Help → Exports & compliance packs
What is primary ingredient origin (Reg 2018/775), and when do I need it?
The short version
If your pack says or suggests where your product comes from, and its main ingredient comes from somewhere else, you have to say so. The rule comes from Regulation 2018/775.
Why the rule exists
It stops shoppers being misled. Picture a jar of jam with a big Union Jack and "Proudly British" on the label. Most shoppers would assume the strawberries are British too. If they actually come from Spain, the rule says the label has to make that clear.
What counts as the primary ingredient
The primary ingredient is either:
- an ingredient that makes up more than half of the product, or
- an ingredient shoppers link with the product's name, even if it's less than half. Strawberries in strawberry jam, for example.
When you need it
You need it when your pack shows where the product is from, through words like "Made in Britain", a flag, a map or a place name, and the primary ingredient comes from somewhere different.
If you don't mention where your product is from at all, this rule doesn't apply.
What it looks like on pack
You can say where the ingredient does come from, for example "Made in Britain with Spanish strawberries". Or you can say it isn't from the same place, for example "Strawberries from outside the UK".
You can record your primary ingredient origin in Canoli, and it's included on your product specification for buyers.
For more detailed instructions on how to add origin details in Canoli, subscribe to one of Canoli’s subscription tiers here, and you’ll be able to access our dedicated help pages.
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