common marketing standards for certain fishery products (OJ L-334 23/12/1996) (CELEX 31996R2406)
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1420/2013 of 17 December 2013 repealing Regulations (EC) No 347/96, (EC) No 1924/2000, (EC) No 1925/2000, (EC) No 2508/2000, (EC) No 2509/2000, (EC) No 2813/2000, (EC) No 2814/2000, (EC) No 150/2001, (EC) No 939/2001, (EC) No 1813/2001, (EC) No 2065/2001, (EC) No 2183/2001, (EC) No 2318/2001, (EC) No 2493/2001, (EC) No 2306/2002, (EC) No 802/2006, (EC) No 2003/2006, (EC) No 696/2008 and (EC) No 248/2009 following the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products (OJ L-353 28/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1420)
• Directive 98/6/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 on consumer protection in the indication of the prices of products offered to consumers (OJ L-80 18/03/1998) (CELEX 31998L0006)

Other information sources

• FAO fishing Areas: http://www.fao.org/fishery/area/search/en
• Commercial designations of fishery and aquaculture products: https://fish-commercial-names.ec.europa.eu/fish-names/home?lang=en&ms=

All foodstuffs marketed in the European Union (EU) must comply with EU labelling rules, whichj aim at ensuring that consumers get all the essential information to make an informed choice while purchasing their foodstuffs.

There are two types of labelling provisions which are applicable to foodstuffs:

• General rules on food labelling
• Specific provisions for certain groups of products:
  
  • Labelling of Genetically Modified (GM) food and novel food
  • Labelling of foodstuffs for particular nutritional purposes
  • Labelling of food additives and flavourings
  • Labelling of materials intended to come into contact with food
  • Labelling of particular foodstuffs

Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169) on the provision of food information to consumers changes existing legislation on food labelling. This regulation lays down provisions on:

• Mandatory nutrition information on processed foods;
• Mandatory origin labelling of unprocessed meat from pigs, sheep, goats and poultry;
• Highlighting allergens in the list of ingredients;
• Better legibility i.e. minimum size of text;
• Requirements on information on allergens also cover non pre-packed foods including those sold in restaurants and cafés.

According to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169), a nutrition declaration is mandatory from 13th December 2016. It shall be included in the label with the following contents:

• energy value
• the amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt

The content of this mandatory declaration may be supplemented with additional information on the amounts of mono-unsaturates, polyunsaturates, polyols, starch or fibre.

Organic food shall also comply with provisions of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848) which sets out rules governing the use of the organic label.

Note: Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (CELEX 32018R0848) replaces Regulation (EC) 834/2007 (CELEX 32007R0834) from 1st January 2022 although products produced in accordance with the previous Regulation before 1 January 2022 may be placed on the market after that date until stocks are exhausted.

General rules on food labelling

The following table shows the new provisions regarding the mandatory food information which must accompany any food intended for supply to the final consumer:

These particulars must appear on the packaging or on a label attached to pre-packaged foodstuffs. In the case of pre-packaged foodstuffs intended for mass caterers (foodstuffs sold in bulk), the compulsory labelling particulars must appear on commercial documents while the name under which it is sold, the date of durability or use-by-date and the name of manufacturer must appear on the external packaging.

The labelling must not mislead the purchaser as to the foodstuff's characteristics or effects nor attribute the foodstuff special properties for the prevention, treatment or cure of a human disease. The information provided by labels must be easy to understand, easily visible, clearly legible and indelible and must appear in the official language(s) of the Member State where the product is marketed. However, the use of foreign terms or expressions easily understood by the purchaser may be allowed.

Food Labelling Information System (FLIS)

Food Labelling Information System is an IT solution which allows users to know the mandatory EU labelling indications for a each foodstuff in 23 EU languages.

The system also provides links to the relevant legal provisions and existing guidance documents.

List of applicable legislation

Specific provisions for certain groups of products

There are also labelling provisions which apply to specific groups of food products in order to give the consumers more detailed information on the contents and the composition of these products:

Labelling of Genetically Modified (GM) food and novel food

Products consisting of or containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and food products obtained from GMOs which have been authorised for the placing on the EU market are subject to labelling requirements pursuant to Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 (CELEX 32003R1829) and Regulation (EC) 1830/2003 (CELEX 32003R1830).

In the case of pre-packaged products, operators are required to state on a label that This product contains genetically modified organisms. This labelling obligation also applies to highly refined products (e.g. oil obtained from genetically modified maize) as well as GM additives and flavourings.

List of applicable legislation

Labelling of foodstuffs for specific groups

In addition to the rules applicable to foodstuffs in general, specific provisions (e.g. declaration of the energy value, carbohydrate, protein and fat content, etc.) for groups of foods for particular nutritional uses (baby foods, dietary foods for special medical purposes, foods for diabetics, foods for weight reduction, foods for sportspeople, gluten-free food, etc.) are laid down in Regulation (EU) 609/2013 (CELEX 32013R0609) on Foods for specific groups.

These products must be suitable for their claimed nutritional purposes and marketed in such a way as to indicate their suitability.

List of applicable legislation

Labelling of food additives and flavourings

Additives and flavourings must always be labelled on the packaging of food products by their category (anti-oxidant, preservative, colour, etc) with their name or E-number. Other provisions on labelling of additives sold as such to food producers and consumers are laid down in Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 (CELEX 32008R1333) and Regulation (EC) 1334/2008 (CELEX 32008R1334).

List of applicable legislation

Labelling of spirit drinks

Spirit drinks placed on the Union market shall comply with the presentation and labelling requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169), unless otherwise provided for in the new Regulation (EU) 2019/787 (CELEX 32019R0787) on spirit drinks. This is the case for example, of the indication of the country of origin or place of provenance of the primary ingredient, which shall not be required for spirit drinks.

The new Spiritis Regulation sets out:

• the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks: the production and labelling rules as well as the definition of maximum sweetening limits are clarified for most categories of spirit drinks,
• rules on the use of the names of spirit drinks in the presentation and labelling of other foodstuffs such as in composite names or allusions, including mixtures of spirit drinks,
• rules on the protection of geographical indications (GIs) for spirit drinks: when used as ingredients, when in conflict with Trade Marks and also against goods in transit in the EU territory, and simplification of registration and amendment procedures
• the use of ethyl alcohol and distillates of agricultural origins in alcoholic beverages.

Spirit drinks which do not meet the requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 (CELEX 32019R0787) but meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 110/2008 (CELEX 32008R0110) and were labelled before 31 December 2022, may continue to be placed on the market until stocks are exhausted. Although this Regulation will eventually be repealed, in the meantime, the Summary of EU legislation on spirit drinks based on the former legislation is still available for consultation.

Labelling of particular foodstuffs

Provisions in relation with the labelling of certain products are established in specific EU legislation. User-friendly fact sheets which summarise EU legislation are available in the Summaries of EU Legislation:

• Cocoa and chocolate products
• Honey
• Sugars
• Fruit juices and certain similar products
• Fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut purée
• Partly or wholly dehydrated preserved milk
• Caseins and caseinates
• Natural mineral waters
• Caffeine and quinine
• Coffee and chicory extracts
• Spreadable fats
• Beef and beef products
• Alcoholic beverages
• Summary of EU legislation on spirit drinks
• Aromatized wines, aromatized wine-based drinks and aromatized wine-product cocktails
• Novel foods and novel foods ingredients
• Food supplements
• Vitamins and minerals
• Use of enzymes in foods (excluding those in additives)
• Foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation
• Quick frozen foodstuffs

Note: Since 1st April 2015, new rules on the modalities requiring (with some exceptions) the indication of the place of rearing and of slaughter for prepacked fresh, chilled and frozen meat of swine, sheep, goats and poultry, have been applicable according to Regulation (EU) 1337/2013 (CELEX 32013R1337) (see Specific requirement Specific labelling rules for certain meat products).

Other information sources

• Comission notice on the application of article 26.3 of Regulation (EU) 1169/2011: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=uriserv:OJ.C_.2020.032.01.0001.01.ENG
• Food Labelling Information System: https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/labelling_legislation_en/food_labelling_information_system/start/select-countries
• Foods for specific groups: https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling-and-nutrition/specific-groups_en
• Geographical origin of spirit drinks: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l67006
• Summaries of EU Legislation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/browse/summaries.html
• Cocoa and chocolate products: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21122b
• EU labelling rules for honey: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21124a
• Sugars: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21130
• Fruit juices and certain similar products: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21132
• Fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut purée: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21134
• Partly or wholly dehydrated preserved milk: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21135
• Caseins and caseinates: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21128
• Natural mineral waters: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:co0008
• Caffeine and quinine: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21140
• Coffee and chicory extracts: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21131
• Spreadable fats: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21107
• Beef and beef products: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l12064
• Alcoholic beverages: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l32005
• Aromatized wines, aromatized wine-based drinks and aromatized wine-product cocktails: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21094
• Novel foods and novel foods ingredients: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21119
• Food supplements: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21102
• Vitamins and minerals: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21302
• Use of enzymes in foods (excluding those in additives): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:sa0004
• Foods and food ingredients treated with ionising radiation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21117
• Quick frozen foodstuffs: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:l21116
• Labelling and nutrition: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food/labelling-and-nutrition_en
• Nutrition and Health claims: https://ec.europa.eu/food/safety/labelling_nutrition/claims_en

The placing on the market of footwear, or its main parts when marketed separately, must comply with the European Union (EU) labelling regulations set by Directive 94/11/EC (CELEX 31994L0011) on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to labelling of the materials used in the main components of footwear for sale to the consumer.

