Specific labelling and packaging situations

For substances and mixtures contained in packaging that is small (typically less than 125ml) or is otherwise difficult to label, CLP provides for exemptions from the regular labelling requirements. These exemptions allow the supplier to omit the hazard and/or precautionary statements or the pictograms from the label elements normally required under CLP in case the substance or mixture is classified for the hazards listed in section 1.5 of Annex I to CLP.

If substances or mixtures are supplied to the general public, child-resistant fastenings (CRF) and/or tactile warnings of danger (TW) have to be attached to their packaging in case these substances or mixtures display certain hazards or if the packaging contains methanol or dichloromethane. An overview of the different hazards that trigger CRF or TW is provided in this Table.

Table: Overview of hazards that trigger child-resistant fastening or tactile warnings

 

Hazard Criteria

Child-resistant Fastenings

Tactile Warnings1

Acute toxicity (category 1 to 3)

Yes

Yes

Acute toxicity (category 4)

 

Yes

STOT single exposure (category 1)

Yes

Yes

STOT single exposure (category 2)

 

Yes

STOT repeated exposure (category 1)

Yes

Yes

STOT repeated exposure (category 2)

 

Yes

Skin corrosion (category 1A, 1B and 1C)

Yes

Yes

Respiratory sensitisation (category 1)

 

Yes

Aspiration hazard (category 1)*
Not aerosols or if in container with sealed spray attachment

Yes

 

Aspiration hazard (category 1)

Yes

Yes

Germ cell mutagenicity (category 2)

 

Yes

Carcinogenicity (category 2)

 

Yes

Reproductive toxicity (category 2)

 

Yes

Flammable gases (category 1 and 2)

 

Yes

Flammable liquids (category 1 and 2)

 

Yes

Flammable solids (category 1 and 2)

 

Yes

Note 1.  This provision does not apply to aerosols which are only classified and labelled as "extremely flammable aerosols" or "flammable aerosols".

 

Finally, CLP sets out new rules for situations where packaging of hazardous substances or mixtures consists of outer, inner and possibly also intermediate packaging.

As a general rule, where the labelling of an outer packaging is in principle subject to both the transport and the CLP rules, the labelling or marking in accordance with transport legislation is sufficient, and the CLP labelling need not appear.  Similarly, where a hazard pictogram required by CLP relates to the same hazard as in the rules for the transport of dangerous goods, the hazard pictogram required by CLP need not appear on the outer packaging. 

The small packaging requirements are further explained in the Guidance on Labelling and Packaging according to CLP.