1. Product name
First and foremost, you should think of a precise name for your product. This name should clearly differentiate your product from your competitors and stick in the minds of potential customers. Ideally, the product name should already represent your unique selling points. The customer journey begins with your product name. A concise name allows customers to identify more with your brand and understand your vision more easily. If customers already have a clear idea of your concept from the product name, your success on the market will increase enormously. If potential customers are left with too many questions, they will abandon the product.2. Manufacturer's specifications
Legally compliant information includes the manufacturer's details, i.e. the name and address of the manufacturer or importer. This information should be clearly stated so that it is easy to identify where your product comes from. Please note that for products from non-EU countries, the responsible parties based in the EU must be specified.- Name and address of the manufacturer or importer.
- For products from non-EU countries: details of the responsible party based in the EU.
3. Instruction manual & Security information
Instructions for use and safety information are other essential product details. These should be provided in the respective national language. In addition, information on the safe use, storage and disposal of your product should be included. For technical products in particular, you should include operating instructions and, if necessary, maintenance instructions.- In the respective national language.
- Information on safe use, storage and disposal.
- For technical products: operating instructions, maintenance instructions if applicable.
4. Technical specifications
Important technical details about your product are a must. These include information such as dimensions, weight and material composition. Performance specifications are also essential. For electrical devices, this would include information on current, voltage and energy consumption.- Dimensions, weight, material composition.
- Performance specifications (e.g. for electrical devices: voltage, current, energy consumption).
5. Specifications & Symbols
- CE-marking (if required, e.g. for machinery, electronics, toys).
- It is mandatory for many technical products, including machinery, electrical appliances, toys and medical devices.
- It indicates that the product complies with all applicable EU directives, such as the Machinery Directive and the EMC Directive.
- It must be visible, legible and permanently affixed to the product.
- GS mark, RoHS, WEEE, recycling symbols, etc. if relevant.
- WEEE marking (crossed-out wheelie bin)
- For electrical and electronic equipment.
- Indicates that the device must not be disposed of with household waste,
- WEEE registration with the EAR Foundation in Germany is mandatory.
- EAN/GTIN barcode (commonly used for retail distribution, but not required by law).
- The EAN is a sequence of numbers used to identify products.
- This allows different times to be clearly assigned.
- The internationally valid GTIN has replaced the EAN.
- There is no legal obligation to use it, but some retailers and online platforms may require its use.
- If you distribute your products yourself or via a closed retail system, you can dispense with the EAN/GTIN code.
- Manufacturer information & address
- Manufacturer information such as the address must be printed directly on the product. If this is not possible, it should be printed on the packaging annd in the documentation.
- Technical data
- Important technical data such as the model name, serial number and date of manufacture must be provided. Depending on the type of product, the power, voltage and protection class should also be included.
- This information should be permanently affixed to your product.
- Warning symbols/ safety instructions
- For the safety of your customers, you should affix safety instructions and warning symbols for high voltage, hot surfaces or crushing hazards, for example.
- These instructions are often standardised in accordance with ISO 7010 or DIN EN ISO 3864.
Common (voluntary but recommended) markings:
- GS mark (Tested Safety)
- Voluntary but widely recognised in Germany.
- Indicates that an independant testing institute (e.g. TÜV, DEKRA) has tested the product for safety.
- Only for products that fall under the Product Safety Act (ProdSG).
- RoHS compliance
- This indicates that your product does not contain any prohibited hazardous substances (e.g. lead, mercury).
- Mandatory for many electronic products according to the RoHS Directive - but no specific symbol is required.
- Recycling symbols
- Symbols on the packaging: Green Dot, PAP, PE, etc.
- Symbols on the product itself: Plastic marking, metal symbols (for devices with replaceable components).
Further special specifications (depending on the application field)
6. Contents/ Materials
If you want to sell cosmetics, chemicals, textiles or food, information about the ingredients and materials contained in your products is a must. It is important that you clearly indicate allergens and other substances that are relevant to health. For textiles, the material information must be provided in accordance with the Textile Labeling Act.7. Price indication
The most import product information for your customers is probably the price. It is important to state the retail price including statutory value added tax. You must also state a base price (e.g. €/kg or €/l). if you offer goods in pre-packaged form, open packaging or as as sales units without packaging.8. Packaging information
Other essential information includes packaging details, such as the weight and volume of your product. This information is the most frequently requested by your customers. Furthermore, the packaging materials you use must be labelled and often also recyclable.9. Sustainability information
In addition to information on recycleability, there are other sustainability details to consider. These include information on the carbon footprint, the use of sustainable raw materials and certificates such as FSC or FairTrade. Make sure that this information can be verified so as not to mislead your customers and to avoid greenwashing, thereby improving your company's image.10. Product-specific specifications
Further product information depends on your specific product. If it is a machine, a declaration of conformity is required, as well as safety regulations in accordance with the Machinery Directive. If you want to offer electrical appliances, an energy efficiency label and WEEE registration for the reuse of electrical and electronic equipment are required.For electronic assemblies, information such as ESD labelling for protection against electrostatic discharge or assembly and application instructions, such as connection assignement or tolerance, is required.
Conclusion
The information and labelling on your product are important factors for its market success. On the one hand, the product name, price and packaging information are essential for addressing your customers. On the other hand, labelling of technical data, materials used and environmental information is required by law and is indispensable for a successful market launch. If you want to market your products successfully, it is important to be familiar with the various labels and information. This blog post can serve as a guide so that you don't forget anything and can concentrate on your product.Do you need help realising your idea or do you have further questions about the required product information? Then feel free to contact us at info@assemblean.com or send us a request!
