Product Labelling / Packaging Translation & Compliance
Providing product label translations does not only concern being understood in your target country. Compliant translation is at the forefront of our service.
Some of our Product Labelling Customers
“We have had no issues with accuracy. We did intense trialing prior to going live and TH have done a wonderful job retaining all agreed processes. We have not had any issues, and do not expect to in the future with the diligent way that TH work regarding legal concerns. We have found TH to be an extremely professional and friendly company, who are proactive and fully aware of their customers’ needs at all times.”
The process of ensuring product compliance in market.
There is often more than one way to translate terms. However, with product translations that need to comply with a specific regulatory legislation, that isn’t helpful! So, we turned the process on its head.
Most countries’ regulations dictate the exact terms which must appear on the product, when you translate packaging. If the competent authority has provided guidance on these terms or indeed included key terms throughout the legislation in different languages, common sense dictates that these exact terms (and legally correct phrases), should be used on your labels.
With product label translation, we remove any element of subjectivity, by utilising the terms used by the competent authority itself. Talking Heads has gone to great lengths to extract over 16,000 terms from many worldwide regulatory legislations in many languages and uses these terms intelligently to translate packaging when producing multilingual pack copy.
You can then work with a Compliance Partner (your existing partner or we can assist), to sign-off your product label/s to ensure they are compliant in your target market.
OPTION 1
LEGISLATIVE TRANSLATION
Solely provided by Talking Heads, our Legislative Translation process has 15 steps, which ensures that every translation we create is quality assured and uses regulatory terminology.
Option 1 is Legislative Translation by Taking Heads (see process on dropdown below).
You can also choose to have Multilingual Typesetting OR an Artwork Review by Talking Heads.
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Review / Research / QUOTATION. Analyse enquiry, determine feasibility and resources.
ORDER / Financial.
REVIEW. Project Manager review / research; administrative, technical and linguistic aspects according to the project spec; source language content analysis.
PRE-PROCESSING. Pre-processing of file(s) / formatting; technical and pre-production tasks in order to prepare the source language content for translation.
SOURCING. Source suppliers from linguist team: language, content, appropriateness for subject matter.
LEGISLATION GLOSSARY MATCH. Extraction and intelligent referencing and application of any legislative terms.
TRANSLATION. Human: ISO 17100 process: compliance with specific domain / client terminology, semantic accuracy, syntax, spelling, punctuation, diacritical marks and other orthographical conventions, lexical cohesion and phraseology, locale and any applicable standards; formatting; target audience and purpose of the target language content. Self-revision; semantic, grammatical and spelling issues, and for omissions and other errors.
REVIEW. Project Manager review / discussion of feedback.
PROOFREADING. A person other than the translator examines the target language against the source language content for any errors and other issues, and its suitability for purpose. This shall include comparison of the source and target language content.
REVIEW. PM review / QA check. Final delivery review; final verification of the project against specifications by the PM before delivery to the client.
POST PROCESSING. Post-processing of file(s); technical, formatting, quality checks.
TYPESETTING (optional). Typesetting of translations into artwork format; InDesign, etc.
DELIVERY. Delivery by the agreed deadline, in the agreed format.
FEEDBACK ‘CIRCLE’ / COMPLIANCE. With or after delivery: Feedback (PM): A process for handling client feedback, for assessment of client satisfaction and for making appropriate corrections and/or taking corrective action. If there is a need to implement any corrections, the work will be redelivered to the client.
GLOSSARY / TRANSLATION MEMORY. Translations may be retained in our Translation Memory (TM) software, allowing for consistency and cost savings in future.
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As part of our product translation services, we pride ourselves on working closely with each of our clients to deliver translations in a format that works with their operating systems. We not only discuss this with you, but we will also ensure we know the best way to transfer files as well as the target format that you would like us to work in. More commonly with product translation, the final translations are delivered to you in easily understandable multilingual columns / a spreadsheet, or we can provide implementation as below to ensure you can place this on your product packaging as quickly as possible.
