Have you ever wondered what those neat symbols on chemical product packaging really mean? They’re not random graphics – they’re mandatory components of the CLP label. The CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) system aims to identify potential hazards arising from improper handling of chemical substances. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about chemical substance labels, including: CLP label size, responsibilities of technical chemical manufacturers, hazard statements, pictograms indicating the type of risk, required content of the label itself. You’ll also learn about the legal framework for designing labels and safety data sheets.
CLP labelling and classification – why is it so important?
Labelling hazardous products is a crucial responsibility of every chemical product manufacturer – to protect human health and the environment. According to the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008), any product classified as hazardous must be properly labelled.
Correctly labelling chemical products containing hazardous substances is especially important in emergency situations, such as accidental contact with eyes, ingestion by a child or release of toxic fumes.
That’s why CLP-compliant labels were introduced – essential markings that must appear on any product containing dangerous chemical substances. They help ensure quick recognition of potential risks.
What is a chemical product label? Who is responsible for labelling?
A CLP label is an essential tool for communicating risk. It conveys information derived from CLP classification, indicating the nature of the hazard and recommended precautionary measures. Its purpose is informational, cautionary and preventive.
The obligation to label applies not just to end consumers but to a broad audience — including industries, distributors and emergency response teams. Clear hazard identification greatly facilitates the work of professionals such as firefighters and paramedics.
What elements does a CLP hazard label include?
CLP classification and labelling rules
Proper arrangement of elements on a multilingual label for hazardous products — according to the requirements of the CLP Regulation — is a critical condition for the lawful marketing of chemical substances.
Below, we will outline all the necessary components that must be included on the label of dangerous products.
Product identifier – not just a CAS number
This refers to the unique name of a chemical substance or mixture, which may include:
- A chemical name in accordance with IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature or the CAS number (Chemical Abstracts Service).
- A trade name (e.g., Flux TK83) – it must be legible and clearly identify a product containing hazardous chemical components.
- The EC number (European Unique Identifier), which is the product’s identification number within the EU; it’s assigned based on one of two chemical substance inventories: EINECS (European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances) or ELINCS (European List of Notified Chemical Substances).
- A list of ingredients in a given mixture – but only those classified as hazardous.
Manufacturer contact details
The label must include the contact details of the manufacturer or distributor: full company name, address and telephone number.
Nominal quantity
Every CLP label should specify the actual quantity, mass, capacity and volume of the product (e.g., “500 ml” of liquid). Missing this information could result in a violation of CLP regulations.
Hazard pictograms (CLP-specific pictograms)
A CLP label must include pictograms that visually represent the type of hazard. These are graphic symbols framed in red diamonds, with their dimensions and placement strictly regulated under the CLP Regulation.
Common examples of CLP hazard pictograms include:
- Flammability (GHS02).
- Irritant effect (GHS07).
- Acute toxicity (GHS06).
These symbols help users immediately identify the nature of the risk associated with handling the substance.
Signal word
The signal word reflects the severity of danger linked to the hazardous substance or mixture. Only one signal word may appear on the label: either “Danger” or “Warning”, depending on the CLP classification of the product.
H statements (hazard statements)
These are mandatory warning phrases that describe the nature of the hazard based on the chemical properties of the substance. For example: H314: “Causes severe skin burns and eye damage”.
P statements (precautionary statements)
Unlike hazard statements, P statements provide essential safety information. They outline the precautions that should be taken when handling or using a chemical product. These statements must accurately reflect the potential risks associated with the substance and are assigned based on CLP classification rules.
Example: P280 – “Wear protective gloves”.
EUH statements
These are additional supplementary statements that refer to specific properties of a substance. They provide extra safety details beyond standard hazard and precautionary phrases.
Example: EUH210 – “Safety data sheet available on request”.
UFI code (Unique Formula Identifier)
The UFI is a mandatory component on CLP labels for any mixture containing hazardous substances. This unique alphanumeric code is used in poison centre notifications (PCN) submitted to ECHA and must be displayed clearly on the label — ideally near the manufacturer’s contact information to ensure visibility.
Format, size and layout – aesthetic and technical requirements
That’s not all. The regulations also define aesthetic and technical aspects in detail, including label and pictogram dimensions. For example:
- Minimum label size: 52 × 74 mm.
- Minimum hazard pictogram size: 10 × 10 mm.
