CLP hazard pictograms: the nine symbols, the hazards they signal, and how big they must be
You print a CLP label and need to know which hazard pictograms go on it, how big, and which to leave off.
CLP has nine hazard pictograms, GHS01 to GHS09, each a black symbol in a red-framed diamond. The classification decides which apply, and Article 26Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. removes some when others show. Endocrine, PBT and PMT classes carry none.
Under CLP, Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, the label of a hazardous substance or mixture carries the hazard pictograms that apply to its classification (Art. 17(1)(d)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 17, paragraph 1, point (d)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., Art. 19Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 19Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). Annex V sets nine, GHS01 to GHS09: exploding bomb, flame, flame over circle, gas cylinder, corrosion, skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard and environment. Each is a black symbol on a white background with a red frame wide enough to be clearly visible, in the shape of a square set at a point (Annex I, sections 1.2.1.1 and 1.2.1.2). Each covers at least one fifteenth of the minimum label area for the Art. 17Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 17Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. information and at least 1 cm², and measures at least 10 x 10 mm on a pack of up to 3 litres, 23 x 23 mm above 3 litres, 32 x 32 mm above 50 litres and 46 x 46 mm above 500 litres (Annex I, sections 1.2.1.3 and 1.2.1.4). When several pictograms apply, GHS06 removes GHS07; GHS05 removes GHS07 for skin or eye irritation; GHS08 for respiratory sensitisation removes GHS07 for skin sensitisation and for skin and eye irritation; GHS01 makes GHS02 and GHS03 optional, unless more than one of them is compulsory; and GHS02 or GHS06 makes GHS04 optional (Art. 26(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). For one hazard class, the pictogram of the most severe category is shown (Art. 26(2)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). The hazard classes added by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/707, endocrine disruption, PBT and vPvB, and PMT and vPvM, have no pictogram; each carries a signal word and an EUH hazard statement (Annex I, sections 3.11.4, 4.2.4, 4.3.4 and 4.4.4). Transport labels are set by the transport rules, not by CLP; where the CLP pictogram shows the same hazard as the transport label, it need not appear on the outer or single package (Art. 1(6)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 1, paragraph 6Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., Art. 33Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). From 1 January 2028 an advertisement for a hazardous product shows the pictograms, unless it is non-visual, and an online offer shows every label element (Reg. 2024/2865 Art. 1(26)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 1, point 26Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. and 1(27); dates in Art. 2(3a)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 2, point 3aClick opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
CLP has nine hazard pictograms, GHS01 to GHS09. Each is a black symbol on a white background inside a red frame, set on its point as a diamond (Annex I, sections 1.2.1.1 and 1.2.1.2; Annex V). The classification of your product decides which ones go on the label. The table below says which hazard class gives which pictogram.
What you do:
- Take the classification. Section 2.2 of the safety data sheet lists the label elements for it, the pictograms among them (Annex II, section 2.2, of REACH). For a substance with a harmonised entry in Annex VI, the entry lists the pictogram codes (Annex VI, section 1.1.2.2). A mixture you blend yourself is classified by you (Art. 4(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 4, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., Art. 4(6)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 4, paragraph 6Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.); the steps for that are in CLP label requirements.
- Match each hazard class and category of the product to a pictogram in the table below. Some categories have none.
- Cross out the pictograms the precedence rules remove, and mark the ones they make optional. For one hazard class, keep the pictogram of the most severe category (Art. 26Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
- Print each pictogram in the shape and colours above, and at least at the minimum size for the pack (Annex I, sections 1.2.1.1 to 1.2.1.4).
- Put the pictograms together with the signal word, the hazard statements and the precautionary statements (Art. 32(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 32, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
- If the product is classified as an endocrine disruptor, as PBT or vPvB, or as PMT or vPvM, add the signal word and the EUH statement for that class. These classes have no pictogram (Annex I, sections 3.11.4, 4.2.4, 4.3.4 and 4.4.4). A substance placed on the market before needs this from (Annex I, section 3.11.4.2 and its counterparts).
