Abstract: When dispensing a flowable substance from a container by way of a motor driven dispensing device, for ensuring that the container is properly inserted into the device, that the substance is still usable and/or that the dispensing speed is selected in accordance with the viscosity or other properties of the substance, the container is provided with a marking which may be stored in a transponder provided at a front container cap. When the container is properly inserted into the dispensing device, the transponder cooperates with a sensor disposed in an end wall of the device for enabling and/or controlling the dispensing mechanism on the basis of the characteristic data detected.