Standards for packaging and labeling for cosmetic products in Vietnam

Hello, Lawnet would like to answer as follows:

1. Terminology used for packaging standards in Vietnam

TCVN 12975:2020 stipulates packaging terms and definitions as follows:

- Primary packaging

The packaging is designed to come into direct contact with the packaged object.

- Secondary packaging

The packaging is designed to contain one or more originals and includes any protective material, if applicable.

NOTE: For labeling purposes, the outermost packaging is considered secondary packaging to hold or contain the packaged goods at the point of sale.

- Pre-packaged goods

Point-of-sale packaging, containing the same or different products with the same or different functions.

- Packaging

Packaging shall be designed so that, according to the manufacturer's specified conditions for storage, transport, and handling, it protects against deterioration and damage and has no harmful effects on the product.

2. Labeling standards for cosmetic products in Vietnam

(1) Labeling standards for cosmetic products for general cases:

- Information is provided on the packaging

+ Name of the person responsible for bringing the product to market. May be the manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized representative, or the person for whom the cosmetic product order is manufactured, or the person responsible for the initial import.

Such information may be abbreviated so that the company can be identified.

+ Address of the person responsible for bringing the product to market. May be the manufacturer or the manufacturer's authorized representative, or the person for whom the cosmetic product order is manufactured, or the person responsible for the initial import.

Such information may be abbreviated so that the company can be identified.

+ List of ingredients. Ingredients greater than 1% must be listed in descending order by mass at the time they are added, followed by ingredients with concentrations less than or equal to 1% in any order. Coloring agents may be listed in any order after other ingredients. The use of the Indication of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) is strongly advocated. Fragrances and aromatic ingredients may be listed as single ingredients. For cosmetic products marketed in several colors, all colorants used in the range may be listed first with a “+/-” symbol or the word “may include”.

“INCI” is a coded international nomenclature and should be used as such.

+ The function of the product, unless it is clearly stated.

+ Storage conditions, when appropriate.

+ Nominal content at the time of packaging, by weight or volume. Units may be used when evaluated.

+ Production lot number, date of manufacture, or any reference to product identification.

+ Precautions and warnings, as appropriate.

+ Instructions for use, when appropriate.

- Location of information on packaging

Products must carry the information mentioned above on the first or second packaging of the product in an indelible, legible, and appropriate language for countries where the product is sold or distributed for free.

The information mentioned in 4.1.1 b) TCVN 12975:2020 may be indicated on the second packaging only.

Information mentioned in 4.1.1 c) TCVN 12975:2020 must be visible to consumers at the point of sale.

The information mentioned in 4.1.1 d) TCVN 12975:2020 may be indicated on the second packaging only. Whenever the absence of this information causes confusion and could lead to inadvertent use, the information must be indicated on the primary packaging.

The information mentioned in point 4.1.1 g) TCVN 12975:2020 may be indicated on the first packaging if visible before opening the second packaging.

(2) Labeling standards for cosmetic products in typical cases

NOTE: A combination of the following typical cases may occur.

- Small packaging

Products in packages between less than 15 g or 15 mL and more than 10 g or 10 mL must contain:

+ Information mentioned in points 4.1.1 a), e), h) TCVN 12975:2020 on the first and second packaging.

+ Information mentioned in point 4.1.1 d) TCVN 12975:2020 is only on the second packaging. Whenever the absence of this information causes confusion and could lead to inadvertent use, the information should be indicated on the primary packaging.

+ Information mentioned in point 4.1.1 g) TCVN 12975:2020 on the first packaging.

+ Information mentioned in point 4.1.1 c) TCVN 12975:2020, consumers can see at the point of sale.

Information mentioned in points 4.1.1 b), f) and i) TCVN 12975:2020 may only be on the second packaging.

Products in packages of 10 g or 10 mL and smaller do not require the information mentioned in point 4.1.1 f) TCVN 12975:2020.

+ Impossibility

Where labeling is not possible for any reason (e.g. soap, bath balls, and other small products), the product must carry the information on the attachment (e.g., tag label, label, leaflet) or symbol indicating that the information is available on the multiple package or, if not available, on a notice adjacent to the container or on another display device in which cosmetic products are sold.

- Package applicable only

Single applicable packages may not require 4.1.1 f) TCVN 12975:2020.

- Pre-packaged goods are often sold as several items

Pre-packaged goods must have the information mentioned in points 4.1.1 a), b), c), d), e), f), g), h), and i) TCVN 12975:2020. As an alternative to 4.1.1 f) TCVN 12975:2020, the number of units in the package may be labeled if not visible from the outside.

- Free sample

Free samples must have at least the information mentioned in points 4.1.1 a), h) and i) TCVN 12975:2020.

(3) Labeling standards for cosmetic products with respect to recommended guidelines

Information on product durability should be given where appropriate.

Best regards!

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