3. Labeling is coding
Many specialized codes are used in product coding, e.g., hazardous code, product name code, disposal code, recycling code. Labeling of food products, hazardous materials, and packaging is particularly important. This is fundamental for food safety (source of origin), proper transport of hazardous materials, and the reuse and recovery of products and packaging. The European Union pays great attention to this issue. This effort is reflected in a number of legal regulations. Below are several examples of information coding, product features, or goods identification codes.
The importance of issues related to product coding (packaging is also a product) is evidenced by Article 21a of the Act of May 11, 2001, on packaging and packaging waste, which states: “whoever labels packaging in violation of the rules set out in Art. 6 paragraphs 1-4, shall be subject to a fine.”
4. Conclusions
1. In the modern world, the identification, labeling, and coding of products and other objects are becoming increasingly important; therefore, we should strive for standardization in this field. Product coding as a field of knowledge, as well as European Union and NATO standards, can play a significant role here.
2. In the NATO Codification System, the terms: codification, codificational, and coding refer to coding in the IT sense (encryption). However, coding in the sense of writing down principles, rules, and laws – common to many system users – is also very important.
3. At the current level of development in product coding, the coexistence of many product and service coding systems is necessary due to their different applications, technologies, and levels of detail. Perhaps, however, in the future, a single global classification and codification system with universal application will be created.
2. In the NATO Codification System, the terms: codification, codificational, and coding refer to coding in the IT sense (encryption). However, coding in the sense of writing down principles, rules, and laws – common to many system users – is also very important.
3. At the current level of development in product coding, the coexistence of many product and service coding systems is necessary due to their different applications, technologies, and levels of detail. Perhaps, however, in the future, a single global classification and codification system with universal application will be created.