Requirements of the label

Contents

The labelling must describe the materials of the three main parts of the footwear (the upper, the lining and sock, and the outer sole), stating in each case whether the material is leather, coated leather, textile or other. If no single material accounts for at least 80% of the product, the label should convey information on the two main materials used.

For this purpose it can be chosen between the use of pictograms or written indications in the language/s established by the Member State where intended to be marketed. When pictograms are used they must be in accordance with the stipulations of Annex I to the Directive.

The surveillance and inspection on whether the composition of products is in conformity with the information supplied by the labelling can take place at any stage of the chain (e.g. customs clearance, distributors' warehouses, wholesalers or retailers outlets).

Placement

The labelling must be conveyed on the footwear. It has to be placed, at least, on one article of footwear in each pair. This can be done by printing, sticking, embossing or using an attached label. The labelling must be visible, securely attached and accessible, and the dimensions of the pictograms must be sufficiently large to make it easy to understand.

Compliance responsibility

The person in charge of supplying the labelling and assuring its accuracy will be:

1. the manufacturer, when he is established in the EU, or
2. his authorised agent, when the latter is not established in the EU, or
3. the person responsible for first placing the footwear on the EU market, if neither the manufacturer nor his agent are established in the EU,
4. the retailer will remain responsible for ensuring that the footwear sold by him bears the appropriate labelling.

Footwear subject to specific regulations

The above labelling requirements do not cover certain types of footwear which are subject to specific regulations:

• Protective footwear covered by Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (CELEX 32016R0425) on personal protective equipment (e.g. some boots with steel toe-caps - HS Subheading 6401 10).
• Footwear covered by Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (CELEX 32006R1907) concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (e.g. footwear containing asbestos - HS Subheading 6812 91)

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Directive 94/11/EC (CELEX 31994L0011) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Directive 94/11/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 March 1994 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to labelling of the materials used in the main components of footwear for sale to the consumer (OJ L-100 19/04/1994) (CELEX 31994L0011)
• Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC (OJ L-81 31/03/2016) (CELEX 32016R0425)
• Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (OJ L-396 30/12/2006) (CELEX 32006R1907)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Footwear industry: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/textiles-ecosystem/footwear-industry_en
• Market surveillance for products: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/building-blocks/market-surveillance_en

Energy-related products marketed in the European Union (EU) must comply with the general labelling requirements laid down by Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 (CELEX 32017R1369).

This Regulation establishes a framework under which consumers are allowed to make informed purchasing decisions based on energy consumption and manufacturers are encouraged to design more efficient products to meet consumer demand.

A number of Commission Delegated Acts shall supplement the Regulation with regard to the energy labelling of specific product groups. Product-specific delegated acts adopted pursuant to the previous legislation (Directive 2010/30/EU (CELEX 32010L0030)), shall remain in force until they are replaced by new delegated acts adopted pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 (CELEX 32017R1369).

Product scope

The Regulation applies to energy-related products, defined as goods or systems with an impact on energy consumption during use. The following products are excluded:

• second-hand products, unless imported from a third country
• means of transport for persons or goods

Label

The label, either in printed or electronic form, conveys information on the energy efficiency class of a particular model using letters (A-G scale) and seven colours from dark green to red, where A and dark green indicate the top classes.

As A+ to A+++ categories have been removed, existing energy labels have to be rescaled and replaced within the following deadlines:

• Household equipment: rescaled labels must be displayed no later than 2 November 2019
• Heaters and boilers: the deadline is not fixed but delegated acts shall be adopted no later than 2 August 2030
• Other product groups: rescaled labels must be displayed no later than 2 February 2025

Product information sheet

The energy label has to be supplemented by a product information sheet, in printed or electronic form, providing data relating to the particular model of appliance.

Distance selling or other forms of selling

Where appliances are offered for sale, hire or hire-purchase by mail order, by catalogue, internet, telemarketing or by other means whereby the potential end-user is unable to see the product displayed, the essential information contained on the label and in the product information sheet must be provided to the potential customer before purchase.

Implementation of the labelling scheme

The responsibility for implementing the labelling scheme falls mainly on suppliers and dealers.

The suppliers (i.e.the manufacturer, his authorised representative in the EU or the importer who places the product on the EU market) shall:

• For each individual unit of a product, deliver accurate printed labels and product information sheets to the dealer, free of charge, promptly and in any event within five working days upon the dealer's request
• Produce technical information sufficient to enable the accuracy of the information contained in the label and the product information sheet to be assessed
• Inform customers regarding any changes or updates of products in service that would be detrimental to the information indicated on the label and give them the option of refusing or consenting the update
• Not use defeat devices altering the performance of the product in test conditions in order to reach a more favourable level of the parameters indicated on the energy label
• Make an electronic version of the technical documentation available for inspection within 10 days on request. For models placed on the market before 1 August 2017, the electronic version must be kept for 5 years after the final unit was manufactured.

The dealers must display labels in a visible manner, including for online distance selling, and make available to customers the product information sheet, including, upon request, in physical form at the point of sale.

Information requirements

Advertisements or technical promotional material for a specific model must include a reference to the energy efficiency class of the product.

The display of other labels, marks, symbols or inscriptions which do not comply with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 (CELEX 32017R1369) is prohibited, if such display is likely to mislead or confuse end-users with respect to the consumption of energy or other resources during use.

Other labels that mimic the energy label are not allowed to be used for energy-related products and non-energy-related products.

Product database

Suppliers must register each new model in the European Product Registration database for Energy Labelling - EPREL.

The information to be entered in the database is set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 (CELEX 32017R1369).

Products placed on the market between 1 August 2017 and 1 January 2019 must be registered by 30 June 2019. Products placed on the market before 1 August 2017 may be registered on a voluntary basis.

Market surveillance

The Member States competent authorities must ensure that products placed on their market meet all the relevant requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 (CELEX 32017R1369).

In case of non-compliance, the Member State shall require the supplier or the dealer to take corrective or restrictive measures. Where adequate corrective action is not taken, the market surveillance authorities may restrict or prohibit the availability of the product on the market or withdraw the product from the market.

Legislation

• Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2017 setting a framework for energy labelling and repealing Directive 2010/30/EU (OJ L-198 28/07/2017) (CELEX 32017R1369)
• Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products (OJ L-153 18/06/2010) (CELEX 32010L0030)

Other information sources

• European Product Registration database for Energy Labelling - EPREL: https://eprel.ec.europa.eu/screen/home
• Ecodesign and Energy Label: https://energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu/ecodesign-and-energy-label_en
• Harmonised Standards - Ecodesign and Energy Labelling: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/ecodesign_en
• The Blue Guide on the implementation of EU product rules 2022: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/news/blue-guide-implementation-product-rules-2022-published-2022-06-29_en

Meat of swine, sheep, goats and poultry marketed in the European Union (EU) are subject to the general labelling rules for foodstuffs and specific labelling rules regarding the indication of their country or place of provenance.

General labelling rules affecting foodstuffs

Labels of foodstuffs, according to the general rules laid down by Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169), must contain the following particulars:

• The name under which the product is sold. No trademark, brand name or fancy name may substitute the generic name but rather may be used in addition. Particulars as to the physical condition of the product or the specific treatment it has undergone (freeze-dried, deep-frozen, smoked,...) must be included where omission of such may confuse the purchaser.
• The net weight of pre-packaged products
• The date of minimum durability consisting of day, month and year in that order and preceded by the words 'best before' or 'best before end' or the 'use by' date according to product characteristics
• Any special conditions for keeping or use
• The name or business name and address of the manufacturer, packager or seller established in the EU
• Lot marking on pre-packaged product with the marking preceded by the letter 'L'

According to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169), a nutrition declaration is mandatory. It shall be included in the label with the following contents:

• energy value
• the amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt

The content of this mandatory declaration may be supplemented with additional information on the amounts of mono-unsaturates, polyunsaturates, polyols, starch or fibre.

Packaging materials and containers that are in contact with food products must comply with the provisions established by Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 (CELEX 32004R1935).

Specific labelling rules for fresh, chilled and frozen meat of swine, sheep, goats and poultry

Regulation (EU) 1337/2013 (CELEX 32013R1337) sets out the obligation to indicate the country of origin or place of provenance on the label of meat of swine, sheep, goats and poultry imported from third countries. The label of meat intended for supplying to the final consumer or to mass caterers shall contain the following indications:

The third country in which the rearing took place indicated as 'Reared in':

• For swine:
  • For slaughtered animals older than 6 months, the third country in which the last rearing period of 4 months took place
  • For slaughtered animals younger than 6 months and with a live weight of at least 80 kg, the third country in which the last rearing period after the animal has reached 30 kg took place
  • For slaughtered animals younger than 6 months and with a live weight of less than 80 kg, the third country in which the whole rearing period took place
• For sheep and goats:
  • For slaughtered animals older than 6 months, the third country in which the last rearing period of 6 months took place
  • For slaughtered animals younger than 6 months, the third country in which the whole rearing period took place
• For poultry
  • For slaughtered animals older than 1 month, the third country in which the last rearing period of 1 month took place
  • For slaughtered animals younger than 1 month, the third country in which the whole rearing period took place

Where the rearing period is not attained in any of the third countries where the animal was reared, the indication shall be 'Reared in: several non-EU countries' or 'Reared in: several EU and non-EU countries'.
However, where the rearing period is not attained in any of the Member States or third countries where the animal was reared, the indication may be replaced by 'Reared in: (list of the Member States or third countries where the animal was reared)' if the food business operator proves to the satisfaction of the competent authority that the animal was reared in those third countries.

