Packaging Symbols and Meanings Explained If you sell products online, ship nationwide, or export outside the UK, the small symbols printed on your packaging are not decorative. They communicate critical handling instructions, recycling information, and legal compliance requirements. Using the wrong symbols on packages can lead to damaged goods, fines, rejected shipments, or confused customers. Many growing businesses focus on box size and branding but overlook packaging symbols until a problem arises. Understanding packaging symbols and meanings protects your products, ensures compliance, and builds trust with customers and logistics partners. This guide explains the most common packaging symbols used in the UK, what they mean, and how businesses should apply