4 min read / 11 October 2023 / yasmin sharp
CLP Label Size Requirements: A Complete Guide
Navigate CLP label size rules for non-cosmetic aromatherapy products.
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CLP label size requirements can appear challenging, especially if you are a first-time seller.
There is no single ideal size for CLP labels, as the dimensions change based on the measurements of the product, and because there are various regulatory elements that must be included, this can also affect the size and type of label you use.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about CLP label size requirements, including font sizes, hazard pictograms and the label options available to you.
How big should CLP labels be?
There is no one standard size for CLP labels as it varies depending on the capacity of the package it is being placed onto.
To find the best size for CLP labels that are going to be used on your packaging, you can use the information below for guidance:
| Package capacity | Label dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under 3 litres | At least 52 x 74 |
| Over 3 litres but under 50 litres | At least 74 x 105 |
| Over 50 litres under 500 litres | At least 105 x 148 |
| Over 500 litres | At least 148 x 210 |
The information above is applicable to all label types used on product packaging, including fold-out labels, tie-on tags and outer packaging.
What are the requirements for fold-out labels and tie-on tags?
The tie-on tag and fold-out label must be securely attached to packaging, with the following information attached to the immediate container at minimum:
- Name and telephone number of the substance or mixture supplier.
- Product identifier
- Hazard pictograms
- Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)
There are also regulatory guidelines relating to the content, quality and design of a fold-out label, which can be found in the ECHA guidance on labelling and packaging.
How do you size pictograms for CLP labels?
The dimensions of compliant CLP labels should be sized in relation to the package.
This is also true of any pictograms you need to include on the label, as they must relate to the minimum size requirements (see table above).
You can use the CLP label sizing guide below to identify how large your pictograms need to be:
| Package capacity | Pictogram dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|
| Under 3 litres | Not smaller than 10 x 10 – if possible, at least 16 x 16 |
| Over 3 litres but under 50 litres | At least 24 x 24 |
| Over 50 litres under 500 litres | At least 32 x 32 |
| Over 500 litres | At least 46 x 46 |
Hazard pictograms must be at least one fifteenth of the minimum surface area of the label that is used to present regulatory labelling information.
If possible, the size of the pictogram should be increased from the minimum where the label size allows.
This is to help ensure that the size of the pictograms and the label size remain proportional to the size of the packaging.
How large should the font be on CLP labels?
CLP labelling size guidelines state that in addition to using an appropriately sized label, the information should also be easy to read.
Readability is determined by the letter spacing, font size, stroke width, spacing between lines, typeface, type colour, the surface of the material, width-height ratio of the letters and the contrast between the background and the print.
The actual size of the letters used in the hazard statements, signal words, precautionary statements and supplementary information sections is not stated in the guidelines.
It is entirely up to the supplier to decide the size of the letters used to ensure the various elements are clearly legible.
CLP regulations do state that you can use the minimum letter size of 1.2mm (‘x-height’) as a reference.
There are also some decisions to be made about whether a uniform size should be used across the whole label, or if some sections should be enlarged. For example, you could:
- Increase the size of the letters used in the Signal Words section, enlarging “Danger” or “Warning” depending on the severity of the risk warning.
- Present the obligatory elements of the label in larger letters than for other parts of the label.
What material should you use for CLP labels?
CLP labels must be weather-resistant, chemical-resistant, UV light resistant and abrasion-resistant. The adhesive must also be marine grade to label standards for permanence.
When it comes to measuring CLP labels and ensuring you use the correct dimensions for your packaging, there is a lot to consider.
There are few size variations in CLP labels, which is determined by the size of the product, hazard pictograms and the readability of the information being presented.
As long as the label is using the correct dimensions and it includes all of the obligatory information in a readable format, then you should be able to meet CLP requirements.
You may also find it easier to work with a labelling company that has experience designing and printing CLP labels, as this can make the process easier to manage.
