UN Provides Guidance on GHS Small Container Labels
Written By: Atanu Das on Wednesday, August 23, 2017
In the newly published Revision 7 of the GHS, the UN has provided some guidance on how to meet label requirements on small containers.
In the example, if a manufacturer is required to communicate a large number of hazard statements or multiple languages, a fold-out label may be used to comply.
The guidance states that:
The fold-out label is produced in such a way that the front part cannot be detached from the remainder of the label and the label can repeatedly be closed again so it is not hanging loose.
The information is structured as follows and is provided, if applicable, in all the languages used for the label:
Front page
Information to be provided on the front page of the multilayer/fold-out label should contain at least:
GHS information:
- Product identifier*
- Hazard pictogram(s)
- Signal word
- Supplier identification (name, address and telephone number of the company)
Additional information:
- A symbol to inform the user that the label can be opened to illustrate that additional information is available on inside pages
- If more than one language is used on the fold-out label: the country codes or language codes
Text pages/Inside Pages
GHS information:
- Product identifier including, as applicable, hazardous components contributing to the classification
- Signal word
- Hazard statements
- Precautionary statements
- Additional information (e.g. directions for use, information required by other regulations, etc.)
Additional information:
- If more than one language is used on the fold-out label: the country codes or language codes
Back page (affixed to the immediate container):
- Product identifier*
- Hazard pictogram(s)
- Signal word
- Supplier identification (name, address and telephone number of the company)
The product identifier (if applicable) and the signal words on the front page and the back page are in all languages used on the label.
If there is enough space on the front or on the back page, these pages can also be used to display text.
The text on the inside pages (text pages) can also be distributed on more than one page, if the available space is not sufficient. In general it is better to spread the text across more than one page than to have smaller letters that make the text difficult to read. In all cases, the visibility and easy legibility of the label elements should be ensured without the aid of any device other than corrective lenses and contrasted with any other information on the hazardous product or the container.
It is recognized that some regulatory systems (e.g. pesticides) may have specific requirements for the application of labels using a multilayer or booklet style format. Where this is the case, labelling would be undertaken in accordance with the competent authority's requirements.
The size of the fold-out label and the number of folds should be in a rational relationship to the size of the container. This may limit the number of languages, which can be displayed on the fold-out label.
