Asia Pacific Regions Refine Product Labeling, EU Boosts Ecodesign Compliance

Across the Asia Pacific region, authorities are implementing and proposing highly specific labeling adjustments for various products, while the European Union is investing in a significant initiative to bolster compliance with its ecodesign and energy labeling requirements. These diverse efforts highlight a global trend towards greater product transparency, consumer safety, and market integrity through refined labeling and marketing rules.

In Hong Kong, specific amendments have been made to the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations, focusing on konjac jelly products. The ‘2025 Amendment to the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations’ provides detailed industry guidance, addressing both ingredient labeling requirements and mandating choking warnings for these products, according to the Food Safety and Compliance Service. This targeted regulation aims to enhance consumer safety by clearly communicating potential risks associated with konjac jelly, a move that requires manufacturers and distributors to update their product packaging accordingly.

Further north, Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has initiated a public consultation on a draft titled ‘Standards for the Classification and Product Attribute Determination of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Materials Permitted for Use as Food Ingredients.’ This proposal seeks to clarify the distinction between food and pharmaceuticals, thereby enhancing the management of traditional Chinese medicinal materials when integrated into food products. The outcome of this 60-day consultation period will directly impact the labeling requirements for such ingredients, as reported by the Food Safety and Compliance Service. This initiative reflects a growing need for clear guidelines in hybrid product categories, ensuring appropriate consumer information and regulatory oversight.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the European Union has launched a call for proposals with a budget of EUR 2.5 million to establish a specialized facility. This facility is intended to provide assistance to economic operators regarding ecodesign and energy labeling regulations, according to the EU Funding Portal. The initiative aims to increase market compliance and ensure a level playing field by improving awareness and technical knowledge among manufacturers, suppliers, and dealers, with a particular focus on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The funded action, projected to span approximately 36 months, will include a dedicated help-line service and ‘online sweeps’ to identify and support non-compliant web shops. Ultimately, this project seeks to trigger significant energy savings by ensuring energy-related products meet stringent performance and transparency requirements, thereby reinforcing the EU’s commitment to environmental sustainability and consumer information.

These regional and pan-regional developments underscore the dynamic nature of labeling and marketing regulations, requiring international businesses to remain agile and informed to ensure compliance across diverse markets.