The third country in which the slaughter took place indicated as 'Slaughtered in'

The batch code identifying the meat suplied to the consumer or to the mass caterer

The indications on the rearing and the slaughter may be replaced by the indication 'Origin: (name of Member State or third country)' if the food business operator proves to the satisfaction of the competent authority that the meat referred has been obtained from animals born, reared and slaughtered in one single third country. Where several pieces of meat, of the same or of different species, correspond to different labelling indications and are presented in the same pack to the consumer or mass caterer, the label shall indicate:
(a) the list of the relevant Member States or third countries in accordance with paragraphs 1 or 2, for each species;
(b) the batch code identifying the meat supplied to the consumer or mass caterer.

The information provided by labels must be easy to understand, easily visible, clearly legible and indelible and must appear in the official language(s) of the Member State where the product is marketed.

Legislation

• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004 (OJ L-304 22/11/2011) (CELEX 32011R1169)
• Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and repealing Directives 80/590/EEC and 89/109/EEC (OJ L-338 13/11/2004) (CELEX 32004R1935)
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1337/2013 of 13 December 2013 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) no 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the indication of the country of origin or place of provenance for fresh, chilled and frozen meat of swine, sheep, goats and poultry (OJ L-335 14/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1337)

Textile products may only be placed on the European Union (EU) market provided that they are labelled, marked or accompanied with commercial documents in compliance with Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 (CELEX 32011R1007).

The main purpose of the Regulation is to ensure that consumers, when purchasing textile products, are given an accurate indication of their fibre composition.

Product scope

The Regulation applies to textile products defined as any raw, semi-worked, worked, semi- manufactured, manufactured, semi-made-up or made-up product which is exclusively composed of textile fibres, regardless of the mixing or assembly process employed. In addition the following products are treated as textile products:

• Products containing at least 80% by weight of textile fibres;
• Furniture, umbrella, and sunshade coverings containing at least 80% by weight of textile products;
• The textile components of the upper layer of multi-layer floor coverings, mattress coverings and coverings of camping goods (provided that such textile components constitute at least 80% by weight)
• Products incorporating textile components and which form an integral part of the product, where the compositions should be specified.

The Regulation does not apply to customised products made-up by self-employed tailors.

Labelling and marking requirements

General requirements

When placing a textile product on the market, the manufacturer, distributor or importer must ensure the supply of the label or marking indicating the fibre composition of the product. The information must be accurate, not misleading and easily understandable.

The label or mark shall be durable, easily legible, visible, accessible and, in the case of a label, securely attached. Besides, it shall be provided in the official language or languages of the Member State where the product is offered to the consumer unless otherwise is provided by the Member State concerned.

The information provided on the labels should not contain abbreviations, with the exception of mechanised processing codes, or where the abbreviations are defined in international standards.

The surveillance and inspection on whether the composition of textile products is in conformity with the information supplied by the labelling can take place at any stage of the marketing chain (e.g. customs clearance, distributors warehouses, wholesalers or retailers outlets).

For textile products listed in Annex V to the Regulation, labelling or marking bearing the fibre name or composition is not mandatory.

Specific requirements

• Only textile products exclusively composed of the same fibre may be labelled or marked as '100 %', 'pure' or 'all'.
• Multi-fibre textile products shall be labelled or marked with the name and percentage by weight of all constituent fibres in descending order. Fibres not yet listed in Annex I to the Regulation or fibres accounting for less than 5% of the total weight, may be designated as 'Other fibres', immediately preceded or followed by their total percentage by weight.
• Textile product containing two or more textile components which have different textile fibre contents shall bear a label or marking stating the textile fibre content of each component.
• Decorative fibres and fibres with antistatic effect not exceeding 7% and 2% respectively of the weight of the product are excluded from the indication of fibre content.
• The presence of non-textile parts of animal origin is required to be marked as 'Contains non-textile parts of animal origin' on the labelling or marking.
• For textile products whose fibre composition is difficult to determine, the terms 'mixed fibres' or 'unspecified textile composition' may be used.
• Annex IV to the Regulation sets out special provisions for the labelling and marking of certain textile products (corsetry products, embroidered textiles, etc.).

Authorised names

Only fibres that are listed in Annex I to the Regulation may be used for the description of fibre composition.

Manufacturers may apply to the Commission to add a new textile fibre name to this list. The application must include a technical file compiled in accordance with the requirements of Annex II to the Regulation.

The use of the following names is subject to certain conditions:

1. The term 'cotton linen union' is reserved for products having a pure cotton warp and a pure flax weft, in which the percentage of flax accounts for not less than 40% of the total weight of the fabric. This name must be accompanied by the composition specification 'pure cotton warp - pure flax (or linen) weft'

2. The terms 'virgin wool' or 'fleece wool' may be used only for products composed exclusively of a fibre which:

• has not previously been part of a finished product,
• has not been subjected to any spinning and/or felting processes other than those required in the manufacture of that product,
• has not been damaged by treatment or use.

These names may be used to describe fibre mixtures subject to certain conditions. The full percentage composition must be given in such cases.

In certain cases, small percentages of extraneous fibres may be allowed.

Labelling alternatives

Only products for sale to the end consumer need to be labelled, for other products the labelling or marking can be replaced or supplemented by accompanying commercial documents.

In the case of textile products listed in Annex VI to the Regulation, the label can be replaced by an inclusive label, where they are of the same type and fibre composition.

Products sold by the metre need to be labelled only on the piece or roll offered for sale.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Market surveillance authorities shall check the conformity of the fibre composition of textile products with the supplied information in accordance with the methods for quantitative analysis set out in Annex VIII to the Regulation. When establishing and testing fibre percentages it is necessary to apply the relevant agreed allowances set out in Annex IX to the Regulation to the anhydrous mass of each type of fibre.

The Regulation allows for some tolerances between the stated fibre composition and the percentages obtained after the analysis.

The items listed in Annex VII to the Regulation (e.g. non-textile parts, buttons, accessories, decorations...) shall not be taken into account for the determination of fibre composition.

Products complying with the Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 (CELEX 32011R1007) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2011 on textile fibre names and related labelling and marking of the fibre composition of textile products and repealing Council Directive 73/44/EEC and Directives 96/73/EC and 2008/121/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L-272 18/10/2011) (CELEX 32011R1007)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Textiles, leather and fur industries: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/textiles-ecosystem/textiles-leather-fur_en
• Market surveillance for products: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/building-blocks/market-surveillance_en

Tyres placed on the European Union (EU) market are subject to the energy labelling requirements established by Regulation (EU) 2020/740 (CELEX 32020R0740).

The aim of this Regulation is to increase safety, the protection of health, and the economic and environmental efficiency of road transport by providing information to end-users to allow them to choose more fuel-efficient, longer-lasting, safer and quieter tyres.

Product scope

This Regulation applies to C1, C2 and C3 tyres that are placed on the market. The different types of tyres belonging to these classes are set out in Article 8 of Regulation (EC) 661/2009 (CELEX 32009R0661).

Note: The Regulation (EC) 661/2009 (CELEX 32009R0661) has been repealed, but it is still mentioned in Regulation (EU) 2020/740 (CELEX 32020R0740) as it includes some important definitions regarding the types of tyres affected by this requirement.

The following tyres are not covered by the Regulation:

• off-road professional tyres;
• tyres designed to be fitted only to vehicles registered for the first time before 1 October 1990;
• T-type temporary-use spare tyres;
• tyres whose speed rating is less than 80 km/h;
• tyres whose nominal rim diameter does not exceed 254 mm or is 635 mm or more;
• tyres fitted with additional devices to improve traction properties, such as studded tyres;
• tyres designed only to be fitted on vehicles intended exclusively for racing.
• second-hand tyres, unless such tyres are imported from a third country.

Energy labelling and information requirements

According to Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2020/740 (CELEX 32020R0740), tyre suppliers (a manufacturer established in the Union, an authorized representative of a manufacturer who is not established in the Union, or an importer who places the product on the EU market) shall ensure that tyres display information on the following parameters:

• Fuel efficiency classes and rolling resistance coefficient
• Wet grip classes
• External rolling noise classes and measured value
• Snow grip
• Ice grip

Therefore, tyre suppliers shall ensure that C1, C2 and C3 tyres that are placed on the market are accompanied:

• for each individual tyre: by a tyre label, in the form of a sticker, that complies with the requirements set out in Annex II, indicating the information and class for each of the parameters set out in Annex I, and by a product information sheet; or
• for each batch of one or more identical tyres: by a printed tyre label that complies with the requirements set out in Annex II, indicating the information and class for each of the parameters set out in Annex I, and by a product information sheet.

