Small Print, Big Responsibility
The expiration dates and batch codes on product packaging are not only information but also a legal requirement and a guarantee of consumer confidence. An unreadable "Expiration Date" on a food product, a missing "lot number" on a medicine package, or a faded production code on a chemical bottle...
All of them directly affect the brand's reputation and the manufacturer's legal liability.
In this article, Electrojet the GS1, TSE, and Food Codex standards that must be followed in date coding, as well as the technical details that businesses should pay attention to.
GS1 Standard: The Key to Global Traceability
GS1is the most widely used standard for supply chain traceability worldwide.
This system ensures that each product has a unique identifier (GTIN, lot, serial number, 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 that meets both local and international export standards.
TSE Standards: Guarantee of Production Quality in Türkiye
In Turkey, product packaging information is subject to technical requirements determined by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) . Date, batch, and expiration date information must be printed in a legible, permanent, and unalterable manner
Criteria to be considered according to TSE
- Character height: Must not be less than 2 mm.
- Contrast ratio: At least 60% difference from the background.
- Permanent imprint: Should not be erased during product storage.
- Font: Standard readable font (such as Arial, OCR-B)
- Locally produced logos/certificates must be preserved intact.
Electrojet contribution: Electrojet devices automatically measure print resolution and ink density, producing prints that meet TSE contrast requirements.
Food Codex: A Framework for Protecting Consumer Health
The Turkish Food Codex Labeling and Consumer Information Regulationmandates date coding. This regulation specifically the production date (PT), best before date (BBD) , or best before date (BBD) be clearly indicated on the packaging of food products.
According to the regulation:
- Dates on a visible and indelible part of the food packaging .
- When packaging changes, the coding information must be updated to avoid confusion with older products.
- Incorrect date codingis considered "misleading labeling" and is subject to serious penalties.
The Electrojet difference: Electrojet inkjet systems automatically update the production date and, thanks to their "date verification algorithm," prevent outdated printing.
Coding Requirements for Medicines and Medical Products
In the healthcare sector, date coding forms the basis of drug recall processes . The Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) mandates the printing of barcode, lot number, and expiration date information on all pharmaceuticals and medical products
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
For chemical products (e.g., cleaning agents, aerosol cans), the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulation applies. This regulation requires the mandatory indication of the production code and batch number along with hazard symbols
In cosmetic products, the lot number and production date must be included to ensure "traceability"
Electrojet recommendation: In these sectors, pigment-based inks with high solvent resistance should be used. Electrojet's specially formulated series provide durability against chemical vapors and UV light.
International Compliance in Export Products
Products shipped abroad must use barcode formats such as GS1-128, EAN-13, and Code 128. Additionally, many countries require the date information to be in ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD)
Electrojet solution: Electrojet software systems automatically apply different date formats depending on the country. This makes it easy to code both local 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 is not just a stage of production; the legal chain of trust . Electrojet, with its systems fully compliant with GS1, TSE, and Food Codex standards, legible, durable, and legally 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 using GS1-TSE standards.