- If the package also travels as dangerous goods, a CLP pictogram that shows the same hazard as the transport label need not appear on an outer or single package (Art. 33Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
- From 1 January 2028, show the pictograms in advertisements for the product, and show every label element, pictograms included, in an online offer (Art. 1(26)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 1, point 26Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., Art. 1(27)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 1, point 27Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., Art. 2(3a)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 3aClick opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
The nine pictograms and the hazards they signal
Annex V pairs each pictogram code with the hazard classes and categories that call for it. The pictogram for a given classification is also set out in the label tables of Annex I (Art. 19(3)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 19, paragraph 3Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). The symbols themselves are in the specimens of Annex V of the consolidated CLP text.
| Code | Symbol | Hazard classes and categories that carry it (Annex V) |
|---|---|---|
| GHS01 | Exploding bomb | Unstable explosives; explosives of Divisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4; self-reactive substances and mixtures, Types A and B; organic peroxides, Types A and B |
| GHS02 | Flame | Flammable gases, categories 1A and 1B; aerosols, categories 1 and 2; flammable liquids, categories 1 to 3; flammable solids, categories 1 and 2; self-reactive substances and mixtures, Types B to F; pyrophoric liquids and pyrophoric solids, category 1; self-heating substances and mixtures, categories 1 and 2; substances and mixtures that emit flammable gases in contact with water, categories 1 to 3; organic peroxides, Types B to F; desensitised explosives, categories 1 to 4 |
| GHS03 | Flame over circle | Oxidising gases, category 1; oxidising liquids and oxidising solids, categories 1 to 3 |
| GHS04 | Gas cylinder | Gases under pressure: compressed, liquefied, refrigerated liquefied and dissolved gases |
| GHS05 | Corrosion | Corrosive to metals, category 1; skin corrosion, category 1 and sub-categories 1A, 1B and 1C; serious eye damage, category 1 |
| GHS06 | Skull and crossbones | Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), categories 1 to 3 |
| GHS07 | Exclamation mark | Acute toxicity, category 4; skin irritation, category 2; eye irritation, category 2; skin sensitisation, categories 1, 1A and 1B; specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, category 3 (respiratory tract irritation, narcotic effects); hazardous to the ozone layer, category 1 |
| GHS08 | Health hazard | Respiratory sensitisation, categories 1, 1A and 1B; germ cell mutagenicity, categories 1A, 1B and 2; carcinogenicity, categories 1A, 1B and 2; reproductive toxicity, categories 1A, 1B and 2; specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, categories 1 and 2; specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure, categories 1 and 2; aspiration hazard, category 1 |
| GHS09 | Environment | Hazardous to the aquatic environment: acute category 1, and long-term categories Chronic 1 and Chronic 2 |
GHS05 and GHS07 each appear under two groups of Annex V: GHS05 for a metal-corrosive physical hazard and for the health hazards of skin corrosion and serious eye damage, GHS07 for the health hazards above and for the ozone layer.
Some hazard categories carry no pictogram
A label carries a pictogram “where applicable” (Art. 17(1)(d)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 17, paragraph 1, point (d)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). Annex V names the categories where none applies:
- Explosives of Division 1.5 and of Division 1.6.
- Flammable gases, category 2.
- Aerosols, category 3.
- Self-reactive substances and mixtures, Type G, and organic peroxides, Type G.
- Reproductive toxicity, the additional category for effects on or via lactation.
- Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term categories Chronic 3 and Chronic 4.
(Annex V, sections 1.6, 2.5 and 3.1, last paragraph.) The label may still carry the other label elements these categories call for.
The shape, colour and minimum size of a pictogram
A hazard pictogram is “a graphical composition that includes a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern or colour” (Art. 2(3)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 2, point 3Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). Annex I, section 1.2.1 sets the format:
- Shape. A square set at a point (section 1.2.1.1).
- Colour. The symbol is black on a white background, with a red frame “sufficiently wide to be clearly visible” (section 1.2.1.2). CLP gives no width for the frame in millimetres.
- Standing out. The colour and presentation of the label are such that the pictogram stands out clearly (Art. 31(2)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 31, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
- Look. The pictograms for each class and category conform, in symbols and general format, to the specimens in Annex V (Annex V, introduction).
- Area. Each pictogram covers at least one fifteenth of the minimum surface area of the label dedicated to the information required by Article 17Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 17Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., and never less than 1 cm² (section 1.2.1.3).
