Small Print, Big Responsibility
Date and batch codes on product packaging aren't just information; they're a legal obligation and a guarantee of consumer confidence. An illegible "Best Before" date on a food product, a missing "lot number" on a pharmaceutical packaging, or a deleted production code on a chemical bottle...
All of them directly affect the brand's reputation and the manufacturer's legal liability.
In this article, as Electrojet, the GS1, TSE and Food Codex standards that must be followed in date coding and the technical details that businesses should pay attention to.
GS1 Standard: The Key to Global Traceability
GS1 is the most widely used standard for supply chain traceability worldwide.
This system ensures that each product has a unique identifier (GTIN, lot, batch, expiration date).
Required Fields in GS1 Coding
| Area | Explanation | Code Sample |
| GTIN | Global Trade Item Number | (01)08612345678904 |
| Expiration date | Product consumption period | (17)251231 |
| Batch / Lot Number | Production series tracking | (10)L2356A |
| Serial number | Unique product ID | (21)1234567890 |
Electrojet solution: Electrojet inkjet and laser coding systems fully compatible with GS1 DataMatrix and barcode structures . This enables production to comply with both local and international export standards.
TSE Standards: Guarantee of Production Quality in Türkiye
In Turkey, product packaging information the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) . Date, batch, and expiration information must be printed legible, permanent, and unalterable
Criteria to be considered according to TSE
- Character height: Not less than 2 mm
- Contrast ratio: At least 60% difference with the background
- Permanent print: Should not be erased during product storage period
- Font: Standard readable font (such as Arial, OCR-B)
- Domestic production logos / certificates must be preserved intact.
Electrojet contribution: Electrojet devices produce prints that comply with TSE contrast requirements by automatically measuring print resolution and ink density.
Food Codex: A Framework for Protecting Consumer Health
The Turkish Food Codex Labeling and Consumer Information Regulation mandates date coding. This regulation specifically the production date (DAT) , best before date (BEST before) or best before date (BEST before) be clearly displayed on food products' packaging.
According to the regulation:
- Dates on a visible and indelible part of the food packaging .
- When packaging is changed, the coding information must be updated and not confused with older products.
- Incorrect date coding is considered “misleading labeling” and is subject to serious criminal penalties.
The Electrojet difference: Electrojet inkjet systems automatically renew the production date and do not allow past date printing thanks to the “date control algorithm”.
Coding Requirements for Medicines and Medical Products
In the healthcare sector, date coding drug recall processes . The Turkish Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) mandates the printing of barcodes, lot numbers, and expiration dates
Application Details
- Codes must be in QR code or DataMatrix format.
- A minimum module size of 0.25 mm must be maintained.
- Readability should remain unchanged for 5 years.
Electrojet technical advantage : Electrojet laser marking systems provide long-lasting readability on medical packaging with solvent-free, permanent printing technology.
Labeling Rules for Chemical and Cosmetic Products
The CLP (Classification, Labeling and Packaging) regulation applies to chemical products (e.g., cleaning agents, aerosol cans) requires the mandatory display of the production code and batch number
the lot number and production date must be included in accordance with the "traceability" principle
Electrojet recommendation: pigment-based inks with high solvent resistance should be used. Electrojet's specially formulated series provide permanence against chemical vapors and UV light.
International Compliance in Export Products
Products shipped internationally must use barcode structures such as
GS1-128, EAN-13, and Code 128. Additionally, many countries require date information to be in ISO 8601 format
Electrojet solution: Electrojet software systems automatically apply different date formats by country. This makes it easy to code both domestic and export products from the same production line.
Things to Consider During the Compliance and Audit Process
- Your coding system should be regularly maintained and calibrated.
- Keeping production logs (date, batch, device ID) digitally provides a great advantage during audits.
- Ink and consumables must comply with TSE and GS1 standards.
Harmony, Trust and Continuity
Date coding isn't just a stage of production; of the legal chain of trust . With systems fully compliant with GS1, TSE, and Food Codex standards, Electrojet readable, permanent, and regulatory-compliant printing solutions for your production line.
In this way, brands can safely participate in both national audits and international markets.
Are your coding processes fully compliant with legal standards?
Request a "Compliance Analysis" from Electrojet experts and have your production line inspected free of charge by GS1-TSE.