For tyres offered for sale by distance selling, suppliers shall ensure that the tyre label is displayed close to the price indication and that the product information sheet can be accessed.

For tyres offered for sale on the internet, suppliers may make the tyre label available in a nested display.

The information must also be available in the technical promotional material (manuals, brochures, catalogues, suppliers websites...) in the order specified in Annex IV.

Suppliers shall not provide or display other labels, marks, symbols or inscriptions that do not comply with the Regulation (EU) 2020/740 (CELEX 32020R0740) and that would be likely to mislead or confuse end-users with respect to the parameters set out in Annex I or display labels that mimic the tyre label provided for under this Regulation.

Product database

From 1 May 2021, suppliers shall enter the information set out in Annex VII into the European Product Registration database for Energy Labelling - EPREL before placing on the market a tyre produced after that date.

Conformity assessment

For each of the parameters set out in Annex I, Member States shall apply the verification procedure set out in Annex VI when assessing the conformity of the declared classes with the Regulation.

Market surveillance

The Member States' market surveillance authorities shall establish a system of routine and ad hoc inspections of points of sale for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the Regulation (EU) 2020/740 (CELEX 32020R0740).

When the relevant national authority has sufficient reason to believe that a supplier has not ensured the accuracy of the tyre label in accordance with this Regulation, it shall verify that the classes and any additional performance information declared on the tyre label correspond to the values and to the documentation submitted by the supplier.

Market surveillance authorities may recover the costs of document inspection and physical product testing from the supplier in cases of non-compliance by the supplier with this Regulation.

Legislation

• Regulation (EU) 2020/740 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 2020 on the labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and other parameters, amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009 (OJ L-177 05/06/2020) (CELEX 32020R0740)
• Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 concerning type-approval requirements for the general safety of motor vehicles, their trailers and systems, components and separate technical units intended therefor (OJ L-200 31/07/2009) (CELEX 32009R0661)
• Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2017 setting a framework for energy labelling and repealing Directive 2010/30/EU (OJ L-198 28/07/2017) (CELEX 32017R1369)

Other information sources

• European Product Registration database for Energy Labelling - EPREL: https://eprel.ec.europa.eu/screen/home
• Ecodesign and energy labelling - Tyres: https://energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu/ecodesign-and-energy-label/product-list/tyres_en
• FAQ on Regulation (EU) 2020/740: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e4b8ca5a-d7ab-452d-9e10-89f93fd55c9f_en?filename=faqs_tyre_labelling_regulation_-_en_-_web-may_2021_-v2.pdf
• The Blue Guide on the implementation of EU product rules 2022: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/news/blue-guide-implementation-product-rules-2022-published-2022-06-29_en

In order to be marketed within the European Union (EU), the wine intended for human consumption is subject to certain presentation and labelling requirements which aim to protect the interests of consumers and producers.

Presentation

The use of certain bottle shapes is reserved for certain types of wine, as laid down in Annex VII to Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (CELEX 32019R0033).

Closing devices may not be covered by lead-based capsules or foil.

Sparkling wines and aerated sparkling wines must be presented in glass bottles which are closed with:

• a mushroom-shaped stopper made of cork or other material permitted to come into contact with foodstuffs, fitted by a fastening, covered by a cap. Producers may decide not to sheath the fastening with a foil,
• any other suitable closure in the case of bottles with a nominal content not exceeding 0.20 litres

Labelling

The labelling rules cover terms which must be used on the labels to describe the qualities and production methods associated with the wine, terms which may be used subject to certain conditions and other expressions, particularly those which give information likely to be useful to consumers.

These rules provide for a compulsory use of certain particulars, which enable to the identification of the wine and provides the consumer with important information. In addition, the use of certain optional terms is regulated. Other information may be included provided that it is accurate and do not mislead the consumers.

The labelling is not allowed to contain words, part of words, signs or pictures that may cause confusion to consumers.

Mandatory information (except for importer's details, lot number and declaration of allergenic ingredients) must be placed in the same visual field and presented in a clearly distinguishable, easily readable and indelible way. The information on the label must appear in one or more official languages of the EU.

The Regulation also lays down provisions concerning the letter size for the different particulars.

The contents which must appear on the label are the following:

Compulsory particulars

• Designation For wines with a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication, the designation will include the term 'protected designation of origin' or 'protected geographical indications' and the name of the geographical area concerned;
• Actual alcoholic strength by volume indicated in percentage units or half units. The figure will be followed by '% vol' and may be preceded by 'actual alcoholic strength', 'actual alcohol' or 'alc';
• Indication of provenance consisting of the words 'wine of', 'produced in', 'product of', or 'sekt of' (only for the categories of sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine), or expressed in equivalent terms, supplemented by the name of the country where the grapes are harvested and turned into wine in that territory;
• Identification of the bottler or, in the case of sparkling wine, aerated sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine or quality aromatic sparkling wine, the name of the producer or vendor. The name and the address will be supplemented by the terms 'bottler', 'bottled by', 'bottled for' (in case of contract bottling), and 'producer', 'produced by', 'vendor', 'sold by' or other similar expressions;
• Name and address of the importer preceded by the words 'importer' or 'imported by';
• Sugar content according to the terms listed in Part A of Annex III to Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (CELEX 32019R0033), in the case of sparkling wine, aerated sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine or quality aromatic sparkling wine;
• The terms 'aerated sparkling wine' and 'aerated semi-sparkling wine' must be supplemented, where necessary, by the words 'obtained by adding carbon dioxide' or 'obtained by adding carbon anhydride';
• Declaration of the content of allergenic ingredients, listed in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169), preceded by the term 'contains'. The terms concerning sulphites, eggs and eggs-based products and milk-based products that shall be used are those listed in Part A of the Annex I. In addition, this declaration may be also accompanied by the use of the pictogram included in Part B of the Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (CELEX 32019R0033).
• All wines produced from 8 December onwards in the EU must display new information on the label according to Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 (CELEX 32021R2117). These new labelling requirements aim at ensuring that consumers get useful and complete infomation about the wine, by including the ingredients list, nutritional details, and potential allergens in the label. Certain mandatory information must appear on the product itself or be physically attached to the product, while other mandatory information can optionally be accessed electronically through a QR code or URL clearly indicated on the label. Wine produced prior to 8 December 2023, is not subject to the new labelling.

Optional particulars

• Vintage year provided that at least 85 % of the grapes used to make the products have been harvested in the year in question. For products traditionally obtained from grapes harvested in January or February, the vintage year to appear on the label of wines will be that of the previous calendar year;
• Name of wine grape variety. The conditions of use of the names of the wine grape varieties or their synonyms must conform with specific rules established by Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308);
• Grapevine products that do not bear a protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication. Member States may decide to use the terms 'varietal wine ' supplemented by the name of the Member State(s) concerned and/or the name of the wine grape variety;
• Terms referring to certain production methods, among others, those which are set by Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 (CELEX 32013R1308);
• Name of a smaller or larger geographical unit than the area underlying the designation of origin or geographical indication for wines bearing a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication. This mention may consist of a locality or group of localities, a local administrative area or part thereof, a wine-growing sub-region or part thereof or an administrative area.

Besides these specific requirements, there are general rules on labelling that also apply to grapevine products. For example: the indications or marks identifying the lot to which a foodstuff belongs according to Directive 2011/91/EU (CELEX 32011L0091), the general provisions labelling presentation and adversity of foodstuffs established by Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 (CELEX 32011R1169) and rules on nominal quantities for prepacked products of Directive 2007/45/EC (CELEX 32007L0045).

Legislation

• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 of 17 October 2018 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards applications for protection of designations of origin, geographical indications and traditional terms in the wine sector, the objection procedure, restrictions of use, amendments to product specifications, cancellation of protection, and labelling and presentation (OJ L-9 11/01/2019) (CELEX 32019R0033)
• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004 (OJ L-304 22/11/2011) (CELEX 32011R1169)
• Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, (EU) No 251/2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products and (EU) No 228/2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union (OJ L-435 06/12/2021) (CELEX 32021R2117)
• Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) 922/72, (EEC) 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) 1234/2007 (OJ L-347 20/12/2013) (CELEX 32013R1308)
• Directive 2011/91/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on indications or marks identifying the lot to which a foodstuff belongs (OJ L-334 16/12/2011) (CELEX 32011L0091)
• Directive 2007/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 September 2007 laying down rules on nominal quantities for prepacked products, repealing Council Directives 75/106/EEC and 80/232/EEC, and amending Council Directive 76/211/EEC (OJ L-247 21/09/2007) (CELEX 32007L0045)
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/34 of 17 October 2018 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards checks related to protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications and applications for protection, the objection procedure, the registration, modification and cancellation of traditional terms in the wine sector (OJ L-9 11/01/2019) (CELEX 32019R0034)
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1165 of 15 July 2021 authorising certain products and substances for use in organic production and establishing their lists (Text with EEA relevance) (OJ L-253 16/07/2021) (CELEX 32021R1165)
• Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 (OJ L-84 20/03/2014) (CELEX 32014R0251)
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/670 of 31 January 2017 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the authorised production processes for obtaining aromatised wine products (OJ L-97 08/04/2017) (CELEX 32017R0670)
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/585 of 8 December 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards specific rules for the indication and designation of ingredients for aromatised wine products (OJ L 2024/585 15/02/2024) (CELEX 32024R0585)
• Commission Notice Questions and answers on the implementation of new EU wine labelling provisions following the amendment of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (OJ C C/2023/1190 24/11/2023) (CELEX 52023XC01190)

Other information sources

• Wine Sector: https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/plants-and-plant-products/plant-products/wine_en
• Lists required under the EU legislation on wine: https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/farming/facts-and-figures/markets/overviews/market-observatories/wine/eu-wine-lists
• The EU geographical indications register: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/geographical-indications-and-quality-schemes/geographical-indications-registers_en
• Traditional terms protected in the EU for wine: https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/eambrosia/geographical-indications-register/tdt
• Labelling requirements in the wine industry: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-001728_EN.html
• Questions and answers on the implementation of new EU wine labelling provisions: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AC_202301190
• EU wine legislation: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/crop-productions-and-plant-based-products/wine/eu-wine-legislation_en

Packaging marketed within the European Union (EU) must comply with the general requirements which aim at protecting the environment, as well as with the specific provisions designed to prevent any risk to the health of consumers.

