For new entrepreneurs venturing into the CBD industry, the primary question is…
What are the label requirements for CBD products?
Many are confused about the information to be displayed on the labels of their products. In order to avoid any untoward circumstances involving their product, CBD business owners should familiarise themselves with labels requirements for CBD products.
Labels requirements for CBD products need to be in strict accordance with the United Kingdom Food Labelling Regulations 1996 6(1). All CBD products sold need to have legally correct and accurate descriptions. All labels should be easy to read and understand. This is for the consumers' best interests.
The process of describing and fulfilling label requirements is often exhaustive and confusing. However, with strategically placed information, label requirements for CBD products can be simplified.
Table of Contents
Basic guidelines for labelling requirements
Below are several notable features of labelling requirements as advised by the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 in the United Kingdom. The Northern Irish legislation is identical to this.
Label requirements: Naming and labelling of item
This entails the usage of correct terminology of the product as being CBD, Phyto-cannabinoid, or hemp-derived product. The CBD product also should not assert any clinical benefits.
The term ‘food supplement’ must be specifically mentioned. This is to differentiate it from medical usage and allow CBD to be a part of a daily diet. This is only to the extent of describing nutritional gains in terms such as a ‘source of potassium’ or ‘fibre-rich’. If the CBD item contains vitamins or minerals, then more detailed descriptions can be used.
The name and precise address of the company producing the CBD product should be stated. This requirement is only if the company is located in the European Union. If the country producing the CBD product operates outside the European Union, it does not require any mention. The address of the distributing company in the EU, on the other hand, should be clearly stated on the product label.
Label requirements: Product composition
As per label requirement laws, the entire composition for the CBD product, including all additives, must be stated. An example of the above would be ‘Cannabinoid type A 10 mg’. Moreover, the active product’s weight being in milligrams must be guaranteed.
CBD products sourced from within the European Union should be labelled as a ‘product of the EU’. However, specific countries may also be named as sources of origin.
Other labels requirements for CBD products are that potential allergy-causing additives should be clearly described, preferably in bold text.
Label requirements: Product shelf life
The cannabinoid and CBD product’s expiry date should be clearly legible and individually printed. The expiration date should be within a year of its manufacture.
Label requirements: Dosage requirements
With regard to the dosage requirements, the label must clearly mention:
- How the CBD product is to be administered within a one-day window.
- Whether the CBD product is to be ingested orally or inhaled. The precise quantity and duration (two or three tablets per day) should be clearly stated on the labelling.
The label should have a visible warning to not exceed CBD product intake by more than 70 mg in 24 hours. Moreover, the CBD product’s consumption should not replace daily food intake.
Storing and proper usage:
Proper instructions on how to store the CBD product is essential. Examples include ‘keep refrigerated' or ‘store in a dark place'. A warning to keep CBD products safe from the reach of children is also part of the label requirements for CBD products.
Adhering to standardisation of labelling requirements
A clear standardisation of label requirements for CBD products is necessary. Such methods make it easy for consumers to follow one unit of CBD dose measurement. For example, the scale of measurement should be the metric system (milligram, millilitres). Ratios, proportions, and percentages should be avoided.
Furthermore, this information should be placed on the front of the package. If cannabis isolate or pure extracts are used in the CBD product, then measurements can be disregarded.
Following the label requirements for CBD products stated above can help any new CBD enterprise. It should be noted that laws are subject to change, but standardisation of labelling requirements would ease any such transition.
