Contents
01 — Regulatory Overview
Our packaging labels must comply with several overlapping regulatory frameworks. For our 5–25 L product range (powders and liquids), the primary regulations we need to satisfy are:
The EU regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, based on the UN GHS. This is the primary driver of our label content.
📄 EUR-Lex CELEX:02008R1272 · ECHA Guidance on Labelling & Packaging v4.2, Mar 2021Governs how nominal quantity is declared on pre-packed goods in Great Britain. Establishes the average system, tolerable negative errors, the e-mark, and minimum figure heights.
📄 legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/659 · GB Guidance v3, May 2023Volume II, Rev. 22 (2021). Packing, consignment, and labelling requirements for dangerous goods during transport. Our single packaging may need both CLP and transport labels.
📄 ST/SG/AC.10/1/Rev.22 Vol. II · unece.orgFoundational standard for barcodes (EAN-13, GS1-128, ITF-14), GTINs, and barcode placement on packaging.
📄 gs1.org/standards · GS1 General Specifications Release 26.0Most of our products fall within the CLP tier "> 3 litres but ≤ 50 litres". This means minimum label dimensions of 74 × 105 mm and minimum pictogram size of 23 × 23 mm apply across our entire range — we only need one dimensional tier.
CLP Annex I, Section 1.2, Table 1.3 · EUR-LexThree products fall outside the main 5–25 L range and into the CLP tier "≤ 3 litres":
| Product | Size | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Colour Tint | 500 g | Pure pigment powder — confirm via SDS, likely non-hazardous |
| PICSTAIN | 1 L | Concrete staining liquid — check SDS for classification |
| RHINOGRIP | 500 g | Glass/plastic aggregate powder — confirm via SDS, likely non-hazardous |
These products require: minimum label 52 × 74 mm, minimum pictogram ≥ 16 × 16 mm (never below 10 × 10 mm), and text x-height ≥ 1.2 mm. If Colour Tint is non-hazardous, CLP pictograms, signal word, and H/P statements are not required — but product name, supplier details, and nominal quantity still are.
CLP Annex I, Section 1.2, Table 1.3 · GB CLP Regulation (retained EU 1272/2008)02 — Mandatory Label Elements
Under CLP Article 17, every hazardous substance or mixture must bear a label containing all of the following elements.
| Element | CLP Reference | Notes for Our Products |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier name, address & telephone number | Art. 17(1)(a) | At least one supplier. Must include full postal address. |
| Nominal quantity | Art. 17(1)(b) | Required when supplied to general public. Must also comply with W&M Regs 2006. |
| Product identifiers | Art. 17(1)(c), Art. 18 | For mixtures: trade name/designation + identity of substances contributing to classification (max 4 unless more needed). |
| Hazard pictograms | Art. 17(1)(d), Art. 19 | Diamond-shaped, black on white with red border. Min 23 × 23 mm for our range. |
| Signal word | Art. 17(1)(e), Art. 20 | "Danger" or "Warning". Only one permitted — "Danger" takes precedence. |
| Hazard statements | Art. 17(1)(f), Art. 21 | Full text in official language(s) of Member State(s) of sale. Codes optional on label. |
| Precautionary statements | Art. 17(1)(g), Art. 22 | Normally ≤ 6. Must include a disposal statement if supplied to general public. |
| Supplemental information | Art. 17(1)(h), Art. 25 | EUH statements, UFI code, information from other EU legislation. |
Hazard pictograms, signal word, hazard statements and precautionary statements must be kept together on the label. In multi-language labels, H- and P-statements of the same language must be grouped together.
CLP Art. 32 · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 3.3, Table 103 — GHS/CLP Pictograms
Nine CLP hazard pictograms exist. Only official UNECE vector artwork or approved print-ready versions should be used on labels.
Pictogram Specifications
Shape: Square set at a point (diamond orientation when read horizontally). CLP Annex I, Section 1.2.1
Colour: Black symbol on white background with red frame. Exact Pantone red is not prescribed. CLP Annex I, Section 1.2.1 · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 4.3.2
Measurement: Minimum dimension refers to the sides of the red frame, not the virtual square enclosing the diamond. ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 4.3.2
Area rule: Each pictogram must cover ≥ 1/15th of the minimum label surface area. For our range: 23 × 23 mm minimum. CLP Annex I, Table 1.3
Official artwork: UNECE GHS Pictograms page — free SVG/EPS/GIF downloads.