Directive 94/62/EC (CELEX 31994L0062) defines 'packaging' as every product made of any material of any nature to be used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery and presentation of goods, from raw materials to processed goods, from the producer to the user or the consumer. 'Non-returnable' items used for the same purposes are also considered to constitute packaging. Annex I of the Directive contains a list of illustrative examples of 'packaging' and 'non-packaging' products according to criteria set out by Article 3.

Hence, this type of products are affected by:

• General requirements related to packaging and packaging waste
• Specific provisions related to package sizing
• Specific rules on nominal quantities for prepacked products
• Specific rules for materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs
• Specific rules for single-use plastics

General requirements related to packaging and packaging waste

All packaging placed on the EU market, including packaging designed for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes, must comply with the essential requirements on the composition and the heavy metals limits specified in Directive 94/62/EC (CELEX 31994L0062), aiming at minimising the impact of packaging waste on the environment.

The essential requirements which are set forth in Annex II to the Directive relate to:

• Waste reduction by minimising the weight and/or volume of packaging;
• Minimising the presence of substances considered to be noxious or hazardous;
• Nature and conditions for packaging to be reused;
• Recovery of packaging by material recycling and/or composting and/or energy recovery.

Besides these mandatory provisions, imports into the EU of packaging made of wood and other plant products may be subject to phytosanitary measures established by Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 (CELEX 32016R2031). Regulation (EU) 2024/288 (CELEX 32024R0288) sets out specific requirements for the introduction into the Union territory of certain products listed in Annex for Belarus, China and India.

In relation to wood packaging, the provisions introduced by Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 (CELEX 32016R2031) establish that wood packages of any type (cases, boxes, crates, drums, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, etc.) shall go through one of the approved treatments specified in Annex I to FAO International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 and shall bear the corresponding mark as specified in Annex II.

The heavy metal limits apply to cadmium, mercury, lead and hexavalent chromium. The total level of these metals in packaging or packaging components must not exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). Packaging entirely made of lead crystal glass is exempted from the application of heavy metal concentration levels.

Packaging must bear the appropriate marking on the packaging itself or on a label, in particular, the nature of the packaging materials used must be indicated. Decision 97/129/EC (CELEX 31997D0129) establishes a Packaging Material Identification System to facilitate identification and classification of packaging materials.

Harmonised standards

Harmonised standards are technical specifications that facilitate compliance. Products manufactured according to these harmonised standards benefit from a presumption of compliance with the essential requirements.

Harmonised standards are developed by the European Standardisation bodies: European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). These bodies are independent organisations whose mission is to develop respectively voluntary technical and electrotechnical standards, and hence faciliate free trade in the single European Market. The standards are published in the Official Journal of the European Union and transposed into national legislation in the form of national standards with identical characteristics.

Harmonised Standards - Packaging and packaging waste

Harmonised Standards - Plastic caps and lids

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with the general and specific requirements exposed before, enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Directive, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

List of applicable legislation

Specific provisions on package sizing

Certain prepackaged products shall only be placed on the market provided the nominal quantity and capacity of the container fits into one of the sizes permitted by the EU legislation.

The labelling must indicate the volume in the case of liquid products and the weight in the case of other products. The label of the prepacked product must also bear the weight and volume indications used in trade practice or comply with the national regulations of the destination country.

The packaging of these goods must bear specific inscriptions and markings such as the identification of the packer, the person responsible for the packing or the importer established in the EU, and the EEC mark, a small 'e', that must be placed in the same field of vision as the indication of the nominal volume or weight of the contents.

This EEC marking symbolises the conformity with the metrological requirements laid down by Directive 76/211/EEC (CELEX 31976L0211), in order to ensure that consumers get indeed the quantity indicated on the packaging.

Specific rules on nominal quantities for prepacked products

Directive 2007/45/EC (CELEX 32007L0045) establishes the range of nominal quantities for prepacked products. According to this scheme:

• Member States shall ensure that products listed in section 2 of the Annex to Directive 2007/45/EC (CELEX 32007L0045) and put up in prepackages in the intervals listed in section 1 of the Annex, are placed on the market only if they are prepacked in the nominal quantities listed in section 1.
• Aerosol dispensers shall indicate the nominal total capacity of the container, avoiding any confusion with the nominal volume of the contents. Such dispensers will not need to be marked with the nominal weight of their contents.
• The nominal quantities listed in section 1 of the Annex shall apply to each individual prepackage when two or more individual prepackages make up a multipack, as well as to the prepackage when it is made up of two or more individual packages which are not intended to be sold individually.

However, in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2019/787 (CELEX 32019R0787) single distilled shochu, produced by pot still and bottled in Japan, may be placed on the Union market in nominal quantities of 720 ml and 1800 ml.

List of applicable legislation

Specific rules for materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs

All materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs, including packaging materials and containers, must be manufactured so that they do not transfer their constituents to food in quantities that could endanger human health, change the composition of the food in an unacceptable way or deteriorate the taste and odour of foodstuffs.

Annex I of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 (CELEX 32004R1935) on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food establishes a list of materials and articles which may be subject to specific measures related to authorised substances, special conditions of use, purity standards, etc.

This Regulation also lays down that these products will be labelled 'for food contact' or shall bear the symbol with a glass and fork.

Regulation (EC) 2023/2006 (CELEX 32006R2023) lays down the rules on good manufacturing practice (GMP) for the groups of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food listed in Annex I to Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 (CELEX 32004R1935) and combinations of those materials and articles or recycled materials and articles used in their manufacturing process. According to this Regulation, the application of printing inks to the non-food contact side of a material or article is subject to specific rules.

Furthermore, and following the scope of both Regulations above mentioned, several EU Regulations have laid down specific conditions applicable to the placing on the EU market of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food:

• Recycled plastic materials and articles intended for contact with food shall only be placed on the EU market when during their manufacture they met the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 (CELEX 32022R1616): manufactured using a suitable recycling technology listed in Annex I or a novel technology as referred to in Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 (CELEX 32022R1616), comply with compositional requirements, specific provisions and compliance requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010), and Recyclers, recycling installations and recycling processes are registered in public 'Union register of novel technologies, recyclers, recycling processes, recycling schemes and decontamination installations'.
• Only the substances included in the Union list of authorised substances set out in Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010) may be used for the manufacture of these products.
• According to the same Regulation, the marketing and importation into the Union of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs containing Bisphenol A (BPA) is restricted and may only be used in the manufacture of plastic materials and articles in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 (CELEX 32024R3190).
• Polyamide and melamine plastic kitchenware originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong shall be imported into the Member States only if the importer submits to the competent authority for each consignment a declaration confirming that it meets the requirements concerning the release of primary aromatic amines and formaldehyde laid down in Annex II to Regulation (EU) 10/2011 (CELEX 32011R0010), according to Regulation (EU) 284/2011 (CELEX 32011R0284).

List of applicable legislation

Specific rules for single-use plastics

Directive (UE) 2019/904 (CELEX 32019L0904) defines 'single-use plastic product' as every product that is made wholly or partly from plastic and that is not conceived, designed or placed on the market to accomplish, within its life span, multiple trips or rotations by being returned to a producer for refill or re-used for the same purpose for which it was conceived. Commission guidelines on single-use plastic products includes examples of what is to be considered a single-use plastic product for the purposes of this Directive. It is also applies to products made from oxo-degradable plastic and to fishing gear containing plastic.

It is important to note that, this Directive is a special law in relation to Directive 94/62/EC (CELEX 31994L0062). This means that in the event of conflict between those Directives, Directive (UE) 2019/904 (CELEX 32019L0904) should prevail within the scope of its application.

According to the Directive (UE) 2019/904 (CELEX 32019L0904) the placing on the market of the single-use plastic products listed in Part B of the Annex and of products made from oxo-degradable plastic is banned. For other single-use plastic products, the Directive is limiting their use addopting different measures:

Consumption reduction

Reduction in the consumption of single-use plastic products listed in Part A of the Annex through awareness-raising measures addopted by Member States, that ensure a measurable quantitative reduction in the consumption of the single-use plastic products by 2026.

