Spain has taken a significant step toward inclusive consumer rights with the introduction of a Royal Decree regulating accessible labelling for consumer products. Set for adoption in December 2025, the regulation enforces mandatory accessible labelling—particularly for products deemed essential to safety, integrity, and quality of life—benefiting especially those with visual disabilities.
The new regulation, published by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, mandates that products such as cosmetics, hazardous substances, and food items include information in Braille and/or digital formats (e.g. QR codes) with tactile markers. This requirement applies to all such goods sold in Spain, regardless of the sales channel, unless used exclusively in industrial or professional contexts.
Legal basis and international alignment
The measure aligns Spain’s domestic policy with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the updated Article 49 of the Spanish Constitution, which frames disability within a human rights context. It also complies with Law 4/2022, which defines consumers in vulnerable situations and obliges the government to ensure non-discriminatory access to product information.
This move supports Spain’s commitments under EU Regulation 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, as well as the nation’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. Specifically, it satisfies milestone L71 of Component 22, requiring legislation on consumer protection for vulnerable groups.
Scope, obligations, and sanctions
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors will shoulder the responsibility for compliance. Accessible labelling must communicate key product information—such as ingredients, usage instructions, allergens, and expiry dates—clearly and in formats accessible to visually impaired users. Braille is mandatory on packaging larger than 10x1 cm for certain products, and QR codes must be accompanied by tactile indicators shaped like a 90-degree angle.
Non-compliance may result in sanctions under laws governing disability rights and consumer protection. A two-year transition period will allow businesses to adapt, with temporary labelling alternatives (e.g. adhesive labels or ink-jet printing) permitted for legacy packaging.
Digital accessibility and stakeholder involvement
The decree encourages innovation, allowing manufacturers to enhance accessibility through open-format mobile applications and technologies beyond Braille and QR. Public-private collaboration is also emphasised, with the Braille Commission of Spain designated as a key partner. The regulation was developed with input from disability and consumer organisations, ensuring a participatory process.
