{"id":2366,"date":"2024-06-22T15:47:12","date_gmt":"2024-06-22T10:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ulatus.com\/translation-blog\/?p=2366"},"modified":"2024-07-04T15:53:49","modified_gmt":"2024-07-04T10:23:49","slug":"product-labels-in-italy-now-require-translation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ulatus.com\/translation-blog\/product-labels-in-italy-now-require-translation\/","title":{"rendered":"Product Labels in Italy Now Require Translation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Article 9 of the Italian Consumer Code now requires all information on product labels, including non-mandatory information, to be translated into Italian. This means that products imported and sold in Italy must have labels with instructions, warnings, and ingredients written in Italian.

The information is required to be clear, accurate, and easily understandable for Italian consumers. This regulation applies to all types of products, including food, cosmetics, electronics, and household goods.

Failure to comply with this regulation can result in fines and potential legal consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consumer Protection and the Role of Language<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The requirement for product labels to be translated in Italy is part of a larger effort to protect consumers and ensure their rights are respected. Language plays a crucial role in this process, as it allows consumers to make informed decisions about the products they purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


By translating product labels<\/a> into Italian, consumers can fully understand the information provided and make safer choices for themselves and their families. This also promotes transparency between companies and consumers, building trust in the marketplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Moreover, language translation helps bridge cultural gaps between different countries and regions. It allows for better communication and understanding between international businesses and local communities. This not only benefits consumers but also contributes to the growth and development of the global economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction to the Law – Legislative Decree No. 206\/2005<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Legislative Decree No. 206\/2005<\/a>, also known as the Consumer Code, is a fundamental piece of legislation in Italy that outlines the rights of consumers and the obligations of businesses. This decree consolidates various consumer protection laws into one comprehensive document meant to help consumers and companies understand and comply with the regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Article 9 of this decree specifically addresses the translation of product labels, stating that all products sold in Italy must have clear and comprehensible information for consumers in Italian. This includes not only written information but also any images or symbols used on the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


The provision must go hand in hand with Article 6, which specifies the essential and required details that must be included on labels of consumer products sold within the country (e.g., materials used and production methods when they are relevant to the product\u2019s quality or characteristics).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Italian Consumer Code’s Language Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Information intended for consumers and users must, at the very least, be provided in Italian.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. If information is presented in multiple languages, it must also appear in Italian and be displayed with characters that are equally visible and legible as those in other languages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Common expressions in languages other than Italian are allowed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The relevant implementing provisions also determine when it is acceptable to display certain information required by Article 6 in its original language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When assessing the fairness of terms, the evaluation shall not concern the core subject matter of the contract or the adequacy of the price for goods or services, as long as these terms are in clear and understandable language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For contracts where all or some terms are provided to the consumer in writing, those terms must always be written in plain, intelligible language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Court of Como Clarifies Translation Requirements Under Italian Consumer Code for Product Labels (29 May 2024)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Background: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n