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The e-mark on packaged goods: production evidence guide

Understand what the voluntary e-mark declares and the production controls needed before it is placed on packaged goods.

Production environment relevant to the e-mark on packaged goods: production evidence guide

Direct answer

The e-mark is a voluntary declaration that the packer has complied with the average system for eligible packaged goods; it is not a general quality symbol. Before using it, confirm scope, quantity control, measuring equipment, sampling, records, labelling and the packer or importer responsibilities.

Understand what the mark declares

GOV.UK describes the e-mark as a declaration by the packer that the contents comply with the average system. Its use is voluntary and restricted to packs meeting the relevant criteria.

Do not use it as decoration or as evidence that unrelated product, safety or quality requirements have been met. The declaration depends on the packer’s quantity-control system.

Confirm the eligible pack and market

Check nominal quantity, units, product and market rules before approving artwork. The UK continues to recognise voluntary use for eligible average-system packs, but exports can involve additional market requirements.

Record the legal and technical approval with the artwork version and effective date.

Build supporting production records

Document the filler or packing method, tare control, target, TNE, sampling, equipment verification and corrective action. Records should make it possible to reconstruct whether a production batch was controlled at the time it was made.

Where multiple contract packers or factories use the same artwork, verify that each site has an appropriate system before the mark is released.

Control artwork and line clearance

Treat addition or removal of the e-mark as a controlled artwork change. Segregate obsolete material, verify first-off packs and prevent mixed stock during the transition.

Check size, legibility and placement with the full statutory quantity statement and any market-specific information.

Information to prepare

  • Confirm the pack is eligible for the average system
  • Verify packer or importer responsibility
  • Document the Three Packers control system
  • Approve measuring equipment and sampling
  • Link the e-mark to controlled artwork
  • Complete line clearance and first-off checks
  • Retain quantity-control and artwork evidence
Relevant specialist route

Weigh Fillers

Filling and weighing routes for controlled nominal quantities and repeatable pack weights.

View the solutionweighfillers.co.uk
Important: Confirm current UK and destination-market rules before applying the e-mark to packaging artwork.

Official references

Check the current source before relying on dates, thresholds or legal duties.

Common search questions

Questions customers also ask

Is the e-mark compulsory on UK packaged goods?

No. GOV.UK describes it as voluntary, but it may only be used when the relevant criteria are met.

Does the e-mark prove every pack is above nominal quantity?

No. It relates to compliance with the average system, which uses batch average, TNE and twice-TNE controls.

Can a brand owner add the mark if a contract packer fills the goods?

Responsibilities and evidence must be agreed for the actual supply chain. The production site needs an appropriate quantity-control system.

Does the e-mark replace the quantity statement?

No. Packaged goods still need the required clear quantity labelling.

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