OEM & private label
HNB Packaging Design: Compliance First, Brand Second
By KOKEN Editorial Team · Published · 3 min read
Design HNB packaging around the mandatory elements first: health warnings, required text, tax or excise markings, and batch codes for your market. Then build your brand into the remaining space, and approve final proofs with the manufacturer before production.
Packaging levels
| Level | Typical content |
|---|---|
| Pack | Brand, flavour name, health warnings, mandatory text, batch code |
| Carton | Multiple packs; brand, flavour, counts, markings required for distribution |
| Shipping case | Multiple cartons; shipping marks, product description, quantities, handling marks |
Mandatory elements to check
- Health warnings: text, picture warnings, size and position rules.
- Product description: how the product must be described (for example heated tobacco or herbal product).
- Language requirements for the destination market.
- Tax or excise markings and any track-and-trace codes.
- Age restriction statements where required.
- Batch or lot codes and manufacturer or importer details.
- Restrictions on wording, such as bans on certain descriptors or claims.
Never put health claims on HNB packaging. Many markets prohibit implying that a product is safer or less harmful.
Building the brand within the rules
Once mandatory elements are placed, use colour coding to distinguish flavours, keep the flavour name clear, and use a consistent system across tobacco and herbal lines. Check that colour and imagery rules in your market allow your design, since some markets mandate plain packaging.
Artwork approval workflow
- Share market requirements and brand guidelines with the manufacturer.
- Receive dielines (templates) for pack, carton and case.
- Submit artwork and check every mandatory element.
- Review printed or digital proofs and sign off in writing.
- Keep approved proofs on file for QC of future shipments (see our QC checklist).
KOKEN's private-label packaging programme supports brand owners through this process.
Planning an HNB programme?Share your target market, volume and packaging needs with KOKEN International FZ-LLC. Request a manufacturing quote or browse the tobacco and herbal stick ranges.