- Dimensions. Table 1.3 sets them by the capacity of the package (section 1.2.1.4):
| Pack capacity | Label for the Art. 17 information, at least (mm) | Each pictogram (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Not exceeding 3 litres | If possible, 52 × 74 | Not smaller than 10 × 10; if possible, at least 16 × 16 |
| Over 3 and up to 50 litres | 74 × 105 | At least 23 × 23 |
| Over 50 and up to 500 litres | 105 × 148 | At least 32 × 32 |
| Over 500 litres | 148 × 210 | At least 46 × 46 |
Regulation (EU) 2024/2865Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)The whole regulationClick opens the law on the EU Publications Office. replaces section 1.2.1.4 from 1 January 2028. Its Table 1.3 keeps these label and pictogram figures, splits the first row at 0.5 litres, and adds a minimum font size (Annex I, point 2, of Regulation (EU) 2024/2865Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)The whole regulationClick opens the law on the EU Publications Office.; date in Art. 2(3a)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 3aClick opens the article on EUR-Lex.). The font sizes are in CLP label requirements. You may use the 2028 rules already (Art. 2(6)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 6Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
In the safety data sheet, a black-and-white reproduction of the pictogram, or the symbol alone, may stand in for the colour pictogram (Annex II, section 2.2, of REACH). That is a rule for the sheet, not for the label.
Where the pictograms go on the label, and on small or special packs
The pictograms, the signal word, the hazard statements and the precautionary statements are located together on the label (Art. 32(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 32, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). The label is firmly affixed to the packaging that immediately contains the substance or mixture, and is readable horizontally when the package is set down normally (Art. 31(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 31, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). A label is not needed where the packaging itself shows the label elements clearly (Art. 31(5)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 31, paragraph 5Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
- Fold-out labels, since 1 July 2026. The front page carries the pictograms where applicable. The inner pages carry every other label element except the pictograms and the supplier identification. The back page repeats the front-page elements, pictograms included (Annex I, sections 1.2.1.6.1 to 1.2.1.6.3, from Annex I, point 4, of Regulation (EU) 2024/2865Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)The whole regulationClick opens the law on the EU Publications Office.; date in Art. 2(2)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
- Digital labels. A digital label may be added to the physical one. Only the supplemental information of Art. 25(3)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 25, paragraph 3Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. may go on a digital label alone (Art. 34a(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 34a, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., Art. 34a(2)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 34a, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., Annex I, section 1.6). The pictograms stay on the physical label.
- Packs too small or shaped so that the label cannot fit. The label elements may go on a tie-on tag or the outer packaging. The label on each inner pack then carries at least the hazard pictograms, the signal words, the product identifier and the supplier’s name and telephone number (Art. 29(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 29, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., Annex I, sections 1.5.1.1 and 1.5.1.2).
- Inner packs of 10 ml or less. Annex I, section 1.5.2.4.1 lets some label elements be left off these packs. Section 1.5.2.4.2 still requires the product identifier and, where they apply, GHS01, GHS05, GHS06 and GHS08. Where more than two of those are assigned, GHS06 and GHS08 may take precedence over GHS01 and GHS05.
When several pictograms apply, Article 26 removes some
Where the classification would put more than one pictogram on the label, Art. 26(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. cuts the number:
| If this applies | Then | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| GHS01 | GHS02 and GHS03 are optional, unless more than one of these pictograms is compulsory | Art. 26(1)(a)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 1, point (a)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. |
| GHS06 | GHS07 does not appear | Art. 26(1)(b)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 1, point (b)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. |
| GHS05 | GHS07 does not appear for skin or eye irritation | Art. 26(1)(c)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 1, point (c)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. |
| GHS08 for respiratory sensitisation | GHS07 does not appear for skin sensitisation or for skin and eye irritation | Art. 26(1)(d)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 1, point (d)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. |
| GHS02 or GHS06 | GHS04 is optional | Art. 26(1)(e)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 1, point (e)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. |
Where the classification gives more than one pictogram for the same hazard class, the label carries the pictogram of the most severe category for each class concerned. The same holds for a substance with an entry in Part 3 of Annex VI that is also classified under Title II (Art. 26(2)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
Worked examples, built from the rules above:
| Classification | Pictograms on the label |
|---|---|
| Acute toxicity category 3 (GHS06) and skin irritation category 2 (GHS07) | GHS06 only, because GHS06 removes GHS07 |
| Skin corrosion category 1 (GHS05) and acute toxicity category 4 (GHS07) | GHS05 and GHS07, because GHS05 removes GHS07 only for skin or eye irritation |
| Respiratory sensitisation category 1 (GHS08) and skin sensitisation category 1 (GHS07) | GHS08 only |
| Respiratory sensitisation category 1 (GHS08) and acute toxicity category 4 (GHS07) | GHS08 and GHS07, because the GHS08 rule covers skin sensitisation and irritation only |
| Skin sensitisation category 1 (GHS07) and Aquatic Chronic 2 (GHS09) | GHS07 and GHS09 |
| Flammable gas category 1A (GHS02) and a gas under pressure (GHS04) | GHS02; GHS04 is optional |
| Acute toxicity category 3, oral (GHS06) and acute toxicity category 4, inhalation (GHS07) | GHS06 only, because GHS06 removes GHS07, whichever route gives the GHS07 |
The new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors, PBT and PMT carry no pictogram
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/707, published in the Official Journal on 31 March 2023, added hazard classes to Annex I. Where the label tables of the old classes name a pictogram, the tables of the new ones leave the symbol row empty. Each carries a signal word and an EUH statement instead (Annex I, sections 3.11.4, 4.2.4, 4.3.4 and 4.4.4). The regulation gives its reason in recital 17: pictograms should be added to the new classes once the UN Globally Harmonised System adopts them, and a new pictogram should be agreed there first.
