Labelling must comply with the EU CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Regulation to ensure clear communication of chemical hazards. Labels must be firmly affixed to the packaging and must be legible, visible, and indelible.
The Regulation introduces several key compliance deadlines for labelling requirements:
- May 20, 2026: New timescales for updating labels following a classification change and new advertising rules become applicable.
- July 1, 2026: General obligations for industry under the new rules commence.
- November 20, 2026: New label formatting rules for products placed on the market take effect.
- January 1, 2027: Specific rules, such as those concerning label formatting, become applicable.
For products already on the market before these dates, there are transitional provisions:
Substances: Products can remain in the supply chain without requiring re-labelling or re-packaging under the new rules until July 1, 2028
Mixtures: Products can remain in the supply chain without requiring re-labelling or re-packaging under the new rules until January 1, 2029.
Key Label Elements: Essential CLP Requirements for Chemical Packaging Compliance
CLP Regulation Article 17. & Annex I. Section 1.1.
Each label must include the following mandatory components:
a. Product Identifier
- The chemical name(s) or a trade name that allows identification of the substance or mixture.
- The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) or EC (European Community) number if applicable.
b. Supplier Information
- Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer or importer.
- Contact details for additional safety information.
c. Hazard Pictograms
- The label must include standardized CLP pictograms relevant to the classified hazards of the substance or mixture.
- These pictograms must follow the prescribed red-bordered diamond format.
d. Signal Words
- One of the following signal words must be used:
- “Danger” (for severe hazards)
- “Warning” (for less severe hazards)
e. Hazard Statements (H-statements)
- A description of the specific nature of the hazard.
- Example: “Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.”
f. Precautionary Statements (P-statements)
- These statements provide safety measures to minimize or prevent risks.
- Categories include:
- Prevention: E.g., “Wear protective gloves.”
- Response: E.g., “In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water.”
- Storage: E.g., “Store in a well-ventilated place.”
- Disposal: E.g., “Dispose of contents in accordance with local regulations.
Special Labelling Considerations: Compliance Requirements for Small Packages & Multi-Language Labels
- Small Packaging: If the package size is too small to display full labeling, a reduced format may be used.
- Multi-Language Requirements: Labels must be in the official language(s) of the country where the product is marketed.
- Supplementary Information: Additional safety warnings or industry-specific instructions may be required.
- Minimum Label Dimensions (Annex I. Section 1.2.1.)
Pictogram Sizes: CLP Regulations for Hazard Labeling Compliance
Font Size
- The dimensions of labels, pictograms, and font sizes are regulated based on the package capacity:
| Package Capacity | Minimum Label Dimensions (mm) | Minimum Pictogram Dimensions (mm) | Minimum Font Size (x-height, mm) |
| ≤ 0.5 L | At least 52 × 74 (if possible) | At least 10 × 10 (if possible 16 × 16) | 1.2 mm |
| > 0.5 L to 3 L | At least 74 × 105 | At least 23 × 23 | 1.4 mm |
| > 3 L to 50 L | At least 105 × 148 | At least 32 × 32 | 1.8 mm |
| > 50 L to 500 L | At least 148 × 210 | At least 46 × 46 | 2.0 mm |
| > 500 L | At least 148 × 210 | At least 46 × 46 | 2.0 mm |
- For inner packaging not exceeding 10 mL, the font size may be smaller, provided that it remains legible and the most critical information, such as hazard statements, is included
Text Formatting Requirements
CLP Regulation Annex I. Section 1.6.
To ensure readability, the following formatting rules apply:
- Color: Text must be printed in black on a white background.
- Line Spacing: The space between lines must be at least 120% of the font size.
- Font Type: A single, easily legible, sans-serif font must be used.
- Letter Spacing: The spacing between letters should be sufficient for clear legibility.
Fold-out Labels (Multi-Language or Extended Information)
For labels that require additional information:
- The front page must include:
- Supplier details (name, address, phone number).
- The nominal quantity of the substance or mixture.
- Product identifiers (substance name, UFI code, etc.).
- Hazard pictograms and signal words.
- A reference to full safety information inside the fold-out label.
- A language abbreviation code (if multiple languages are used).
- The inner pages must include:
- Full label elements in all required languages.
- Information grouped by language for clarity.
- The back page should repeat critical front-page elements without language c
Special Cases: Small or Digital Labels
- Small Packages (≤10 mL): The label may be reduced in size but must remain legible, and the most critical statements (such as hazard warnings) must be prioritized.
- Digital Labels: Some elements may be provided in digital format, but essential hazard warnings must still appear on the physical label.
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