What Actually Needs to Go on the Back of Your Packaging to Be Retail-Ready?
(A must-read for small biz owners getting ready to hit the shelves)
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of working with the lovely Andrew at Lit by Drew to get some reed diffuser packaging retail-ready.
If you’re a product-based business and you’re gearing up to sell in shops, at markets, or even on third-party platforms like Etsy or Not on the High Street, you need to know what goes on the back of your packaging to make it retail compliant.
Because let’s be real - beautiful design gets you noticed, but the boring-but-essential stuff is what keeps you on shelves!
Here’s what you need for retail-ready packaging:
Barcodes for Retail Products
You’ll need a GS1-registered barcode (EAN or UPC) that can be scanned at point of sale. Make sure it’s positioned correctly, sized for legibility and not too close to the edge.
This is essential for retailers, wholesalers and stock management systems.. no barcode = no sale!
Safety Icons & Legal Requirements for Product Packaging
Depending on your product type and where you’re selling, the legal requirements for packaging can vary - especially if you’re shipping internationally.
But generally, you’ll need to think about things like:
CE or UKCA mark (for toys, electronics, etc.)
Age restriction or safety icons
Cruelty-free, vegan, or recyclable symbols (if you’re claiming them)
Your business name and contact address (usually a legal must for selling in the UK, EU and beyond)
The specifics might shift depending on your product and region, but this stuff isn’t optional.
It keeps you compliant, builds trust and tells both retailers and customers that you’re serious about what you’re selling.
CLP Labels (for Candles, Diffusers and Home Fragrance)
If you’re selling candles, wax melts or diffusers in the UK or EU, you’ll need to include CLP warnings. These are legal labels that show things like:
Hazard symbols
Signal words (e.g “Warning”)
Risk phrases and ingredients
Your business contact details
But heads up - CLP isn’t used everywhere.
If you’re selling internationally, other countries follow their own rules (like the CPSC in the US or WHMIS in Canada), so your labels might need to be adapted.
TL;DR: CLP is a must for the UK/EU, but it’s not one-size-fits-all globally. Check local regs before you print.
Print Ready Packaging Artwork
Once your design is finished, you need to hand over print ready artwork to your packaging supplier. That means:
• Accurate dielines and cutter guides
• Correct bleed, trim and safe zones
• High-res imagery (300dpi min)
• CMYK colour formatting
Trust me when I say, retail packaging design for small businesses goes way smoother when everything’s been set up properly from the start.
No blurry logos or lopsided labels here, thank you!
Proof Checking with Suppliers
This is your final “oh sh*t” prevention step: double, triple check your design proofs before anything goes to print. Some things to look out for:
• Barcode position and scannability
• Legibility of small text
• Colour consistency across different print finishes
• Any legal or safety info that might have been missed
I always recommend requesting a physical sample when possible - you can miss stuff on screen but it’s best to catch before you go to production!
Final Thoughts
Having all the right info and legal bits on the back of your packaging isn’t just a tick-box exercise - it’s a trust-builder. It tells retailers you know your stuff and it tells your customers you’re serious about quality and safety!
Three lush new blends later and Lit by Drew’s reed diffusers are now proudly stocked online and in selected stores.
Wanna see what retail-ready packaging looks like? Have a nosey! www.litbydrew.co.uk
Need help getting your packaging compliant AND cute?
Whether you’re launching your first SKU or prepping to pitch to retailers, I’ll help to make sure your packaging is legally solid, visually stunning and retail-ready!
Let’s get your products dressed for success! Get in touch!
