Overview of the different labeling and marking requirements, including any restrictive advertising or labeling practices and where to get more information.
Last Published: 8/16/2019

The Netherlands closely follows EU labeling requirements and regulations.  There is a broad array of EU legislation pertaining to the marking, labeling, and packaging of products, with neither an “umbrella” law covering all goods nor a central directory containing information on marking, labeling, and packaging requirements.  The first step in determining the marking, labeling, and packaging legislation that applies to a product entering the EU requires drawing a distinction between what is mandatory and what is voluntary.
 This section focuses primarily on the mandatory marks and labels seen most often on consumer products and packaging, which are typically related to public safety, health, and/or environmental concerns.  It also includes a brief overview of a few mandatory packaging requirements, as well as more common voluntary marks and labels used in EU markets.

It is also important to distinguish between marks and labels.  A mark is a symbol and/or pictogram that appears on a product or its respective packaging.  These range in scope from signs of danger to indications of methods of proper recycling and disposal.  The intention of such marks is to provide market surveillance authorities, importers, distributors, and end-users with information concerning safety, health, energy efficiency, and/or environmental issues relating to a product.  Labels, on the other hand, appear in the form of written text or numerical statements, which may be required but are not necessarily universally recognizable.  Labels typically indicate more specific information about a product, such as measurements, or an indication of materials that may be found in the product (such as in textiles or batteries).

Mandatory Marks and Labels:
• Textiles
• Cosmetics
• Dangerous Substances
• Explosive Atmosphere
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment
• Household Appliances  
• Pricing
• Footwear
• Units of Measurement
• Automotive
• Tires
• Maritime
• Materials in Contact with Food
• Noise Emissions
• Wood Packaging
• Energy Efficiency
• Recycling - Separate Collection

Additional information on marks and labels can be found on the following webpages:
CE marking
Harmonized Standards
New Legislative Framework
Revised CE Marking Laws
Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipmnet (WEEE)
Directive 2010/30/EU

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.