For ≤ 3 L packaging, minimum pictogram size is ≥ 16 × 16 mm (absolute minimum 10 × 10 mm). The 23 mm pictograms used on standard labels are compliant but may be oversized relative to a 52 × 74 mm label — resize to 16 mm if space is tight. Colour Tint (pure pigment) and RHINOGRIP (glass/plastic aggregate) are likely non-hazardous — if confirmed, no pictograms are required on those labels. PICSTAIN (concrete staining liquid) will need pictograms if its SDS classifies it as hazardous.
CLP Annex I, Section 1.2, Table 1.304 — Pictogram Precedence Rules
When a product is classified for multiple hazards, these rules determine which pictograms appear and which may be omitted.
| If this pictogram is present… | Then this pictogram… | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| GHS01 (Exploding Bomb) | GHS02 (Flame) & GHS03 (Flame over Circle) | Optional |
| GHS02 (Flame) or GHS06 (Skull) | GHS04 (Gas Cylinder) | Optional |
| GHS06 (Skull & Crossbones) | GHS07 (Exclamation Mark) | Must not appear |
| GHS05 (Corrosion) | GHS07 for skin/eye irritation | Must not appear for skin/eye irritation; retain GHS07 for other hazards |
| GHS08 (Health Hazard) for resp. sensitisation | GHS07 for skin sensitisation or skin/eye irritation | Must not appear for those hazards; retain GHS07 for others |
If using pre-printed label stock, any unused red diamond frames must be completely blacked out. Empty frames could cast doubt on the label.
CLP Art. 25(3) · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 4.3.4, Figure 1 · ECHA FAQ ID=24005 — Hazard & Precautionary Statements
Hazard Statements (H-codes)
Must appear in full text on the label. Alphanumeric codes are optional on the label but mandatory in the SDS.
| Range | Type |
|---|---|
| H200–H299 | Physical hazards |
| H300–H399 | Health hazards |
| H400–H413 | Environmental hazards |
| EUH014–EUH401 | Supplemental (EU-specific, not yet in GHS) |
Where evident duplication exists, certain H-statements may be omitted. E.g., if H314 is assigned, H318 may be omitted; if H410 is assigned, H400 may be omitted.
CLP Art. 27 · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 4.5Precautionary Statements (P-codes)
| Range | Type |
|---|---|
| P100–P199 | General |
| P200–P299 | Prevention |
| P300–P399 | Response |
| P400–P499 | Storage |
| P500–P599 | Disposal |
Normally ≤ 6 P-statements unless the hazards require more. If supplied to the general public, at least one disposal statement (P5xx) must appear. The full set should be documented in SDS Section 2.2.
CLP Art. 22, Art. 28, Annex IV · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 4.6 & Section 7Signal Words
Only two exist: DANGER (more severe) and WARNING (less severe). Only one may appear — "Danger" always takes precedence.
CLP Art. 20 · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 4.406 — Label & Pictogram Dimensions
| Package Capacity | Min. Label (mm) | Min. Pictogram (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 3 L — SMALL PACKS | If possible, 52 × 74 | ≥ 16 × 16 (never < 10 × 10) |
| > 3 L but ≤ 50 L — OUR RANGE | At least 74 × 105 | At least 23 × 23 |
| > 50 L but ≤ 500 L | At least 105 × 148 | At least 32 × 32 |
| > 500 L | At least 148 × 210 | At least 46 × 46 |
Readability & Typography
CLP requires label elements to be "of such size and spacing as to be easily read". A minimum x-height of 1.2 mm is referenced as a baseline. For our 5–25 L products, a notably larger font is recommended for legibility at arm's length. Readability is determined by font size, letter spacing, line spacing, stroke width, type colour, typeface, width-height ratio, surface material, and contrast.