Multilingual Typesetting
Errors usually occur when typesetting is handled by someone who does not understand the language/s, therefore we avoid this issue by managing the process for you. We also carry out another 'in-context' review of the label / packaging to ensure all required information is present, reads well and adheres.
This includes:
Typesetting the translations into the artwork (InDesign, Illustrator, etc.), by either over-typing the existing English, or typesetting the translations into allocated space/s.
Check that the translations have been typeset correctly: no missing characters, diacritics check, line flow, correct text structure, etc. to ensure that it is readable and fits within the allotted space in the character design.
Localisation / cultural checks are included as part of our product translation services to ensure product translation is completely natural.
In-context proofread.
We can provide script languages outlined for your typesetters.
OR Artwork Review
Alternatively, Talking Heads can carry out a native-speaker review after you / your designers have typeset the translations.
This native-speaker review includes:
Checks that translations have been typeset correctly: no missing characters, diacritics check, line flow, correct text structure, etc.
Localisation / cultural checks to ensure that all translation appears natural on the packaging. This is important when it comes to reaching your target audience as the more natural the translation appears, the better the product is likely to sell.
In-context proofread.
OPTION 2
TRANSLATION AND COMPLIANCE SIGN-OFF
With Option 2, you can choose any or all of the following services:
Ingredients Permissibility / Raw Materials Check (by Compliance Partner)
Pre-Translation Compliance Review of labels, packaging, etc (by Compliance Partner)
Legislative Translation (by Taking Heads)
Multilingual Typesetting OR Artwork Review (by Talking Heads)
Post-Translation Compliance Review (by Compliance Partner)
If you require Option 2, when you contact us please let us know if you have a Compliance Partner or if you would like us to provide information on this.
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Before you even begin to use product translation services, it is important to check that your current ingredients / contents / technical specifications are permitted in the country in which you intend to sell your product/s. When this has been completed, it‘s then time to confirm which legislation/s your products are regulated by. This is carried out by the Compliance Partner (e.g. referencing CLP Regulation (CE) 1272/2008 or EU - FIC Regulations 1169/2011 - Food Labelling).
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Before we get started with our translation process, the Compliance Partner carries out a review. This is put in place to ensure the following:
All mandatory information is included for the target market.
The information is displayed in the correct manner.
That artwork adheres to field of vision, font sizes, allergens, contrast, etc.
On-pack marketing claims adhere.
Other country-specific labelling elements, such as religious requirements / certification adhere.
At this stage of the process, the Compliance Partner will return their report, usually managed by compliance expert/s in the market/s in which you intend to sell - to ensure that your source content is correct before you start. You can analyse their advice for use and adjust product packaging and other information accordingly. Please note that this product translation process can be carried out for stickering as well as full label / packaging artwork to aid your business in creating effective packaging for every product.
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Review / Research / QUOTATION. Analyse enquiry, determine feasibility and resources.
ORDER / Financial.
REVIEW. Project Manager review / research; administrative, technical and linguistic aspects according to the project spec; source language content analysis.
PRE-PROCESSING. Pre-processing of file(s) / formatting; technical and pre-production tasks in order to prepare the source language content for translation.
SOURCING. Source suppliers from linguist team: language, content, appropriateness for subject matter.
LEGISLATION GLOSSARY MATCH. Extraction and intelligent referencing and application of any legislative terms.
TRANSLATION. Human: ISO 17100 process: compliance with specific domain / client terminology, semantic accuracy, syntax, spelling, punctuation, diacritical marks and other orthographical conventions, lexical cohesion and phraseology, locale and any applicable standards; formatting; target audience and purpose of the target language content. Self-revision; semantic, grammatical and spelling issues, and for omissions and other errors.
REVIEW. Project Manager review / discussion of feedback.
PROOFREADING. A person other than the translator examines the target language against the source language content for any errors and other issues, and its suitability for purpose. This shall include comparison of the source and target language content.
REVIEW. PM review / QA check. Final delivery review; final verification of the project against specifications by the PM before delivery to the client.
POST PROCESSING. Post-processing of file(s); technical, formatting, quality checks.
