Product Label Translation

Product label translation converts the text, symbols, and measurements on packaging into the target language so consumers understand the product and regulators accept it. It matters because each country defines what information must appear and how it is shown. A solid approach maps the mandatory items first, then translates with human review and adapts units and dates. Typical projects cover product name, ingredients, allergens, net contents, usage, warnings, storage, and origin. Timelines for short labels are often fast, but layout checks add time when languages expand. Good outcomes come from clear scope, a glossary for ingredients and warnings, and a print-ready check after desktop publishing. Tomedes provides human translation with QA, fast response, and can advise on regional rules before design so labels are compliant and ready to print.

Tomedes aligns the translation and layout to the rules of the sale market. The process starts by listing the applicable laws for your product type, then confirming language, unit, date, and warning rules. Translators use approved terminology for ingredients and hazards, and reviewers check read-back against the source. After that, a desktop publishing step fits the text into the packaging file without losing legibility. A final print-ready check confirms hierarchy, contrast, and symbol use. This approach reduces recalls and customs delays, and it supports audits with version-controlled files. Tomedes assigns subject-matter linguists and a dedicated manager, provides quick quotes and 24/7 support, and returns a compliant label master you can reuse across variants.

Sometimes a single label works across markets, but differences in rules often require market-specific changes. The safer method is to build a core layout and maintain variants for each country. Changes can include bilingual text, different net content units, date formats, or extra warnings. To decide, list all target markets and compare their label requirements for your product category, then apply the strictest items or split into variants. This avoids rejected shipments and repack costs. Tomedes helps plan a base template and prepares bilingual or multilingual artwork, then keeps a version history so updates roll out cleanly.

Most regulators require local-language versions of any information a consumer needs to use the product safely. Typical items include product name, ingredients, allergens, usage instructions, warnings and precautions, storage, manufacturer or importer, country of origin, batch or lot, dates, and net contents with correct units. Barcodes and certification marks usually remain unchanged, but nearby text often changes. The best practice is to supply editable files, a current ingredient list, and any prior translations to keep terms consistent. Tomedes translates and reviews these elements, then fits the text in layout so the label stays clear and compliant.

Costs depend on word count, language pair, complexity, and layout work. Common per-word rates for general content start in the low cents range and rise for specialized content or rare pairs. Certification, notarization, and desktop publishing are usually priced as add-ons. To budget well, share editable sources and request separate lines for translation, QA, DTP, and rush service. Ask for the revision policy and the expected timeline before work starts. Tomedes provides fast, itemized quotes, supports packaging formats like InDesign and Illustrator, offers 24/7 support, and backs quality with a one-year accuracy warranty.

Free camera translation is helpful for quick personal understanding, but it is not suitable for regulatory labeling or safety content. Instant translations may miss allergens, units, or warning phrasing that laws require. For anything sold or inspected, use a human translator and a documented review. If you need an immediate sense check while shopping, mobile translation is fine, but do not copy that text into packaging. Tomedes delivers human translation with terminology control and a QA step, then returns a print-ready file that meets market rules.

On iPhone, select text and use Translate, or open the Translate app and use the camera to capture the label. On Android, the Google Translate app also supports camera translation. Treat results as approximate and avoid pasting them into packaging or compliance documents. For official use, ask for a human translation and review. Tomedes can turn your photos or PDFs into compliant translations with desktop publishing so your final file is ready for print.

The process starts with scoping and file prep, then translation with a glossary and reviewer, followed by desktop publishing and print-ready checks. Best practice is to approve key terms up front, then run translation and review in short cycles to catch issues early. After layout, a final read on the designed file confirms no text loss or clashes with icons. Keep a versioned master for each market so updates are fast and traceable. Tomedes handles translation, QA, and DTP in packaging formats, and returns compliant artwork on deadline.