| Hazard class | Signal word | EUH statement | Annex I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endocrine disruption for human health | Danger (category 1), Warning (category 2) | EUH380 “May cause endocrine disruption in humans”; EUH381 “Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in humans” | Section 3.11 |
| Endocrine disruption for the environment | Danger (category 1), Warning (category 2) | EUH430 “May cause endocrine disruption in the environment”; EUH431 “Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in the environment” | Section 4.2 |
| PBT, or vPvB: persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic; very persistent and very bioaccumulative | Danger | EUH440 “Accumulates in the environment and living organisms including in humans”; EUH441 “Strongly accumulates in the environment and living organisms including in humans” | Section 4.3 |
| PMT, or vPvM: persistent, mobile and toxic; very persistent and very mobile | Danger | EUH450 “Can cause long-lasting and diffuse contamination of water resources”; EUH451 “Can cause very long-lasting and diffuse contamination of water resources” | Section 4.4 |
A product may still show pictograms from its other classifications. The new classes add no pictogram of their own. The dates are the same for all four classes (sections 3.11.4.2 and 3.11.4.3, and the matching sections of 4.2.4, 4.3.4 and 4.4.4):
| Product | Labelled under the new classes from | Placed on the market before that date: until |
|---|---|---|
| Substances | 1 May 2025 | 1 November 2026 |
| Mixtures | 1 May 2026 | 1 May 2028 |
Section 2.3 of the safety data sheet reports whether a substance meets the PBT or vPvB criteria and whether it has endocrine-disrupting properties (Annex II, section 2.3, of REACH). The full treatment of the classes is in the EU CLP Regulation guide.
Transport labels are a separate system from CLP pictograms
CLP does not apply to the transport of dangerous goods by air, sea, road, rail or inland waterway, save where Article 33Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. applies (Art. 1(6)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 1, paragraph 6Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). Transport has its own labelling rules, and Art. 33Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. says how the two meet on a package:
| The package | What Art. 33Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. says |
|---|---|
| An outer package that meets the transport labelling rules, with inner or intermediate packaging | The inner and intermediate packaging is labelled under CLP. The outer package may also carry the CLP label. A CLP pictogram for the same hazard as in the transport rules need not appear on the outer package. (Art. 33(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.) |
| An outer package not required to meet the transport labelling rules | Outer and inner packaging are both labelled under CLP. If the outer package lets the inner label be clearly seen, it need not be labelled. (Art. 33(2)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.) |
| A single package that meets the transport labelling rules | It carries both labels. A CLP pictogram for the same hazard as in the transport rules need not appear. (Art. 33(3)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33, paragraph 3Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.) |
Two differences follow from the text:
- Different law. The CLP pictograms come from CLP. For carriage by road in the EU, the transport rules are the ADR. Directive 2008/68/EC applies to the carriage of dangerous goods by road, rail or inland waterway within or between EU countries (Art. 1(1)), and its Annex I, Section I.1 sets the ADR as the road rules. Carriage between an EU country and a third country is authorised where it complies with the ADR, RID or ADN (Art. 4). The Commission adapts the Directive’s annexes to amendments of the ADR by delegated acts (Art. 8(1), as replaced by Regulation (EU) 2019/1243).