TYPESETTING (optional). Typesetting of translations into artwork format; InDesign, etc.
DELIVERY. Delivery by the agreed deadline, in the agreed format.
FEEDBACK ‘CIRCLE’ / COMPLIANCE. With or after delivery: Feedback (PM): A process for handling client feedback, for assessment of client satisfaction and for making appropriate corrections and/or taking corrective action. If there is a need to implement any corrections, the work will be redelivered to the client.
GLOSSARY / TRANSLATION MEMORY. Translations may be retained in our Translation Memory (TM) software, allowing for consistency and cost savings in future.
-
As part of our product translation services, we pride ourselves on working closely with each of our clients to deliver translations in a format that works with their operating systems. We not only discuss this with you, but we will also ensure we know the best way to transfer files as well as the target format that you would like us to work in. More commonly with product translation, the final translations are delivered to you in easily understandable multilingual columns / a spreadsheet, or we can provide implementation as below to ensure you can place this on your product packaging as quickly as possible.
Multilingual Typesetting
Errors usually occur when typesetting is handled by someone who does not understand the language/s, therefore we avoid this issue by managing the process for you. We also carry out another 'in-context' review of the label / packaging to ensure all required information is present, reads well and adheres.
This includes:
Typesetting the translations into the artwork (InDesign, Illustrator, etc.), by either over-typing the existing English, or typesetting the translations into allocated space/s.
Check that the translations have been typeset correctly: no missing characters, diacritics check, line flow, correct text structure, etc. to ensure that it is readable and fits within the allotted space in the character design.
Localisation / cultural checks are included as part of our product translation services to ensure product translation is completely natural.
In-context proofread.
We can provide script languages outlined for your typesetters.
OR Artwork Review
Alternatively, Talking Heads can carry out a native-speaker review after you / your designers have typeset the translations.
This native-speaker review includes:
Checks that translations have been typeset correctly: no missing characters, diacritics check, line flow, correct text structure, etc.
Localisation / cultural checks to ensure that all translation appears natural on the packaging. This is important when it comes to reaching your target audience as the more natural the translation appears, the better the product is likely to sell.
In-context proofread.
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This is the crucial stage which confirms absolute compliance, and where the Compliance Partner becomes responsible for the compliance of your product/s in market.
This assesses both the translated wording on the packaging, and also visual compliance (e.g. colours, use of certain logos, pictogram, etc). This check is done against the local market laws. This will preferably be carried out 'in-country'; by a compliance expert in the country in which you intend to sell.
Product Label Translation Case Studies
Related Translations for Product Brands
Labelling / SKU Translation and compliance for international use.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Translation for:
Toys (European Toy Safety regulations (EN71) / Toys (Safety) Regulations 20112 under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
The safe supply, handling and use of chemicals (UK REACH Regulation).
Electronics, machinery, etc. - Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 / Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/830.
Patient Information Leaflets (PILs).
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
Committee on Safety of Medicines.
Commission on Human Medicines.
Website Translation - marketing, ecommerce, apps
Social Media Translation.
SEO / PPC Translation. Read more >.
Point Of Sale (POS) Translation.
Contracts, research, and more.
RELATED SECTORS :
Other Legal / Compliance Services
It is essential to work with accredited partners in the field of compliant food labelling for such things as:
Ad hoc or detailed regulatory and compliance advice
Advertising advice
Recycling Processing technologies
Commercial procurement and supply-chain advice
Cosmetic safety assessments
Responsible Person Representation for Non-EU Companies
Stability studies and challenge testing
Packaging compatibility testing
Finished product specifications and associated testing
Routine microbiology (TVC, Yeast and Mould)
Product information file (PIF) compilation
Claim support (consumer trials and human trials)
Restricted and banned substance testing
Problem solving and investigation of customer complaints
FDA compliance and labelling advice.
Call us on 0114 4701076 or complete the form below.
Contact Us About Your Product Translation Requirements.
Call us on 0114 4701076 or complete the form below.
