06 Nov 2022 Braille Labels for the Blind and Visually Impaired for Pharmaceutical, Phytotherapy and Homoeopathic Products

Self-adhesive labels with Braille characters are designed to allow the blind or visually impaired to recognise the name of pharmaceutical products, or to easily identify the warning triangle, through touch.

According to Italian Law 149 of 26/07/2005 and European Directive 2004/27/EC, the outer packaging or primary packaging of all pharmaceutical, phytotherapy and homoeopathic products must contain the trade name of the product in Braille.

The hazard warning triangle is regulated by the EN ISO 11683:1999 standard, and allows consumers to be warned of the presence of certain hazardous substances and preparations.

Braille Characters on Packaging: Location and Characteristics

Braille is a tactile reading and writing system composed of a series of matrices containing a maximum of six raised dots, in a domino-type arrangement.

The location of the Braille text must be easily identifiable, but must not reduce the legibility of the printed text. It is recommended to position the Braille for reading along the longitudinal axis, and not locate it on the closure of the container.

Tactile Warning Triangle on Labels

The tactile warning triangle can be applied in line, on the primary or secondary packaging, and serves to communicate the presence of specific hazardous substances or preparations. The dimensions and thickness of the triangle are specified by the standard EN ISO 11683:1999.

Printing of Braille Characters on Packages

Different technologies can be used to apply the Braille to the packaging of medicinal products, including relief printing, screen printing or inkjet printing.

These print techniques allow for deposition of large ink quantities, thus creating a relief which is identifiable to the touch.

Pharmaceutical Packaging and Regulations

Italian Law 149/2005, European Directive 2004/27/EC, and the EN ISO 17351 and EN ISO 11683:1999 standards are not the only regulatory devices which define the characteristics of labels in Braille and the tactile warning triangle.

There is a huge amount of regulation on this subject, and it is very specific. Get in touch to design your new label for your pharmaceutical, phytotherapy or homoeopathic remedy!