Chemical Labels Requirements

Any company manufacturing chemicals knows that the future of their industry is changing rapidly. It is more important than ever to understand what impact the ingredients in your household products may have on the environment, humans, and animals. Knowing what ingredients go into any product has also become increasingly influential in the buyer’s journey.

Requirements for consumer chemical labeling differ from one country to the next. Beware that specific states or provinces may also have regulations specific to them- ignorance of these could cost you!

USA – Hazardous consumer chemicals must be labeled according to the FSHA

CAN – Hazardous consumer chemicals must be labeled according to the CCCR

EU – Applies “Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures” (CLP) to hazardous consumer products, with the requirement of additional precautionary phrases and a Tactile Warning of Danger (TWD) for specific hazard categories.

GHS – And just to be sure, there is also the or Globally Harmonized System of Classification & Labeling of Chemicals. The hazardous identification system is recognized internationally to provide increased protection for human health and the environment, covering all domestic, medical, automobile, and electronic products, including the import and export trading of chemicals.

The classification variations in each will result in considerably different requirements, so make sure to browse the links above to ensure you are entirely up to code!

Without further ado, here are 7 essential elements necessary for adequate chemical labels:

1 – Signal words: DANGER, CAUTION, WARNING, etc.

2 – Hazard symbols

2 – Principal Hazards: Do not ingest, etc.

3 – First aid statements: If in eyes, rinse with water for 15 minutes

4 – Ingredient disclosure

5 – Instructions for opening & closing the container

6 – Sufficient color contrast between printed information & background

7 – Bilingual label information

We may have handed over all the resources you will need to comply with local, federal, and global agencies (you’re welcome), but that doesn’t mean the road ahead won’t be bumpy. Few industries are as complex and challenging as this one, but labeling should be viewed as a strategic process.

Here are the 4 Main Challenges to Chemical Labels for Consumers

1 – Meeting all regulatory requirements

2 – Fitting all required information on the label

3 – Meeting language requirements

4 – Variable data management

Following this guideline is only half the battle! The other half is proper crease-free label positioning and adherence to the container at high speed.

How can GERNEP Help with chemical labels application?

Gernep’s rotary machinery offers a choice of various labeling technologies; one machine can also be fitted with up to eight different labeling stations – each adapted to apply labels to the neck, body, top, bottom, etc., depending on container type. 

Labels are the most important aspect of the packaging industry, and a rotary labeler is a valuable addition to your production line, saving you time and money! 

If you need a custom solution to improve your throughput, we provide tailored solutions for many industries, including chemicals, cosmetics, food and beverages, and more. With 35 years of experience, GERNEP has developed and manufactured machines that set the standard for functionality and precision, constantly exploring new methods to better plan, build and execute solutions which meet customers’ needs. Contact us today to obtain additional information on our line of rotary labeling machines.