Why Your Customers Keep Rejecting Your Shipments: 5 Common Label Compliance Failures and How to Fix Them

When a shipment arrives with incorrect information, unreadable markings or labels that don’t meet standard requirements, your customer may reject it upon receipt. To make sure your labels comply with industry standards, you need to identify the requirements that apply to your products and markets. A consistent review process can help you spot problems before they disrupt inventory control and delivery.

Unscannable Barcodes and GS1 Formatting Errors

Barcodes need to work reliably with the scanning systems your supply chain uses. Problems with symbol dimensions, quiet zones, contrast, data structure, print quality or positioning can prevent successful scans.

GS1 is a global standards organization that provides standards for barcodes and product identification across supply chains. Where GS1 requirements apply, your labels need to follow the relevant specifications for the barcode format you use. GS1 guidance identifies factors such as check digits, quiet zones, contrast, symbol construction, size, height, deterioration and positioning as important barcode quality checks.

Missing or Incorrect Hazard and Handling Symbols

Certain products require specific hazard, warning or handling information to communicate risks and appropriate handling procedures. Missing, incorrect, poorly positioned or obscured symbols can create problems during the delivery process.

Requirements vary by product, destination and shipping conditions, so you need to confirm which markings apply before production and ensure they remain visible after application.

Inaccurate or Illegible Date Markings

Production, best-by or expiration dates need to be accurate and readable where your product requires them. Incorrect information, unsuitable formatting, poor contrast, faded printing or damaged markings can make critical product details difficult to verify.

A label that contains the correct information at the time of printing can still create problems if the marking becomes unreadable during storage or transportation.

Missing or Outdated Regulatory and Product Requirements

Some products must carry specific information or markings to meet regulatory or product-specific requirements. UL 969, the standard for marking and labeling systems, applies to certain labels and labeling materials that display safety-related information on products.

Missing required markings, using an outdated label version or selecting a label that does not meet the applicable performance requirements can create compliance problems. Other requirements may include warnings, declarations, net contents, allergen information or market-specific disclosures, depending on the product and jurisdiction.

Mismatched Label and Shipping Information

A label can meet its design and printing requirements while still creating a shipment problem because of an error during preparation. An incorrect product identifier, quantity, destination, lot number or other detail can cause the label to conflict with your order or shipping records.

In addition, outdated templates, incorrect label selection and data-entry mistakes can introduce errors before the shipment reaches your customer.

Tips for Fixing Common Label Compliance Problems

The most reliable way to make sure your labels comply with applicable requirements is to build the necessary checks into your labeling process. Start by identifying the specifications that apply to each product, then verify the information, barcode, markings, materials and finished label before release.

Consider these steps:

• Identify applicable requirements: Determine which industry standards, regulations, customer specifications and product requirements apply to each label before production begins.
• Maintain approved label specifications: Keep label artwork, barcode formats, regulatory details and customer specifications in a controlled location so your team works from the correct version.
• Verify variable information: Check product identifiers, quantities, lot numbers, serial numbers, dates, destinations and other changing information against your production or order records before printing.
• Check barcode quality: Verify the barcode format, dimensions, contrast, quiet zones, print quality and readability according to the requirements for your application.
• Match materials to the environment: Consider the surface, adhesive requirements, moisture, chemicals, abrasion, temperature, UV exposure and handling conditions when selecting your label construction.
• Inspect before release: Conduct a final check of the label version, printed information, markings, barcode, adhesion, placement and physical condition before the shipment leaves your facility.

How to Ensure Your Labels Comply With Industry Standards: 3 Top Label Providers

Choosing a label provider with experience in industry-specific requirements helps you meet the specifications your products and applications demand. The providers on this list offer capabilities that support industry compliance, custom manufacturing, quality controls, regulatory labeling and barcode production. They also have experience meeting specific product, industry and application requirements.

1. Label-Aid Systems

Label-Aid Systems provides custom labels, decals, tags and barcode labels for manufacturers across medical, automotive, electronics, HVAC, telecommunications and other industrial applications. Its ISO 9001:2015 certification supports controlled quality processes, regular audits and continuous improvement.

To make sure labels comply with industry standards, Label-Aid provides labels that meet applicable UL requirements. Its custom manufacturing approach enables the company to manufacture each label to the customer’s specifications, including material, adhesive, printing process, durability and application requirements.

2. Impact Label

Impact Label specializes in safety and compliance labels, as well as RFID labels, for OEMs in the automotive, medical, industrial equipment and consumer electronics industries. It develops labels for demanding environments where heat, chemicals, UV exposure, abrasion and other conditions may affect performance.

The company also offers comprehensive product development from prototyping through full-scale production. Its range of identification and compliance labeling options supports products that require clear information throughout their life cycle.

3. Visual Marking Systems

Visual Marking Systems produces custom and industrial labels, compliance rating plates and other graphics for applications including industrial equipment, medical devices, appliances, electronics and transportation. Its labels are durable and withstand harsh environments, including chemical exposure, abrasion, UV and temperature fluctuations.

The company also offers material and adhesive selection, barcode and variable-data printing and durability testing. Its quality systems include ISO 9001:2015 certification and UL-approved marking and labeling systems.

Keeping Label Compliance on Track

Label compliance requires attention at several points, from identifying applicable requirements to verifying the finished label before shipment. Review your label information, barcode, required markings and durability against the specifications for each product and market. Working with a provider that understands your requirements can give you another layer of control before your products reach your customers.

*Please note that this list includes sponsored content. Some of the companies, products, or services featured have entered into commercial agreements for placement. Sponsored placements do not necessarily reflect an endorsement and should be considered alongside other options in the marketplace.