Net weight is the weight of the product itself, excluding all packaging materials, and serves as the legally declared quantity on consumer labels and trade documents under EU food information rules.
In trade practice
For glazed frozen products such as IQF shrimp or some frozen fruit, EU rules require that the declared net weight excludes the glaze, meaning buyers must verify whether quoted weights are net of glaze or inclusive of it, as the difference can be commercially significant. Suppliers must ensure that filling lines are calibrated and that average net weight across a batch meets the declared quantity within permitted tolerances under the EU average system. At intake, buyers may re-weigh a sample of units to verify net weight compliance. Discrepancies between invoice net weight and actual measured weight are a common source of commercial disputes.
In a specification
Purchase orders and specifications state net weight per consumer unit and per master carton, with an agreed tolerance, and specify whether glaze weight is included or excluded for frozen glazed products.