Product requirements

Product requirements for single-use plastic products listed in Part C of the Annex. As of 3 July 2024, those products that have caps and lids made of plastic may be placed on the market only if the caps and lids remain attached to the containers during their use.

In relation to beverage bottles listed in Part F of the Annex, Directive includes specific target, contain al least 25 % of recycled plastic by 2025 and at least 30 % of recycled plastic by 2030. Regulation (EU) 2023/2683 (CELEX 32023R2683) lays down rules on the calculation of recycled plastic content in single-use plastic beverage bottles.

Marking requirements

Marking requirements for single-use plastic products listed in Part D of the Annex. Those products placed on the market must bear a conspicuous, clearly legible and indelible marking on its packaging or on the product itself informing consumers about the plastic content of the products, appropiate waste management options for the products and the negative impact of littering the products on the environment.

The harmonized marking specifications for position, size, design, format, colour and minimum resolution of the marking can be found in Annex I for sanitary towels, tampons and tampon applicators, Annex II for wet wipes, pre-wetted personal care and domestic wipes, Annex III for tobacco products with filters and filters marketed for use in combination with tobacco products and Annex IV for beverage cups to the Regulation (EU) 2020/2151 (CELEX 32020R2151).

Extended producer responsibility

In the line with the polluter-pays principle, the Directive introduces extended producer responsability to cover the necessary costs of waste management and clean-up of litter as well as the costs of awareness raising measures to prevent and reduce such litter. Those costs should not exceed the costs that are necessary to provide those services in a cost-efficient way. Within this scheme producers of the single-use plastic products listed in Part E of the Annex should cover the following costs:

• the costs of the awareness raising measures referred to in Article 10 of this Directive regarding those products;
• the costs of waste collection for those products that are discarded in public collection systems, including the infrastructure and its operation, and the subsequent transport and treatment of that waste;
• the costs of cleaning up litter resulting from those products and the subsequent transport and treatment of that litter; and
• the costs of data gathering and reporting in accordance with point (c) of Article 8a(1) of Directive 2008/98/EC (CELEX 32008L0098).

List of applicable legislation

Other information sources

• European Committee for Standardisation (CEN): https://www.cencenelec.eu/about-cen/
• European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC): https://www.cencenelec.eu/about-cenelec/
• Harmonised Standards - Packaging and packaging waste: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/packaging-and-packaging-waste_en
• Harmonised Standards - Plastic caps and lids: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/plastic-caps-and-lids_en
• Packaging Waste: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste_en
• Legal metrology: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/building-blocks/legal-metrology_en
• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): https://www.efsa.europa.eu/
• Food contact materials: https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/chemical-safety/food-contact-materials_en
• Plastic Recycling: https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/chemical-safety/food-contact-materials/plastic-recycling_en
• European Union Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (EURL-FCM) - Substance repository: https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/eurl-food-contact-materials/eurl-fcm-substance-repository_en
• EU guidance on conditions and procedures for the import of products originating in or consigned from China and Hong Kong: https://food.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2016-10/cs_fcm_legis_china_guidelines_import-polymide-melamine.pdf
• European Organisation for Packaging and the Environment (EUROPEN): https://www.europen-packaging.eu/
• Packaging Recovery Organisation Europe (PRO EUROPE): https://www.pro-e.org/
• Single-use plastics: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/plastics/single-use-plastics_en
• Marking specifications for single-use plastic products: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/plastics/single-use-plastics/sups-marking-specifications_en
• Market surveillance for products: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/building-blocks/market-surveillance_en

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

Decision (EU) 2017/1217 (CELEX 32017D1217) the product group 'hard surface cleaning products' comprises any all-purpose cleaner, kitchen cleaner, window cleaner or sanitary cleaner for private and professional use.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision (EU) 2017/1217 (CELEX 32017D1217), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, all purpose cleaners and sanitary cleaners must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision (EU) 2017/1217 (CELEX 32017D1217) referring to:

• Toxicity to aquatic organisms
• Biodegradability
• Sustainable sourcing of palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives
• Excluded and restricted substances
• Packaging
• Fitness for use
• User information
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria will be 31 December 2026.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision (EU) 2017/1217 of 23 June 2017 establishing the Ecolabel criteria for hard surface cleaning products (OJ L-180 12/07/2017) (CELEX 32017D1217)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

• Domestic dishwasher detergents.- According to Decision (EU) 2017/1216 (CELEX 32017D1216) the product group 'detergents for dishwashers' comprises any detergent for dishwashers or rinse aid which is marketed and designed to be used exclusively in household dishwashers and in automatic dishwashers for professional use of the same size and usage as that of household dishwashers.
• Industrial dishwasher detergents.- According to Decision (EU) 2017/1215 (CELEX 32017D1215) the product group 'industrial and institutional dishwasher detergents' any dishwasher detergent, rinse or pre-soak agent which is marketed and designed to be used by specialised personnel in professional dishwashers.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision (EU) 2017/1216 (CELEX 32017D1216) (domestic) and Decision (EU) 2017/1215 (CELEX 32017D1215) (industrial), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Ecolabel, detergents for dishwashers must comply with the criteria set out in the Annexes of the Commission Decisions.

Domestic dishwasher detergents Decision (EU) 2017/1216 (CELEX 32017D1216):

• Dosage requirements
• Toxicity to aquatic organisms
• Biodegradability
• Sustainable sourcing of palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives
• Excluded and restricted substances
• Packaging
• User information
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for domestic detergents for dishwashers will be 31 December 2026.

Industrial dishwasher detergents Decision (EU) 2017/1215 (CELEX 32017D1215):

• Toxicity to aquatic organisms
• Biodegradability
• Sustainable sourcing of palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives
• Excluded and restricted substances
• Packaging
• Fitness for use
• Automatic dosing systems
• User information
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for industrial detergents for dishwashers will be 31 December 2026.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision (EU) 2017/1216 of 23 June 2017 establishing the Ecolabel criteria for dishwasher detergents (OJ L-180 12/07/2017) (CELEX 32017D1216)
• Commission Decision (EU) 2017/1215 of 23 June 2017 establishing the Ecolabel criteria for industrial and institutional dishwasher detergents (OJ L-180 12/07/2017) (CELEX 32017D1215)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision (EU) 2021/476 (CELEX 32021D0476) the product group 'hard coverings' ccomprises floor tile, wall tile, roof tile, block, slab, panel, paver, kerb, table-top, vanity top and kitchen-worktop products for internal or external use.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision (EU) 2021/476 (CELEX 32021D0476), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, hard floor-coverings must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision (EU) 2021/476 (CELEX 32021D0476) referring to:

• Horizontal criteria common to all hard covering products
• Criteria for natural stone products
• Criteria for agglomerated stone products based on resin binders
• Criteria for ceramic and fired clay products
• Criteria for precast concrete products or compressed earth blocks based on hydraulic binders or alternative cements

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for hard floor-coverings will be 31 December 2028.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision (EU) 2021/476 of 16 March 2021 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for hard covering products (OJ L-99 22/03/2021) (CELEX 32021D0476)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision 2016/1349/EU (CELEX 32016D1349) the product group 'footwear' comprises all articles of clothing designed to protect or cover the foot, with a fixed outer sole which comes into contact with the ground.

The following products are excluded:

• Footwear containing any electric or electronic components
• Footwear that is disposed of after a single use
• Socks with an applied sole
• Toy footwear

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2016/1349/EU (CELEX 32016D1349), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, footwear must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision 2016/1349/EU (CELEX 32016D1349) referring to:

• Origin of hides and skins, cotton, wood and cork, and man-made cellulose fibres
• Reduction of water consumption and restriction on the tanning of hides and skins
• Emissions to water from the production of leather, textiles and rubber
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Hazardous substances in the product and shoe components
• Restricted Substances List (RSL)
• Parameters contributing to durability
• Corporate Social Responsibility with regard to labour aspects
• Packaging
• Information on the packaging

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for footwear will be 31 December 2025.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2016/1349/EU of 5 August 2016 on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel for footwear (OJ L-214 09/08/2016) (CELEX 32016D1349)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision 2016/1332/EU (CELEX 32016D1332) the product group furniture comprises free-standing or built-in units whose primary function is to be used for the storage, placement or hanging of items and/or to provide surfaces where users can rest, sit, eat, study or work, whether for indoor or outdoor use. The scope extends to domestic furniture and contract furniture items for use in domestic or non-domestic environments. Bed frames, legs, bases and headboards are included in the scope.

