Global Import Packaging Rules: Prohibited Materials and Graphic Taboos for Exporters

1. Packaging Materials That Are Off-Limits for Imports

United States: Straw is banned as packaging material to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases. If customs discovers it, it must be destroyed on the spot, and all resulting costs must also be covered.

New Zealand's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Agricultural Quarantine Service: Imported goods packaging may not contain soil, marl, hay, straw, wheat straw, chaff or bran, living moss, used old gunny sacks, or other waste materials.

Philippines: The Department of Health and Customs prohibits imported goods from being packaged with gunny sacks, gunny sack products, straw, straw mats, or similar materials.

Australia: The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service requires a fumigation certificate for imported goods packaged in wooden crates, including pallet timber.

1. Symbols and Patterns to Avoid in Export Packaging

France: Bright colors are regarded as noble and are well received; the horse symbolizes bravery. Walnuts, dark green, and the spade pattern should be avoided, and chrysanthemums should not appear on trademarks. The peacock is seen as an evil bird, while cranes and turtles are also unsuitable for trademarks.

United Kingdom: Human portraits should not be used on trademarks. Elephants and goats should be avoided, while white cats are favored. As in France, the UK views the peacock as an evil bird unsuitable for trademarks, while the horse represents bravery.

Switzerland: Owls are taboo.

Netherlands: Orange is seen as a lively color; orange and blue represent the nation, and tulips are also cherished.

Denmark: Red, white, and blue are considered auspicious colors.

Italy: Purple is viewed as a negative color. Light and pale shades are preferred for clothing, cosmetics, and their packaging, while bright colors are preferred for food and toys.

Germany: Goods and packaging made in Germany may not carry markings similar to Nazi or legion symbols.

Arab countries: The six-pointed star is prohibited on imported goods packaging because it resembles the pattern on Israel's flag; such imagery is strongly disliked and avoided there.

Libya: Pig patterns and female body patterns are prohibited on imported goods packaging.

In addition, among Europeans, most people like black cats, except Belgians, who regard cats as unlucky.

The triangle is also viewed as a warning sign, so it should be avoided in trademarks for export products.

Source: China Packaging Network (pack.cn), original link: http://news.pack.cn/show-362206.html