- Different place on the package. A CLP label goes on the packaging that immediately contains the product (Art. 31(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 31, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). Where a package has an outer packaging that meets the transport labelling rules, the inner packaging still carries the CLP label (Art. 33(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
CLP sets no size, colour or class number for a transport label. Those are in the transport rules.
Pictograms in listings and advertisements
Until . An advertisement for a hazardous substance mentions the hazard classes or categories (Art. 48(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 48, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). An advertisement for a hazardous mixture that lets the public conclude a purchase without first seeing the label mentions the types of hazard shown on the label (Art. 48(2)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 48, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.).
From 1 January 2028. Any advertisement for a substance classified as hazardous, or for a mixture classified as hazardous or covered by Art. 25(6)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 25, paragraph 6Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., indicates the hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements and supplemental EUH statements. One for sale to the general public also states “Always follow the information on the product label.” The pictograms and signal words may be left out of an advertisement that is non-visual (new Article 48Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027The whole regulationClick opens the law on the EU Publications Office., from Art. 1(26)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 1, point 26Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). The revision gives its reason: advertisements should carry the most important safety information, and the hazard category is not shown, because the hazard statement reflects it (recital 35 of Regulation (EU) 2024/2865Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)The whole regulationClick opens the law on the EU Publications Office.).
An online offer is a different rule. “When substances or mixtures are placed on the market through distance sales, the offer shall clearly and visibly indicate the label elements referred to in Article 17” (new Article 48a, from Art. 1(27)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 1, point 27Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). The pictograms are among them (Art. 17(1)(d)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 17, paragraph 1, point (d)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). The date for both is in Art. 2(3a)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 3aClick opens the article on EUR-Lex.. What a listing must show in full is in CLP label requirements.
When each pictogram rule applies
| Date | What starts | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20 April 2023 | Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/707 enters into force, on the twentieth day after its publication on 31 March 2023: the endocrine disruption, PBT and vPvB, and PMT and vPvM classes exist, with no pictogram. | Art. 2 of Regulation (EU) 2023/707 |
| 1 May 2025 | Substances are labelled under the new classes. | Annex I, sections 3.11.4.2, 4.2.4.2, 4.3.4.2, 4.4.4.2 |
| 1 May 2026 | Mixtures are labelled under the new classes. | Annex I, sections 3.11.4.3, 4.2.4.3, 4.3.4.3, 4.4.4.3 |
| 1 July 2026 | The fold-out label, with its pictograms on the front and back page. | Art. 2(2)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. |
| 1 November 2026 | Substances placed on the market before must carry the new-class labelling. | Annex I, sections 3.11.4.2, 4.2.4.2, 4.3.4.2, 4.4.4.2 |
| 1 January 2028 | The new Table 1.3 with minimum font sizes; the text format of the label; pictograms in advertisements; the online offer rule. | Art. 2(3a)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 3aClick opens the article on EUR-Lex. |
| 1 May 2028 | Mixtures placed on the market before must carry the new-class labelling. | Annex I, sections 3.11.4.3, 4.2.4.3, 4.3.4.3, 4.4.4.3 |
Regulation (EU) 2025/2439Regulation (EU) 2025/2439, deferring dates of the 2024 CLP revisionThe whole regulationClick opens the law on the EU Publications Office. moved the label format, advertisement and online offer rules of Regulation (EU) 2024/2865Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)The whole regulationClick opens the law on the EU Publications Office. to 1 January 2028 (marked M1 in the consolidated text of 23 December 2025). The other dates of that regulation, and what stock already on the market gets, are in the table of CLP label requirements.
What happens if you do nothing
A substance or mixture that does not comply with CLP may not be placed on the market (Art. 4(10)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 4, paragraph 10Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). Each EU country keeps official controls to make sure substances and mixtures are not placed on the market unless they are classified, labelled, notified and packaged under CLP (Art. 46(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 46, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.), and sets penalties that must be “effective, proportionate and dissuasive” (Art. 47Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 47Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.). A label that leaves off a pictogram its classification calls for does not meet Art. 17(1)(d)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 17, paragraph 1, point (d)Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. and Art. 19Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 19Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.. The market surveillance and customs consequences are in CLP label requirements.
