The CLP regulation specifically defines the content of chemical labels and the organisation of the various label elements that ensure the safe use and supply of hazardous substances and mixtures. When creating a hazard label there are many phrases and statements that must be included in order to be in compliance, however, there are also a few terms that you must avoid using.
Terms to avoid
You should never use terms or statements such as: ‘safe‘, ‘non-harmful‘, ‘non-toxic‘, ‘non-polluting‘, ‘ecological‘ or ‘eco‘ on the labels of substances or mixtures which have been classified as hazardous.
Any statements that suggest that the substance/mixture is not hazardous, or statements that are incompatible with the assigned classification, must not appear on the label or packaging of a classified substance or mixture
Trade/product names
Careful consideration should be given to the use of a trade or product name, or other designation of the mixture, if that name includes any of the prohibited terms, such as ‘eco‘.
Trade names should not be inconsistent with the requirements of a hazard label.
Biocide Labelling
The GB Biocidal Products Regulation also prohibits certain terms and wording on accompanying hazard labels (See Article 72).
Your label MUST NOT describe the biocidal product in any way which is misleading in relation to:
- the risks to human health
- the risks to animal health
- the risks to the environment
- its efficacy
Phrases that are considered to be misleading and MUST NOT be used include:
- low-risk
- non-toxic
- harmless
- natural
- environmentally friendly
- animal friendly
- any similar terms
More information on this Regulation can be found at: HSE – Labelling Requirements for Biocidal Products
Reference should always be made to the relevant regulations to ensure compliance.
How can Hibiscus Help?
Hibiscus has over 40 years’ experience in the manufacturing of quality bespoke chemical labels and we are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of off-the-shelf ADR hazard warning diamonds and placards.
Hibiscus has developed software for the classification and labelling of hazardous substances and the authoring and management of Safety Data Sheets and we also provide laser sheet labels, printers, and support to enable companies to print their own labels in-house.
If you need assistance with any aspects of the labelling your products, you can call us on: 0113 242 4272
Email: Enquiries@hibiscus-plc.com