How to translate product labelling for UK compliance

1. Introduction – Why accurate product label translations are essential

Product labelling is one of the most visible and regulated parts of your product. It’s the first thing customers see and, in the UK, it’s also subject to strict legal requirements. Whether it’s food, cosmetics, cleaning products, or electronics, the information you present must be accurate, clear, and compliant. If you’re selling internationally, getting the translation right is critical… the wrong word could mislead customers, violate regulations, or result in costly recalls and fines.

2. Understanding UK labelling regulations

Different product categories are governed by specific regulations. Here are the key ones:

• The UK Food Information Regulations 2014 – Requires clear ingredient lists, allergen labelling, and nutritional information.

• The UK Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 – Covers safety warnings, usage instructions, and ingredient declarations for cosmetics.

• The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 – Prohibits misleading information on labels.

• The Weights and Measures Act 1985 – Governs how quantities are displayed.

• UKCA and CE marking rules – Apply to certain goods like electronics and toys.

Each set of rules specifies what must appear on the label, where it must be placed, and sometimes even the font size.

3. What product labels must include

Depending on the product type, UK labels typically need to feature:

• Product name and legal description.

• Ingredients or materials list (in descending order by weight for food).

• Net quantity in metric units.

• Instructions for use and storage.

• Safety warnings and hazard symbols (where relevant).

• Best before or use-by dates.

• Contact details for the manufacturer or importer.

• Country of origin (in some cases).

These details must be presented in English, though additional languages can be added for multi-market packaging.

4. The unique challenges of translating product labels

Translating labels isn’t as simple as swapping words between languages:

• Space constraints – Other languages often require more space; careful editing is essential.

• Technical and legal terms – Must match UK regulatory definitions exactly.

• Cultural nuances – Avoid phrases or imagery that could confuse or offend UK customers.

• Formatting issues – Layout and typography must remain compliant and legible.

• Symbols and units – Some countries use different measurement systems or pictograms.

• Step-by-step label translation process

Step 1 – Gather final source content

Ensure you have the final approved version of your label text. Avoid translating drafts to prevent unnecessary revisions.

Step 2 – Build a terminology glossary

Include brand-specific terms, product names, and legally defined phrases to keep translations consistent.

Step 3 – Translate and localise

Adapt content for the UK market, not just linguistically but also culturally and legally.

Step 4 – Compliance check

Have a regulatory specialist review the translation to ensure it meets UK legal standards.

Step 5 – Proofread in context

Check the translation on the actual label design to confirm readability and accuracy.

Step 6 – Pre-production sign-off

Have both a linguist and compliance officer approve the label before printing.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

7. Using literal translations that distort meaning.

8. Omitting legally required details due to space or oversight.

9. Relying on automated translation tools without human review.

10. Copying EU labels for the UK without adjusting for regulatory differences.

11. Real-world example

A European food manufacturer once shipped a range of ready meals to the UK using the same labels they used in France. They failed to highlight allergens in bold as required by UK law, leading to a product recall and significant reputational damage. The fix? Working with a translation partner who understood UK allergen labelling rules.

8. Choosing the right translation partner

Look for:

• Proven experience in product labelling projects.

• Knowledge of UK-specific regulatory language.

• Ability to work directly with design files to preserve formatting.

• Quality assurance processes with multiple review stages.

• FAQs

Do labels have to be in English in the UK? Yes, but other languages may be included alongside English.

Can I use one label for both the EU and UK? Often not — since Brexit, some rules have diverged.

How often should labels be updated? Whenever product details or regulations change.

10. Compliance checklist for translated labels

11. All mandatory details included.

12. UK spelling and measurement units used.

13. Legal terms verified.

14. Hazard and safety symbols correct.

15. Formatting complies with size and legibility rules.

Getting product labelling right for the UK market is about more than words… it’s about meeting legal obligations and building customer trust. Working with a specialist translation team ensures your labels are accurate, compliant, and consumer-friendly from day one.

📧 Email: sales@ttmltd.com📞 Phone: +44 1606 352 527