Existing Customers
You can submit a file for quotation by accessing your profile on projectlsp.com.
Requests are processed immediately during our working hours.
New Customers
If you would like to request a quote, please provide full details and we’ll be in touch to receive your files, if they are not uploaded on the form.
We aim to reply within 5 working hours.
Compliance Translation That Supports Product Content Compliance in the Market
Compliance translation is the accurate translation of regulated content where exact wording matters for safety, legal clarity, and market acceptance. At Talking Heads, we support businesses and brands with structured workflows that protect terminology, remove ambiguity, and keep multilingual product content consistent across markets. This level of linguistic accuracy is essential when content is being reviewed internally, submitted for regulatory compliance, or used to support business decisions across regions.
Why Is Compliance Translation Essential For Regulated Products And Global Brands?
Regulated product content is reviewed more closely than standard copy. When critical terms are translated inconsistently, approval timelines slow down, and packaging updates become more complicated than they need to be. Clear and consistent language supports smoother sign-off and helps keep product releases moving across multiple markets, while also protecting brand reputation.
Many organisations also need a compliant translated document that holds up under scrutiny for legal or insurance purposes, or where documentation forms part of internal audit processes. In these cases, compliance translation plays a direct role in supporting clear communication and reducing avoidable risk.
Final legal approval is typically completed by a qualified compliance specialist within your organisation or by an external regulatory advisor, such as a Regulatory Affairs Manager. Our role is to ensure the translated wording aligns with recognised regulatory terminology, so your compliance specialist can review and sign off with confidence.
What Makes Compliance Translation Different From Standard Translation Work?
Standard translation may allow several valid ways to express the same idea. For product packaging and regulated statements, that flexibility is not helpful. Many markets require specific terms and legally correct phrasing, particularly where the wording is expected to match legislation or competent authority guidance.
This is why a specialist compliance translation service focuses on accuracy, consistency, and clear meaning, especially when content is going through internal checks or external review. Where a project requires certified translation or legal translation, we clarify the requirements at the quote stage, so the correct workflow is applied and expectations are clear.
How Do We Remove Subjectivity From Regulatory Wording?
Most regulations dictate the exact terms that must appear on packaging when products are sold in a target market. Competent authorities often provide guidance on the correct terminology to use, including legally correct phrases across different languages.
Talking Heads removes subjectivity by applying terminology established by competent authorities. We have extracted over 16,000 terms from worldwide regulatory legislation across many languages, and we use these terms intelligently when translating multilingual pack copy. This supports consistency across product ranges and reduces the risk of avoidable changes during label review.
What Is Legislative Translation And Why Does It Matter?
Legislative Translation is our specialised method for translating regulated product content using legally correct phrases and expected regulatory terminology. It is designed for packaging and product documentation where approximate wording is not acceptable, and consistency matters across every market version.
As a compliance translation agency, we apply this structured approach to help brands maintain consistent terminology across multilingual packaging updates, including when products are being reformulated, reprinted, or launched internationally. It also supports a compliant translation outcome where regulated wording must remain clear and consistent over time.
How We Deliver Controlled, Quality Assured Translation
We follow a structured workflow that protects accuracy and repeatability across documents and markets. Each project starts with a project brief, so we understand the target countries, intended usage, and any existing terminology your team already follows. This keeps translation decisions consistent and makes the review process easier, particularly when every compliance document needs to stay aligned across versions.
For wider business content beyond packaging and regulated materials, our translation services also support marketing, technical, and corporate content with the same project control.
Step 1: Scope And Market Review
We confirm the content type, target markets, and terminology expectations to support compliance requirements from the start, including any regulatory compliance priorities for the destination market.
Step 2: Specialist Linguist Allocation
We assign native speaking linguists with experience handling professional content where precise wording matters, ensuring linguistic accuracy throughout the delivery.
Step 3: Legislative Translation Application
We translate using legally correct phrasing and accepted terminology, applying regulatory terms intelligently for pack copy consistency and streamlined approvals.
