Private Label

Private label adds complexity. That’s not a bad thing—unless you pretend it doesn’t.
The core risk is identity: packaging and labels must preserve batch traceability and match the documentation set.
This page explains private label in a documentation-first, EU-focused wholesale workflow.
This is not legal advice and we do not guarantee customs clearance or delivery outcomes.

What “private label” means here (operationally)

Private label means the product is packaged and labeled for your brand and distribution workflow. It does not mean you can ignore documentation.
If anything, private label requires stricter identity controls because your brand becomes the first thing reviewers see.

Typical private label scope

Brand-facing packaging and label application (outer/inner packaging)
Batch/lot ID placement rules (must match documentation)
Packaging configuration options (units, case packs, sealing)
Document alignment (COA set, batch map, shipment packet)

If you’re not ready to manage that scope, start with standard wholesale first:
/wholesale/thca-flower/.

Non-negotiables for private label (compliance-first)

Private label succeeds when every unit stays traceable to a batch file. These are the baseline controls:

Batch/lot ID must remain visible and match COA, invoice, packing list, and shipment packet.
COA must be batch-linked and complete (no generic reports).
Lab must be verifiable before results are treated as decision-grade.
Shipping documents must tell one story (no conflicting descriptions or quantities).

Standards: traceability · COA requirements ·
lab verification · shipping documents.

Packaging & labeling controls (where private label fails)

The fastest way to create customs issues and disputes is sloppy labeling. Private label must follow a controlled label system.

Required label identity elements (minimum)

Batch/Lot ID (exact format consistent across all documents)
Product identifier (consistent naming used on invoice/packing list)
Net weight / unit count (consistent with packing list)
Packaging date or internal code (where used for internal control)

Packaging/label baseline: /compliance/packaging-labeling/.

Label formatting rule (simple but critical)

Do not “stylize” batch IDs. No font tricks, no abbreviations, no alternate spacing. Batch IDs must be copied exactly.
Formatting drift causes document mismatch—mismatch causes holds.

Documentation set for private label shipments

Private label shipments should ship with a coherent packet assembled before dispatch.

Private label shipment packet (minimum)

Invoice + packing list (aligned quantities, weights, descriptions)
Batch map (which lot IDs are in the shipment; mapping to cartons/cases if applicable)
COA set (batch-linked)
Lab verification note
Packaging/label consistency check record (internal)

Build it with: /documentation/shipping-flow/ and
/compliance/shipping-documents/.

Change control (how professionals avoid chaos)

Private label fails when changes happen informally. Your team should treat packaging and label edits as controlled changes.

Change control checklist

One approved label version per SKU/format (versioned file naming)
Documented effective date for label changes
Batch ID placement verified after any change
Archived prior versions for audit and dispute reference
Internal sign-off (ops/compliance) before use

If your internal team doesn’t have a QA workflow yet, start here:
/documentation/quality-assurance/.

Buyer responsibilities (private label reality check)

Private label increases buyer responsibility. You must manage:

Destination-market compliance posture (context references: /legal-status/)
Internal acceptance specs and approvals
Brand risk (your packaging is what reviewers and inspectors see first)
Receiving discipline and storage handling

Storage/handling baseline: /compliance/storage-handling/.

FAQ

Do you guarantee private label shipments will clear customs?

No. Cross-border outcomes depend on enforcement conditions and carrier handling. We focus on documentation and identity controls.
See /documentation/risk-disclosure/ and /shipping/.

What’s the most common private label mistake?

Breaking traceability by hiding or altering batch/lot identifiers. Fix that with
/compliance/batch-traceability/ and
/compliance/packaging-labeling/.

Can we use our own packaging and labels?

Private label scope depends on packaging requirements and identity controls. Whatever you use, batch IDs and documentation coherence must remain intact.
Start with /compliance/packaging-labeling/.

Where do I learn the required COA fields?

Use /compliance/certificate-of-analysis/ and the field checklist at
/documentation/sample-coa/.

Where do I see the end-to-end document flow for shipping?

Use /documentation/shipping-flow/ and
/compliance/shipping-documents/.