Select Page

GHS Label Elements

(855) 745-4464

GHS Label Requirements

Find out what ghs labeling requirements are and how Imprint can help you with ghs labeling compliance.

GHS Labeling Requirements: Size

Under GHS regulations, product labels have different minimum sizes based upon the capacity of the container. See GHS label requirements below.

Container Capacity

≤ 3 Liters
≤ 3.17 Quarts
3 – 50 Liters
3.17 – 13.32 Gallons
50 – 500 Liters
13.2 – 132 Gallons
≥ 500 Liters
≥ 132 Gallons
Required Label Dimensions

52 mm x 74 mm
(2.04″ x 2.91″)
74 mm x 105 mm
(2.91″ x 4.133″)
105mm x 148mm
(4.133″ x 5.82″)
148mm x 210mm
(5.82″ x 8.26″)

GHS Labeling Requirements: Elements

GHS label requirements calls for each chemical product label to contain the following: Product Identifier, Pictogram, Signal Word, Hazard Statement, and Supplier Information. See the required GHS label elements below.

GHS Label Element 1

Product Identifier

Product identifiers are meant to prevent accidental or unknown exposure with the ability to accurately identify the chemical and its hazard. Product identifiers are the ingredient names or number of the pure chemical substance or chemical mixture. Technical name(s) must be correspond with IUPAC, CAS and technical names on the MSDS sheet. If the chemical is regulated under the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, then the name must also correspond with the UN Proper Shipping Name.

GHS Label Element 2

Signal Words (1 and 2)

Signal words communicate relative hazard severity and alert to a potential hazard. The signal word “Warning” and the number “1” specify less-severe/non-lethal hazards while the signal word “Danger” and the number “2” specify severe or potentially lethal hazards.

GHS Label Element 3

Hazard Statement

These words or phrases are meant to describe the nature and degree of the hazard of the chemical. Hazard statements should be on the label for a chemical or substance possessing more than one hazard. For example: “Heating may cause explosion.”

GHS Label Element 4

Precautionary Statement

The precautionary statement describes recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure. First aid information is also included.

GHS Label Element 5

Supplier Information

Each chemical container, as well as secondary packaging (crates or master cases) are required to include supplier information. Supplier information includes: name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier.

GHS Label Element 6

GHS Pictograms (Diamond-Shaped Symbols)

Diamond-shaped, red, black, and white pictograms communicate information about the hazardous risks associated with a chemical. Paired with the signal word (discussed below,) the pictogram communicates severity of the risk and prevents accidental or unknown exposure. More then one pictogram may be used for the same label if/when applicable. Pictogram size, and other label elements, should be proportionate to the dimensions of the label.

GHS Label Requirements: Material Standards

Along with the GHS label elements on the actual label, packaging material requirements under GHS are consistent with the safety measures to contain chemical hazards. In Europe, for example, packaging is required to: prevent chemical escape, not be affected adversely by the chemical, and be strong enough to endure normal handling and repeated use.

To qualify for GHS label requirements standards, labels must test for permanence and imperviousness. Label and label substrates must be:

  • Chemical-resistant
  • Abrasion-resistant
  • UV light resistant
  • Weather-resistant
  • Utilize marine-grade label adhesive
GHS Pictogram

Discuss GHS Label Requirements with Our Consultants

Contact one of our GHS implementation specialists today at (855) 745-4464 to discuss your company’s project. Imprint offers everything from 2-color printers and approved supplies to custom, comprehensive GHS rollout solutions.

The Right Barcode Supplies for the Job