The way you package your product is vital to its success for both cultural and legal reasons. You need to think about:

• Which languages are needed and what information is obligatory;

• Whether your packaging conforms to local taste, and does not insult local beliefs or values;

• Whether your product packaging conforms to local standards.

To do this you need to develop an understanding of for example local legislation, health and safety standards, local religion and language, colour association, etc. A good translator, local customers or agents and cultural briefing consultants can all help you with this. Go to BLIS Professionals to find providers of language and cultural services.

Always ensure you are careful to consider all aspects of cultural adaptation.

Avoid the pitfalls that other companies have encountered when expanding into overseas markets -
Test your knowledge - can you spot the mistakes made?