Step 4: Quality Assurance Checks
We check for accuracy, clarity, and consistency so the final translation is compliant and suitable for professional review and production workflows.
Step 5: Delivery For Production
We deliver translations in a format suitable for artwork implementation, type-setting, internal approval, and production workflows, providing a compliant translated document that is clear and ready to use.
Which Compliance Translation Services Do We Offer At Talking Heads?
We provide compliance-led translation support for regulated packaging and product documentation and packaging, from single items through to large-scale multilingual rollouts. Our structure is designed to keep translation and compliance responsibilities clear, while supporting smooth approvals.
Option 1: Legislative Translation
Option 1 is Legislative Translation delivered solely by Talking Heads. This process includes 15 structured steps, designed to quality assure the translation and apply regulatory terminology consistently.
You also have the option to add Multilingual Typesetting or an Artwork Review from Talking Heads. These services support packaging workflows by reducing placement errors and layout inconsistencies before publishing or printing.
Option 2: Translation And Compliance Sign Off
Option 2 supports organisations that require formal legal compliance sign-off alongside translation. In these cases, final approval is carried out by a qualified compliance specialist, Regulatory Affairs Manager, or external regulatory consultant, who confirms that the finished packaging meets target market legislation. Option 2 may include:
Ingredients permissibility or raw materials check (Compliance Partner)
Pre-translation compliance review (Compliance Partner)
Legislative Translation (Talking Heads)
Multilingual Typesetting or Artwork Review (Talking Heads)
Post-translation compliance review (Compliance Partner)
What Content Do We Translate For Compliance Purposes?
Compliance work often extends beyond one label update. We support regulated content where wording must stay stable across markets and versions, particularly where documentation supports regulatory compliance or internal governance.
Packaging And Product Labelling
We translate pack copy where legally correct phrasing matters, including warnings, instructions, claims, mandatory statements, and required terminology.
Safety And Regulatory Documentation Linked To Product Compliance
We support regulated product documentation where clarity protects correct usage and consistent interpretation across markets.
Patient And Consumer Information Linked To Regulated Products
Where information must be clearly understood, we translate with accuracy and readability in mind, helping guidance remain clear and consistent.
Contracts, Policies, And Formal Documentation
We also translate professional documents where responsibilities and procedures must remain precise and suitable for review, including supporting content for legal translation projects where correct meaning and consistency matter.
Why Choose Talking Heads As Your Compliance Translation Agency?
Regulated content requires a disciplined workflow and consistent terminology control. We support brands, agencies, and businesses that need reliable delivery for multilingual packaging and product documentation. For wider multilingual support beyond regulated content, we also work as a full language services provider, supporting organisations across sectors with consistent project delivery.
Working with us includes:
A compliance-led approach that prioritises recognised terminology
Legislative Translation designed for regulated product content
Optional Artwork Review or Multilingual Typesetting support
Clear handling for multi-market updates and large product ranges
A professional process aligned with recognised quality standards and ISO 17100:2015 translation service principles
Get A Fast Quote For Compliance Translation
When exact phrasing matters, specialist support makes a measurable difference. Talking Heads provides a compliance translation service designed for packaging and product content where terminology needs to stay accurate and consistent.
Send your files today, and we will confirm scope, turnaround time, and pricing. We aim to reply within 5 working hours. For multilingual conversations alongside documentation workflows, our interpreting services provide additional support.
Compliance Translation FAQs
What Is Included In A Compliance Translation Service?
A compliance translation service includes translation of regulated packaging and product content where accuracy and consistency matter. We apply controlled terminology and quality checks, so text remains compliant and suitable for review. This supports clearer approvals and repeatable wording across markets.
How Much Does Compliance Translation Cost?
Costs depend on word count, language pair, content complexity, and turnaround time. Packaging work may also include Artwork Review or Multilingual Typesetting if required. We provide clear pricing and timelines at the quote stage.
Do You Offer Artwork Review For Packaging Translation?
Yes. Artwork Review is available to support brands and agencies placing multilingual text into final layouts. This helps reduce errors before print or publication. It also supports smoother approval workflows.