Commission publishes EU packaging guidelines

The EU Commission has published detailed guidelines on the packaging of medical products, including labelling and inserted leaflets containing additional information. Notably, the rules say that 'rational' packaging should be used, with clear pack sizes governed by the duration of treatment. These should be regular in all Member States, and not designed 'in accordance with local traditions or prescription habits'. Also, even though labels must be written in the language of the EU country where medicines are sold, the guidelines say that 'the logo, format, layout, style, colour scheme and if possible the pack dimensions must be identical for all versions of packs'. EU market authorisation applications have to be accompanied by mock-ups of packaging.