Meaning of symbols 2.0

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5 May, 2022

The meaning of symbols on packaging

There are many symbols which, with different meanings, contribute to the consumer’s enlightenment.

These packaging symbols are internationally recognised and provide information about the product. Each one of them has its own meaning and informs us about the nature of the goods as well as instructions for use and storage.

While some of these symbols speak for themselves, others are more difficult to interpret.

To help you understand them, our experts explain the meaning of the symbols found on our packaging, so you know how to use them.

 

Image Title Description Notes
Medical device Indicates the item is a medical device To be used in Europe. The full definition of “medical device” is provided in the EU Regulation 2017/745. Other jurisdictions can have unique definitions.
Do not re-sterilize Indicates a medical device that must not to be re-sterilized N.A
Do not re-use Indicates a medical device that is intended for one single use only Synonyms for “Do not re-use” are “single use” and “use only once”.
Do not use if package is damaged and consult instructions for use Indicates that a medical device should not be used if the package has been damaged or opened and that the user should consult the instructions for use for additional information This symbol can also mean “Do not use if the product sterile barrier system or its packaging are compromised”.
For products that do not have instructions for use, the recommendation to consult them does not apply.
Country of manufacture To identify the country of manufacture of products Not all authorities with jurisdiction recognize the two letter or three letter country codes found in the ISO 3166-1.
Keep dry Indicates a medical device that needs to be protected from humidity This symbol can also mean “Keep away from rain” as referenced in ISO 7000.
Keep away from sunlight Indicates a medical device that needs protection from light sources This symbol can also mean “Keep away from heat”.
Use-by date Indicates the date after which the medical device is not to be used Synonyms for “use-by date” are “use by”, “expiry date” and “expiration date”.
Batch number Indicates the manufacturer’s batch code so that the batch can be identified Synonyms for “batch number” are “lot number”, “lot code” and “batch code”.
Serial number Indicates the manufacturer’s serial number so that a specific medical device can be identified N.A
Catalogue number Indicates the manufacturer’s catalogue number so that the medical device can be identified Synonyms for “catalogue number” are “commercial product name”, “commercial product code”, “stock keeping unit”, “reference number” and “reorder number”.
Manufacturer Indicates the medical device manufacturer This symbol is used to indicate information that is required in Europe and can be required by other authorities having jurisdiction.
For use in Europe the full definition of “manufacturer” is given in EU Regulations 2017/745[23] and 2017/746.[24] Other jurisdictions can have unique definitions.
The date of manufacture, as well as the name and address of the manufacturer, can be combined in one symbol.
Date of manufacture Indicates the date when the medical device was manufactured N.A.
Sterilized using ethylene oxide Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using ethylene oxide N.A.
Sterilized using steam or dry heat Indicates a medical device that has been sterilized using steam or dry heat N.A.
Sterile barrier system Indicates a single sterile barrier system A solid line identifies a sterile barrier system.
Additional information on sterile barrier systems can be found in ISO 11607-1 and ISO 11607-2.
Patient information website Indicates a website where a patient can obtain additional information on the medical product The use of this symbol is to indicate location of information available to the patient.
Distributor Indicates the entity distributing the medical device. If multiple symbols (i.e. Authorized Representative, Importer, Distributor, Translation, or Repackaging) identify the same responsible entity, the name and address need not be duplicated.
Non-sterile Indicates a medical device that has not been subjected to a sterilization process N.A.
UDI unique device identifier Indicates na operator that contains unique device identifier information This symbol identifies the UDI carrier, including the AIDC and human readable information.
CE marking CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the notified body involved in the conformity assessment procedure and deemed to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. The CE logo is represented with the four digit identification number of the notified body involved in the conformity assessment procedure. N.A.
CE marking CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. It is required for products manufactured anywhere in the world that are then marketed in the EU. N.A.
Recycling symbol This indicates that an object is capable of being recycled but not that it will necessarily be accepted in all recycling collection systems or that it has been recycled. N.A. 


If you have any questions or doubts about the symbols on our products, please contact a member of our team.

              


              


          


          

              
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