WHEN AND WHAT:

A substance or a mixture contained in packaging should be labeled according to Regulation No. 1272/2008 CLP in the following cases:

• if the substance or mixture is classified as hazardous according to CLP;
• if it is a mixture containing one or more substances classified as hazardous in concentrations higher than those referred to in Annex II, Part 2, of the CLP Regulation.
• If the mixture is not classified as hazardous, in this case applies the additional labeling art. 25, paragraph 8 CLP.
• if it is an explosive article as set out in Annex I, Part 2.1 of the CLP.

LABEL AND PICTOGRAM SIZE

The label must be firmly affixed to one or more surfaces containing the substance or mixture directly (art. 31 of CLP).

It should be readable horizontally when the package is set down normally.

Labels should have a minimum size in relation to the packing volume.

INFORMATION REQUIRED ON LABEL

The label must be in the language or languages of the country in which they are placed on the market, they can be reported more languages than those provided by Member States.
Labels conforming to CLP should contain the following elements:

• name, address and telephone number of the supplier/s of the substance or mixture;
• the nominal quantity of the substance or mixture in the packages ;
• product identifiers referred to in Article 18 of the CLP Regulation No. 1272/2008;
• hazard pictograms;
• signal word;
• hazard statements;
• precautionary statements;
• supplemental information.

PRODUCT IDENTIFIERS

On the label, you should report the same name shown on the MSDS.

The substance identifiers are:

• name and identification number if the substance is present in Annex VI, part 3 of the CLP
• name and identification number appearing in the classification and labeling (if the substance is not included in Annex VI, part 3 of the CLP)
• CAS number and the name of the IUPAC nomenclature, or CAS number and another internationally recognized name (if the substance is not included in Annex VI, part 3 of the CLP, nor in the inventory of classification and labeling
• if the CAS number does not exist, the IUPAC name or another internationally recognized name.

The mixture identifiers are:

• the trade name or designation of the mixture
• the identity of all substances in the mixture that contribute to its hazard classification (acute toxicity, skin corrosion, serious injury ocluari, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitization or skin, target organ toxicity, hazard aspiration).

HAZARD PICTOGRAMS

A hazard pictogram is a graphical representation of a specific danger.
The hazard pictogram shall be clearly visible on the label, should have a square shape that rests on a tip with white background, red border and black pictograms.
The pictogram should cover one fifteenth of the minimum surface of the label and the minimum area should NEVER be less than 1 cm2.

SIGNAL WORDS

A signal word indicates to the reader if a hazard is generally more severe or less severe. The label should include the relevant signal word in accordance with the classification of the hazardous substance or mixture. In case your substance or mixture displays a more severe hazard, the label should bear the signal word ‘danger’, and in case of less severe hazards, it should bear the signal word ‘warning’.
The signal word relevant for each specific classification and are shown in the tables in Parts 2 to 5, the CLP.

HAZARD STATEMENTS

The hazard statements are the signs that describe the nature and severity of the hazards of the substanze or mixture.

The hazard statements are given in the table in Annex I, Parts 2 to 5 of the CLP.

Following are some examples of hazard statements.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

The precautionary statements are the indications on the measures needed to prevent and minimize the harmful effects to human health or the environment arising from the hazards of the substance or mixture.

The precautionary statements are given in the table in Annex I, Parts 2 to 5 of the CLP.

Following are some examples of precautionary statements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The label must include relevant supplemental information when a substance or mixture that has been classified as hazardous has the physical properties or heath properties described in Annex II, 1.1 and 1.2, under CLP Regulation.

In the section for additional information you can add information, which, however, must meet the following criteria:

• provide further useful details;
• not to make the identification of the label elements required more difficult;
• be consistent with the classification of a substance or mixture. This implies that you should also avoid inconsistent statements such as “non-toxic”, “non-harmful” or “ecological”;
• shall not contradict or cast doubt on the validity of the information contained in the labeling elements which reflect a classification according to Annex I, Parts 2 to 5, the CLP.

Following are some examples of additional information.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LABELLING AND PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS

The packaging of a substance or mixture can be so small or in such a shape or form that it is impossible to display the label elements in line with the requirements of CLP Article 31.

This could either be because the Member States where the substance or mixture is being placed on the market require more than one language on the label, or simply because the packaging is too small or difficult to label because of its form/shape so that the full range of labelling elements even in a single language cannot be displayed.

In this situation the label elements defined under CLP Article 17 may be provided either on:

• folding of labels;
• on tie-on tags;
• an outer packaging.

Special provision is made also for the labeling of soluble packaging. Such provisions and exemptions are defined in Annex I, Section 1.5, the CLP Regulation.

CEPRA srl provides solutions to classify and label substances and mixtures and for preparing labels in accordance with the CLP Regulation n ° 1272/2008.