An overview of EU mandatory and voluntary labeling and marking requirements has been compiled in a market research report available online. Labeling and Marking Requirements
Hungary has strict labeling requirements for specific product groups. The primary requirement for consumer goods is that the product information must be in Hungarian. This can be a sticker placed on the existing packaging. The following information must appear on the label of foods:
• Product type (trademarks, brand names may not substitute the generic/product name but may be used in addition to the product name).
• List of ingredients must show all ingredients (including additives) in descending order of weight as recorded at the time of their production and designated by their specific name. In case some products encompass ingredients likely to cause allergic reactions or intolerances, a clear indication is to be given on the label with the word “contains” followed by the name of the ingredient. However, this is not necessary provided the specific name is included in the list of ingredients.
• Net quantity in metric units.
• Date of minimum durability.
• Special conditions for storage or use (if applicable).
• Name or business name and address of the manufacturer, packager or importer established in the European Union.
• Country of origin or provenance (if outside the EU).
• Alcohol content for beverages containing more than 1.2% by volume.
The following information must appear on the label of cosmetics and household chemicals:
• Name or business name and address of the manufacturer, packager or importer established in the European Union.
• Country of origin or provenance (if outside the EU).
• Name and intended function of the product, except when it is evident from the appearance and instructions for use, when it is reasonable.
• Shortest time of preserving its quality (e.g. best before year/month).
• When needed, prescription of storage conditions, important from the point of view of quality, maintenance.
• Precautions required in the case of consumer or professional use.
• Enumeration of all components including specific references to technical (e.g., electric) certificates issued by Hungarian authorities must be attached to the individual packing.
Hungarian retailers are required to comply with the new deposit return scheme coming into force on January 1, 2024. An estimated 1,500 stores will need to install reverse vending machines for the return of glass, plastic bottles, and metal cans. For shops larger than 400m2 it is mandatory to install machines. About 5,000-6,000 bottle collection machines will be installed by July 1, 2024, nationwide. Under the new scheme, consumers are expected to receive coupons for returned bottles, which can be converted to cash or transferred to bank accounts using a barcode scanner on the machines.