The following products are excluded:

• Bed mattresses, which are covered by the criteria set out in Decision 2014/391/EU (CELEX 32014D0391).
• Streetlights, railings and fences, ladders, clocks, playground equipment, stand-alone or wall-hung mirrors, electrical conduits, road bollards and building products such as steps, doors, windows, floor coverings and cladding.
• Second-hand, refinished, refurbished or remanufactured furniture products.
• Furniture fitted in vehicles used for public or private transit.
• Furniture products which consist of more than 5 % (weight by weight) of materials not included in the following list: solid wood, wood-based panels, cork, bamboo, rattan, plastics, metals, leather, coated fabrics, textiles, glass and padding/filling materials.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2016/1332/EU (CELEX 32016D1332), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, furniture must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision 2016/1332/EU (CELEX 32016D1332) referring to:

• Product description
• General requirements for hazardous substances and mixtures
• Wood, cork, bamboo and rattan
• Plastics
• Metals
• Upholstery covering materials
• Upholstery padding materials
• Glass: use of heavy metals
• Final product requirements
• Consumer information
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for furniture will be 31 December 2026.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2016/1332/EU of 28 July 2016 on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel for furniture (OJ L-210 04/08/2016) (CELEX 32016D1332)
• Commission Decision 2014/391/EU of 23 June 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel for bed mattresses (OJ L-184 25/06/2014) (CELEX 32014D0391)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision 2017/1214/EU (CELEX 32017D1214) the product group 'hand dishwashing detergents' comprises all detergents intended to wash by handitems such as glassware, crockery and kitchen utensils including cutlery, pots, pans and ovenware.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2017/1214/EU (CELEX 32017D1214), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, hand dishwashing detergents must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision 2017/1214/EU (CELEX 32017D1214)referring to:

• Toxicity to aquatic organisms
• Biodegradability
• Sustainable sourcing of palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives
• Excluded and restricted substances
• Packaging
• Fitness for use
• User information
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for hand dishwashing detergents will be 24 June 2023.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2017/1214/EU of 23 June 2017 establishing the Ecolabel criteria for hand dishwashing detergents (OJ L-180 12/07/2017) (CELEX 32017D1214)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

• Absorbent hygiene products.- According to Decision 2023/1809/EU (CELEX 32023D1809) the product group 'absorbent hygiene products' comprises any article for private and professional use whose function is to absorb and retain human fluids such as urine, faeces, sweat, menstrual fluid or milk, excluding textile products.
• Reusable menstrual cups.- According to Decision 2023/1809/EU (CELEX 32023D1809) the product group 'reusable menstrual cups' comprises reusable flexible cups or barriers worn inside the body whose function is to retain and collect menstrual fluid, and which are made of silicone or other elastomers.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2023/1809/EU (CELEX 32023D1809), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Ecolabel, absorbent hygiene products and reusable menstrual cups must comply with the criteria set out in the Annexes of Decision 2023/1809/EU (CELEX 32023D1809).

Absorbent hygiene products:

• Fluff pulp
• Man-made cellulose fibres
• Cotton and other natural cellulosic seed fibres
• Production of synthetic polymers and plastic materials
• Biobased plastic materials
• Material efficiency in the manufacturing of the final product
• Excluded and restricted substances
• Packaging
• Guidance on the use and on the disposal of the product and of the packaging
• Fitness for use and quality of the product
• Corporate Social Responsibility with regard to labour aspects
• Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

Reusable menstrual cups:

• Emissions during the production of the raw material
• Environmental management of production
• Material efficiency in the manufacturing of the final product
• Excluded and restricted substances
• Packaging
• Guidance on the disposal of the product and of the packaging
• Information on the use of the product
• Fitness for use and quality of the product
• Corporate Social Responsibility with regard to labour aspects
• Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for rinse-off cosmetic products will be 31 December 2029.

A transitional period is allowed for producers whose products have been awarded the EU Ecolabel for lubricants on the basis of the criteria set out in Decision 2014/763/EU (CELEX 32014D0763). The EU Ecolabel based on the mentioned scheme may be used only until 21 September 2024.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2023/1809/EU of 14 September 2023 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for absorbent hygiene products and for reusable menstrual cups (OJ L-234 22/09/2023) (CELEX 32023D1809)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Commission Decision 2014/763/EU of 24 October 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for absorbent hygiene products (OJ L-234 22/09/2023) (CELEX 32014D0763)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

• Domestic laundry detergents.- According to Decision 2017/1218/EU (CELEX 32017D1218) the product group 'laundry detergents' comprises any laundry detergent or pretreatment stain remover which are marketed and used for the washing of textiles principally in household machines but not excluding their use in launderettes and common laundries.
• Industrial laundry detergents.- According to Decision 2017/1219/EU (CELEX 32017D1219) the product group 'Industrial and Institutional Laundry Detergents' comprise laundry detergent which are marketed and used used by specialised personnel in industrial and institutional facilities.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2017/1218/EU (CELEX 32017D1218) (domestic) and Decision 2017/1219/EU (CELEX 32017D1219) (industrial), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Ecolabel, detergents for dishwashers must comply with the criteria set out in the Annexes of the Commission Decisions.

Domestic laundry detergents (Decision 2017/1218/EU (CELEX 32017D1218)):

• Dosage requirements
• Toxicity to aquatic organisms
• Biodegradability
• Sustainable sourcing of palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives
• Excluded and restricted substances
• Packaging
• Fitness for use
• User information
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for laundry detergents will be 31 December 2026.

Industrial laundry detergents (Decision 2017/1219/EU (CELEX 32017D1219)):

• Toxicity to aquatic organisms
• Biodegradability
• Sustainable sourcing of palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives
• Excluded and restricted substances
• Packaging
• Fitness for use
• User information
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for industrial laundry detergents will be 31 December 2026.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2017/1218/EU of 23 June 2017 establishing the Ecolabel for laundry detergents (OJ L-180 12/07/2017) (CELEX 32017D1218)
• Commission Decision 2017/1219/EU of 23 June 2017 establishing establishing the Ecolabel criteria for industrial and institutional laundry detergents (OJ L-180 12/07/2017) (CELEX 32017D1219)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision EU/2018/1702 (CELEX 32018D1702) the product group 'lubricants' comprises he following sub-groups:

• the Total Loss Lubricants (TLL) sub-group, which shall comprise chainsaw oils, wire rope lubricants, concrete release agents, total loss greases and other total loss lubricants
• the Partial Loss Lubricants (PLL) sub-group, which shall comprise gear oils intended for the use in open gears, stern tube oils, two-stroke oils, temporary protection against corrosion and partial loss greases
• the Accidental Loss Lubricants (ALL) sub-group, which shall comprise hydraulic systems, metalworking fluids, closed gear oils intended for the use in closed gears and accidental loss greases

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision EU/2018/1702 (CELEX 32018D1702), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, lubricants must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision EU/2018/1702 (CELEX 32018D1702) referring to:

• Excluded or limited substances
• Additional aquatic toxicity requirements
• Biodegradability and bioaccumulative potential
• Renewable ingredients requirements
• Packaging/container requirements
• Minimum technical performance
• Consumer information regarding use and disposa
• Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for lubricants will be 31 December 2028.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision EU/2018/1702 of 8 November 2018 on establishing the ecological criteria for the EU lubricants (OJ L-285 13/11/2018) (CELEX 32018D1702)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision 2014/391/EU (CELEX 32014D0391) the product group 'bed mattresses' comprises products consisting of a cloth cover that is filled with materials and that can be placed on an existing supporting bed structure or designed for free standing in order to provide a surface to sleep or rest upon for indoor use. The product group does not include wooden and upholstered bed bases, inflatable mattresses and water mattresses.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2014/391/EU (CELEX 32014D0391), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, bed mattresses must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision 2014/391/EU (CELEX 32014D0391) referring to:

• Latex foam
• Polyurethane (PUR) foam
• Wire and springs
• Coconut fibres
• Wooden material
• Textiles (fabrics and fibres used as mattress cover and/or filling materials)
• Glues and adhesives
• Flame retardants
• Biocides
• Plasticizers
• Excluded or limited substances and mixtures
• Emission of specified volatile organic compounds (SVOCs, VOCs, VVOCs) from the mattress
• Technical performance
• Design for disassembly and recovery of materials
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel
• Additional information to consumers

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for bed mattresses will be 31 December 2026.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2014/391/EU of 23 June 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel for bed mattresses (OJ L-184 25/06/2014) (CELEX 32014D0391)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision 2014/312/EU (CELEX 32014D0312) the product group 'indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes' comprises indoor and outdoor decorative paints and varnishes,woodstains and related products intended for use by consumers and professional.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2014/312/EU (CELEX 32014D0312), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, indoor paints and varnishes must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision 2014/312/EU (CELEX 32014D0312):

• White pigments
• Titanium dioxide
• Efficiency in use
• Volatile and Semi-volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs, SVOCs)
• Restriction of hazardous substances and mixtures
• Heavy metals
• Consumer information
• Information appearing on the Eco-label

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for outdoor and indoor paints and varnishes will be 31 December 2025.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2014/312/EU of 28 May 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Ecolabel for indoor and outdoor paints and varnishes (OJ L-164 03/06/2014) (CELEX 32014D0312)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision EU/2019/70 (CELEX 32019D0070) the product group 'graphic paper' comprises sheets or reels of not converted, unprinted blank paper or board, whether plain or coloured, made from pulp and fit to be used for writing, printing or conversion purposes.

