What to Know When Designing and Printing Product Sub-Labels

Sub-labels are an indispensable tool for complying with product labeling laws in Vietnam. According to Decree 13/2023 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, every imported or domestically produced product must have mandatory information in Vietnamese. When the original label lacks sufficient information or uses a foreign language, businesses must attach a sub-label to supplement or translate this content.

Việt POS provides a comprehensive sub-label printing solution, from design consultation to professional printer selection and production process management. This article guides you through the important aspects of designing and printing sub-labels for Vietnamese businesses.

##What are sub-labels and why do businesses need to use them?

Sub-labels are supplementary labels attached to the original product label, intended to translate mandatory information from a foreign language into Vietnamese or to add content as required by Vietnamese law. Sub-labels are typically printed on decal paper, polypropylene, or PET, with sizes ranging from 5×5 cm to 20×30 cm depending on the product.

Based on Việt POS's experience implementing solutions for retail, distribution, and manufacturing businesses, sub-labels help:

• Comply with Decree 13/2023 on product labeling and import regulations.
• Provide mandatory information: ingredients, expiration date, usage instructions, manufacturer's address.
• Increase product credibility and professionalism on retail shelves.
• Reduce costs of reprinting original labels when local information changes are needed.

##Legal regulations on product sub-labels in Vietnam

Sub-labels must comply with Decree 13/2023 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which details product labeling requirements. Mandatory information must be printed in Vietnamese, clear, easy to read, with a minimum font size of 2 mm. Sub-labels must be securely attached and not obscure important information on the original label.

Key requirements include:

• Mandatory information: product name, ingredients, expiration date, usage instructions, manufacturer/importer address.
• TCVN standards: sub-labels must meet standards for durability, adhesion, water and light resistance.
• Font size: minimum 2 mm for main information, 1.5 mm for secondary information.
• Material: must be moisture-resistant, grease-resistant, suitable for product storage conditions.

##Steps to design professional sub-labels

Designing sub-labels requires following a standard process: determining size, selecting material, arranging information by priority, checking legal compliance, and optimizing for the printer. This process ensures that sub-labels are both visually appealing and effective on retail shelves.

Detailed steps:

1. Determine size and shape: Measure the original label, choose a sub-label size that does not obscure important information. Common sizes: 10×15 cm, 8×12 cm, 5×10 cm.
2. Choose appropriate material: Decal paper (standard), polypropylene (waterproof), PET (greaseproof), or fabric (for high-end products).
3. Arrange information: Place mandatory information in an easily visible position, use clear fonts (Arial, Helvetica), minimum size 2 mm.
4. Check legal compliance: Ensure all mandatory information is present, with no misleading or incorrect information.
5. Optimize for printing: Convert files to PDF or EPS format, check resolution (minimum 300 DPI), ensure accurate colors.

##Choosing the right sub-label printer for your business

Sub-label printers are divided into 3 main types: thermal printers, inkjet printers, and laser printers. Each type has its own advantages in terms of speed, quality, and operating costs, suitable for different production scales. Reference prices range from 2-8 million VND depending on capacity and features.

Popular label printers in Vietnam:

• TSC MH241: 203 DPI thermal printer, 150 labels/hour capacity, reference price 3-4 million VND. Suitable for small and medium businesses.
• XPrinter XP 365B: USB + LAN thermal printer, 100 labels/hour capacity, reference price 2.5-3.5 million VND. Easy to install, suitable for cafes, restaurants, retail stores.
• Epson C6550P: Color inkjet printer, 200 labels/hour capacity, reference price 6-8 million VND. High print quality, suitable for high-end products, cosmetics, food.
• Godex EZ-2050: 203 DPI thermal printer, 150 labels/hour capacity, reference price 3-4 million VND. High durability, suitable for cold storage or humid environments.

##Sub-label printing process from design to production

The sub-label printing process includes 5 main steps: file design, printer preparation, test printing, quality control, and mass production. Each step must be carefully executed to ensure sub-labels meet legal and quality standards.

1. File design: Use CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop software. Files must be in PDF or EPS format, 300 DPI resolution, CMYK color.
2. Printer preparation: Check the printer, load paper/decal, set size and material type in the printer driver.
3. Test printing: Print 10-20 sample labels, check print quality, sharpness, color, size, information placement.
4. Quality control: Compare printed samples with the design file, check legal compliance, decal adhesion, water/grease resistance.
5. Mass production: After the sample is approved, proceed with large-volume printing. Periodically check quality (every 500 labels) to ensure consistency.

##Costs and implementation time for sub-labels for businesses

Sub-label implementation costs include: printer (2-8 million VND), paper/decal (500 thousand-2 million VND/month), file design (1-3 million VND), and labor. Implementation time ranges from 2-4 weeks, depending on business size and design complexity.

Detailed reference costs:

• Printer: 2-8 million VND (one-time), depending on printer type and capacity.
• Paper/decal: 500 thousand-2 million VND/month, depending on material type and print volume.
• File design: 1-3 million VND (one-time), or free if using Việt POS's consulting service.
• Labor: 5-10 million VND/month, depending on production scale.
• Printer maintenance: 500 thousand-1 million VND/year.

Implementation time:

• Week 1: Consultation, file design, printer selection.
• Week 2: Printer installation, staff training, test printing.
• Week 3-4: Quality control, adjustments, mass production.

##Next steps

The Việt POS technical team provides free consulting services on sub-label design, suitable printer selection, and comprehensive production process implementation. Contact hotline 0905 295 337 or offices in HCMC, Da Nang, Can Tho, Hanoi for support.

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