For certain chemical products, the label must include a special “e” symbol placed near the weight or volume declaration. This symbol certifies that the quantity stated on the package matches the actual contents inside. Its design is legally regulated and must comply precisely with official specifications:
Chemical product labels – legal and aesthetic requirement. Additional CLP-related information
The CLP regulation and label design
The legal basis within the European Union is Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, commonly known as the CLP Regulation. It replaced older, more complex legislation and introduced unified rules for classifying, labelling and packaging chemical substances and mixtures.
Some notable updates include:
- A new layout of hazard pictograms: white diamonds with red borders, replacing orange squares.
- Mandatory signal words: either “Warning” or “Danger” depending on classification.
- Introduction of standardized H (Hazard), P (Precautionary), and EUH (Supplementary) statements.
- Implementation of the UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) code for product traceability, along with the obligation to submit UFI information to the PCN (Poison Centre Notification) system using ECHA’s harmonized format.
GHS – the global classification framework
The CLP Regulation also integrated the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). This international framework provides consistent rules across countries for labelling chemical substances (enforced from December 2012) and mixtures (effective from June 2015).
The main goal of GHS is to harmonize labelling systems globally, improving safety and communication across international markets.
Additional legal acts
When it comes to labelling products that contain chemical substances, several other legal frameworks also apply, including:
- Regulation (EU) 2020/878, which defines the structure and content of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- The Act on Chemical Substances and Their Mixtures (Journal of Laws 2011 No. 63, item 322), which transposes EU regulations into national law.
Periodic updates to labelling – changes in CLP regulations and label design standards
Information on substances and the process of designing CLP labels – a subject to continuous updates
The CLP classification system is not static — regulatory changes occur regularly. In January 2021, significant amendments were introduced. According to Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation, every mixture must be submitted to the Poison Centres Notification (PCN) system, and each CLP label must include a unique UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) code.
Currently, new mandatory modifications are being implemented under EU law. For example, starting in 2025, the obligation to report hazardous substances or mixtures will extend beyond consumer products to other applications and sectors — including companies in the technical chemicals industry.
Updates to hazardous product labelling – what does it involve? Manufacturer responsibilities. CLP labels and Safety Data Sheets
According to the CLP Regulation, any modification to a product’s composition, reclassification or new information regarding hazards requires an update to both the multilingual CLP label and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — prepared in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2020/878.
Importantly, this applies not just to one product, but to all packaging sizes and variants within the product line.
The update must be carried out without delay, meaning no later than six months after the new requirements take effect. Failure to comply may result in violations of chemical law and lead to administrative consequences, such as product withdrawal from the market or financial penalties.
Key Reminders:
- A CLP label must always reflect the information stated in the SDS.
- If one document is updated (e.g., sudden changes in H statements in the SDS), the other must be revised simultaneously — without exception.
Updating hazardous product labels at AG TermoPasty – how we respond to CLP regulation changes
At AG TermoPasty, we place great emphasis on adapting our labels to comply with EU legislation. The customization of CLP labels and alignment with both CLP and REACH standards are fundamental practices in our process for classifying and labelling chemical substances used in our products. We also take translation requirements into account to ensure clarity and consistency across markets.
This process is based on the complete Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS), forming the foundation for every compliant label.
As a result, we ensure that products such as technical aerosols (for electronics maintenance), soldering fluxes, and cleaning agents meet the latest CLP labelling requirements — including those for adhesive CLP labels.
CLP classification and CLP labelling – summary
Everything discussed throughout this article represents only the tip of the iceberg. Our extensive knowledge of EU regulations concerning hazardous product labelling reflects the qualifications of our expert team. Contact us to explore more details about labelling procedures, SDS and TDS documentation, UFI codes and everything else needed for full compliance.
When it comes to the detailed requirements of chemical product labelling and the label design process… we’ll be covering it all in our next article! You’ll discover useful label design software, learn who qualifies for exemptions from labelling obligations and gain deeper insight into hazard and precautionary statements.
We’ll also uncover some surprising places where CLP labels appear — like scented candles. Yes, it’s true! Some candles contain chemical substances (such as fragrances) that are classified as hazardous and therefore manufacturers are required to create CLP-compliant labels for candles.
*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All content provided here is general in nature and may be subject to change in accordance with legal updates. For specific and up-to-date information — as well as complete guidance on applicable standards and certifications — we recommend consulting relevant authorities or specialized regulatory institutions.