The product group 'tissue paper and tissue products' comprises the following:

• (1) sheets or reels of not converted tissue paper for conversion into products falling within point (2)
• (2) tissue products fit for use for personal hygiene, absorption of liquids or the cleaning of surfaces, or for a combination of those purposes; including but not limited to tissue products of the following kinds: handkerchiefs, toilet tissues, facial tissues, kitchen or household towels, hand towels, table napkins, mats and industrial wipes

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision EU/2019/70 (CELEX 32019D0070), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

The criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to graphic paper is set out in the Annex I:

• Emissions to water and air
• Energy use
• Fibres: conserving resources, sustainable forest management
• Restricted hazardous substances and mixtures
• Waste management
• Fitness for use
• Information on the packaging
• Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

The criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to tissue paper and tissue products is set out in the Annex II:

• Emissions to water and air
• Energy use
• Fibres: conserving resources, sustainable forest management
• Restricted hazardous substances and mixtures
• Waste management
• Final product requirement
• Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for graphic paper, tissue paper products and and tissue product will be 31 December 2028.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision EU/2019/70 of 9 January 2019 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for graphic paper and the EU Ecolabel criteria for tissue paper and tissue products (OJ L-15 17/01/2019) (CELEX 32019D0070)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision (EU) 2020/1803 (CELEX 32020D1803) the product group 'printed paper, stationery paper, and paper carrier bag products' shall comprise:

• any printed paper product with a weight consisting of at least 90 % paper, paperboard or paper-based substrates (80 % for books, catalogues, booklets or forms)
• envelopes whose weight consists of at least 90 % paper, paperboard or paper-based substrates
• paper carrier bags (including wrapping paper) consisting of 100 % paper, paperboard or paper-based substrates
• stationery paper products (including filing products) with a weight consisting of at least 70 % paper, paperboard or paper-based substrates (except for suspension files and folders with metal fasteners, to which the threshold does not apply)

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision (EU) 2020/1803 (CELEX 32020D1803), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, printed paper must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision (EU) 2020/1803 (CELEX 32020D1803) referring to:

• Substrate
• Restricted substances
• Recyclability
• Emissions
• Waste
• Energy use
• Training
• Fitness for use
• Information on the product
• Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for printed paper, stationery paper, and paper carrier bag products will be 31 December 2028.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision (EU) 2020/1803 of 27 November 2020 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for printed paper, stationery paper, and paper carrier bag products (OJ L-402 01/12/2020) (CELEX 32020D1803)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision EU/2021/1870 (CELEX 32021D1870) 'cosmetic products' comprises any substance or mixture falling under the scope of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (CELEX 32009R1223), intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body, or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours.

The product group 'Cosmetic products' includes include rinse-off and leave-on products for both private and professional use.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision EU/2021/1870 (CELEX 32021D1870), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, cosmetic producs must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision EU/2021/1870 (CELEX 32021D1870) referring to:

• Toxicity to aquatic organism: Critical Dilution Volume (CDV)
• Biodegradability of rinse-off products
• Aquatic toxicity and biodegradability of leave-on products
• Excluded or limited substances and mixtures
• Packaging
• Sustainable sourcing of palm oil, palm kernel oil and their derivatives
• Fitness for use
• Information appearing on the Eco-label

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for rinse-off cosmetic products will be 31 December 2027.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision (EU) 2021/1870 of 22 October 2021 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for cosmetic products and animal care products (OJ L-379 26/10/2021) (CELEX 32021D1870)
• Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products (OJ L-342 22/12/2009) (CELEX 32009R1223)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision 2014/350/EU (CELEX 32014D0350) the product group 'textile products' comprises:

• Textile clothing and accessories: clothing and accessories consisting of at least 80 % by weight of textile fibres in a woven, non-woven or knitted form
• Interior textiles: textile products for interior use consisting of at least 80 % by weight of textile fibres in a woven, non-woven or knitted form
• Textile fibres, yarn, fabric and knitted panels: intermediate products intended for use in textile clothing and accessories and interior textiles, including upholstery fabric and mattress ticking prior to the application of backings and treatments associated with the final product
• Non-fibre elements: intermediate products that are incorporated into textile clothing and accessories and interior textiles, including zips, buttons and other accessories, as well as membranes, coatings and laminates
• Cleaning products: woven or non-woven products made from textile fibres and intended for the wet or dry cleaning of surfaces and the drying of kitchenware

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2014/350/EU (CELEX 32014D0350), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, textile products must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision 2014/350/EU (CELEX 32014D0350) to:

• Textile fibre criteria
• Components and accessories
• Chemicals and processes
• Fitness for use
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Supporting information

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for textile products will be 31 December 2025.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2014/350/EU of 5 June 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel to textile products (OJ L-174 13/06/2014) (CELEX 32014D0350)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision (EU) 2022/1244 (CELEX 32022D1244) the products groups regulated are the following:

• ‘growing medium’ means a product other than soil in situ, the function of which is for plants, including algae, or mushrooms to grow in.
• soil improver’ means a product, including mulch, the function of which is to maintain, improve or protect the physical or chemical properties, the structure or the biological activity of the soil to which it is added.
• ‘mulch’ means a type of soil improver used as protective covering placed around plants on the topsoil whose specific functions are to prevent the loss of moisture, erosion.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision (EU) 2022/1244 (CELEX 32022D1244), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, soil improvers must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision (EU) 2022/1244 (CELEX 32022D1244) referring to:

• Components
• Mineral components
• Organic components and recycled/recovered materials in growing media
• Restricted substances
• Sources of mineral extraction
• Mineral growing media use and after use
• Fitness for use
• Limitation of hazardous substances
• Growing media feature
• Soil improvers
• Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for growing media, soil improvers and mulch will be 31 December 2030.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision (EU) 2022/1244 of 13 July 2022 establishing the EU Ecolabel criteria for growing media and soil improvers (OJ L-190 19/07/2022) (CELEX 32022D1244)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html

The EU Ecolabel or 'Flower logo' is the official mark in the European Union (EU) for products with the lowest environmental impact in a product range. Its aim is to promote, as well as to help consumers to identify those products which contribute significantly to improvements in relation to key environmental aspects.

Participation on the scheme is voluntary. This means that products can be sold within the EU market without the Flower logo and that there are no regulations which oblige to apply for the Ecolabel.

Product scope

According to Decision 2017/176/EU (CELEX 32017D0176) the product group 'wood-, cork- and bamboo-based floor coverings' comprises e indoor floor coverings, including wood floorings, laminate floorings, cork floor coverings and bamboo floorings which are made, for more than 80 % by weight of the final product, from wood, wood-based, cork, cork-based, bamboo and bamboo-based materials or fibres, not containing synthetic fibres in any of the composing layers.

Procedure

When a product is included in the product group definition and complies with the published Ecolabel criteria, manufacturers, importers, service providers, trader or retailers who want to market their products in the EU, may apply for the Ecolabel in accordance with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066).

For a product made outside the European Union, the application must be presented to a Competent Body of any of the Member States in which the product is to be or has been placed on the market.

The application must include all relevant documentation to prove that the product complies with the ecological and performance criteria. The Competent Body will inform the applicant of the necessary documents that need to be submitted, the test results that must be provided, how they should be carried out, etc.

After assessing whether the product conforms to the Ecolabel criteria and that the application complies with the assessment and verification requirements set out in Decision 2017/176/EU (CELEX 32017D0176), the Competent Body will decide on the award the label. If the application is successful the Competent Body will conclude a contract with the applicant covering the terms of use of the label. Ecolabelled products can be marketed in all Member States.

Once obtained, the holder has the choice of displaying the Flower logo on any part of the product. It can be used from the date it is awarded until the end of the period of validity of the criteria.

Applications for the award of an Ecolabel are subject to payment of a fee. In addition, there is an annual fee for the use of the label.

Requirements

In order to be awarded the Community Eco-label, wooden floor-coverings must comply with the criteria set out in the Annex to Decision 2017/176/EU (CELEX 32017D0176) referring to:

• Product description
• Wood-, cork- and bamboo-based materials
• General requirements for hazardous substances and mixtures
• Specific substance requirements
• Energy consumption in the production process
• Emissions of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) a from the floor coverings
• Emissions of formaldehyde from the floor coverings and the core board
• Fitness for use
• Reparability and extended guarantee
• Consumer information
• Information appearing on the Ecolabel

The end of the period of validity of the criteria for wooden floor coverings will be 31 December 2026.

Market surveillance

Each Member State is responsible to designate one or more market surveillance authorities or any other authority in their territory as the authorities in charge of controlling that the products entering the Union market meet the requirements of the applicable rules and that the affixing and use of the CE marking, where applicable, is correct in accordance with the EU market surveillance framework laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (CELEX 32019R1020). Each Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its market surveillance authorities and the areas of competence of each of those authorities.

Products complying with Regulation (EC) 66/2010 (CELEX 32010R0066) enjoy free circulation within the EU. However, in case a Member State ascertains that a product does not comply with the requirements of the Regulation, the competent authority of the Member State shall forbid its placing on the market, restrict the free movement, or even withdraw the product from the market where other corrective measures have failed.

The Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of any measure adopted, indicating the grounds for its decision.

Legislation

• Commission Decision 2017/176/EU of 2 January 2017 on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel for wood-, cork- and bamboo-based floor coverings (OJ L-28 02/02/2017) (CELEX 32017D0176)
• Regulation (EC) 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the Ecolabel (OJ L-27 30/01/2010) (CELEX 32010R0066)
• Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L-169 25/06/2019) (CELEX 32019R1020)

Other information sources

• Detailed information on the Ecolabel scheme as well as a user friendly product fact sheet: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/products-groups-and-criteria.html