What the law leaves open
- The width of the red frame. Annex I, section 1.2.1.2 says “sufficiently wide to be clearly visible”. It gives no figure. The pictogram size in Table 1.3 is the only measure.
- The look of a transport label. CLP leaves it to the transport rules (Art. 33Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.) and sets no figures for it.
- Great Britain. HSE runs GB CLP, a separate law, and its page on the GB CLP pictograms shows nine in a diamond with a red border and a white background (HSE, Hazard pictograms). This page covers EU CLP. How the two laws relate is in the EU CLP Regulation guide.
What you can skip
Sources
12 sources
- Art. 1(6)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 1, paragraph 6Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 2(3)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 2, point 3Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 4(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 4, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 4(3)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 4, paragraph 3Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 4(4)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 4, paragraph 4Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 4(6)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 4, paragraph 6Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 4(10)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 4, paragraph 10Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text of 1 January 2027, the latest on the EU Publications Office on 2026-10-05 - scope and the transport exclusion, the definition of a hazard pictogram, the duties to classify and label. Accessed 2026-10-05
- Art. 17(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 17, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 19Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 19Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 25(3)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 25, paragraph 3Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 26Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 26Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 29(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 29, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 31(1) to 31(5), 32(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 32, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 33Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 33Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text of 1 January 2027 - the label elements, hazard pictograms, precedence rules, application of labels, location of information, outer, inner and single packaging
- Art. 34a(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 34a, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 34a(2)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 34a, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 46(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 46, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 47Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 47Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 48(1)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 48, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 48(2)Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, CLP (classification, labelling and packaging), consolidated text of 1 January 2027Article 48, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text of 1 January 2027 - physical and digital labels, enforcement, penalties and advertisement until 31 December 2027
- Annex V; Annex I, sections 1.2.1.1 to 1.2.1.4, 1.5.1.2, 1.5.2.4.1, 1.5.2.4.2, 1.6; Annex VI, section 1.1.2.2Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text of 1 January 2027 - Annex V (the hazard pictograms and the classes each signals); Annex I, section 1.2.1 (shape, colour, size), sections 1.5.1.2 and 1.5.2.4 (small packs and inner packs), section 1.6 (label elements allowed on a digital label only); Annex VI, section 1.1.2.2 (labelling codes)
- Annex I, sections 3.11.4, 4.2.4, 4.3.4, 4.4.4Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), consolidated text of 1 January 2027 - the label elements of the classes for endocrine disruption (human health and environment), PBT and vPvB, and PMT and vPvM, with their dates of application
- Art. 1, Art. 2; Annex I; recital 17Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/707 of 19 December 2022, Official Journal text of 31 March 2023 - adds the hazard classes for endocrine disruption, PBT and vPvB, PMT and vPvM; recital 17 on pictograms. Accessed 2026-10-05
- Art. 1Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., points (15)(c), (17), (26), (27); Annex I, points 2, 3Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 3Click opens the article on EUR-Lex. and 4; recital 35Regulation (EU) 2024/2865 amending the CLP Regulation, Official Journal text of 20 November 2024 - font size and text format of the label, fold-out labels, Article 31(3), advertisements and distance sales offers; recital 35 on pictograms in advertisements. Accessed 2026-10-05
- Art. 2(1)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 1Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 2(2)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 2Click opens the article on EUR-Lex., 2(3a)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 3aClick opens the article on EUR-Lex., 2(6)Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, amending the CLP Regulation (consolidated text of 23 December 2025)Article 2, paragraph 6Click opens the article on EUR-Lex.Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, consolidated text of 23 December 2025 - dates of application, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/2439. Accessed 2026-10-05
- Annex II, section 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), consolidated text of 22 June 2026 - safety data sheet, section 2: classification, label elements and other hazards. Accessed 2026-10-05
- Art. 1(1), 4, 8; Annex I, Section I.1Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods, Official Journal text of 30 September 2008 - scope, third countries, adaptation of the annexes, and ADR as the road rules. Accessed 2026-10-05
- Art. 1 and the Annex, point 12 (amendment of Directive 2008/68/EC, Art. 8(1))Regulation (EU) 2019/1243, Official Journal text of 25 July 2019 - replaces Article 8(1) of Directive 2008/68/EC, so that the Commission adapts the annexes by delegated acts. Accessed 2026-10-05
- HSE guidance, not lawHealth and Safety Executive (UK), Hazard pictograms (symbols) - the GB CLP pictograms. Accessed 2026-10-05