The rules would have seen companies having to provide a UK Food Business Operator (FBO) address - like a vendor or importer address - printed on the packaging.

The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the decision to delay controls was “in line with protecting customers from unnecessary costs,” because of the potential labelling and logistical costs to businesses.

The delay will allow FBOs to deplete existing stocks of labels, wrapping and packaging until the new rules come into force.

Dick Searle, chief executive of the Packaging Federation, told Printweek the change would allow companies to get on with business as usual.

“I think it’s highly pragmatic,” he said.

“Business is in the most awful vice at the moment, as I’m sure you know. Anything that makes life simpler is to be applauded.”

The rules, when in force, will apply to Great Britain, but not Northern Ireland.