CLP Art. 31(3) · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 5.2, Figure 2These products fall in the ≤ 3 L tier. Minimum label size is 52 × 74 mm. Minimum text x-height is 1.2 mm (the ECHA baseline). A 1.6 mm x-height is acceptable and recommended where space allows. Barcode can be reduced to 80% magnification (~30 × 22 mm) — the GS1 minimum — to fit the smaller label area.
CLP Annex I, Section 1.2, Table 1.3 · GS1 General Specs, Section 5.2.1.107 — Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)
The UFI is a 16-character alphanumeric code linking a product to poison centre submissions under CLP Article 45 and Annex VIII.
UFI: VDU1-414F-1003-1862
Must be preceded by "UFI:" in capitals followed by a colon. Must be clearly visible, legible, and indelibly marked.
CLP Art. 25(7), Art. 29(4a), Annex VIII Part A Section 5 · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 4.8.1.1Mandatory for all mixtures classified as hazardous based on health or physical effects requiring submission under CLP Art. 45. Mixtures hazardous to the environment only do not require a UFI (but it is recommended). May be placed in the supplemental section, printed on the packaging near other CLP elements, or near the product name.
Generate a UFI: poisoncentres.echa.europa.eu/ufi-generator
08 — Supplemental Labelling
Obligatory Supplemental Information
Common EUH statements relevant to our products:
| Code | Text | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| EUH014 | Reacts violently with water | Water-reactive substances |
| EUH066 | Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking | Products with defatting properties |
| EUH203 | Contains chromium (VI). May produce an allergic reaction | Cement and cement mixtures |
| EUH204 | Contains isocyanates. May produce an allergic reaction | Mixtures containing isocyanates |
| EUH205 | Contains epoxy constituents. May produce an allergic reaction | Mixtures with epoxy constituents (MW ≤ 700) |
| EUH208 | Contains [name]. May produce an allergic reaction | Non-sensitising mixtures containing sensitising substances |
| EUH210 | Safety data sheet available on request | Mixtures not intended for general public |
If any of our products contain or are based on cement formulations, EUH203 is mandatory when water-soluble Cr(VI) exceeds the concentration limit.
CLP Annex II, Part 2, Section 2.3This can apply where a sensitising ingredient is present at very low levels, that is, 0.1% for a subcategory 1B sensitiser or 0.01% for subcategory 1A. In some cases, for particularly potent sensitisers, it can be even lower. Check SDS for specific classifications and concentrations.
CLP Annex II, Part 1, Section 2.8Non-Obligatory Supplemental Information
We may add usage instructions or safety advice, but this must not contradict or cast doubt on the obligatory label elements. "Non-toxic", "non-polluting", "ecological" and similar statements are prohibited on products classified as hazardous.
CLP Art. 25(3), (4)09 — Quantity Marking
Liquids: Expressed in litres, centilitres, or millilitres. Measured at 20°C. Directive 76/211/EEC, Art. 4(2) · W&M Regs 2006, Reg. 8
Powders/Solids: Expressed in kilograms or grams. Directive 76/211/EEC, Art. 4(2)
Nominal quantity must be shown in figures followed by the unit name or symbol.
Minimum Figure Height
| Nominal Quantity | Min. Height |
|---|---|
| < 50 g/ml | 2 mm |
| ≥ 50 – 200 | 3 mm |
| ≥ 200 – 1000 | 4 mm |
| ≥ 1000 – 10000 — OUR RANGE | 6 mm |
Tolerable Negative Error
| Nominal Quantity | TNE (%) | TNE (g/ml) |
|---|---|---|
| 1000–10000 | 1.5% | — |
| 10000–15000 | — | 150 |
| >15000 | 1% | — |
The E-mark (℮)
Voluntary declaration that contents comply with the average system. ≥ 3 mm high, same field of vision as nominal quantity. Only for packages 5 g/ml–10 kg/L — our 5 L products qualify but 25 L products exceed this limit.
W&M Regs 2006, Reg. 10 · Directive 76/211/EEC, Annex I, Section 3.3 · GB Guidance v3, Section 10The name and address of the packer, importer, or person who arranged packing must appear on the package.
W&M Regs 2006, Reg. 8 · GB Guidance v3, Section 810 — Barcodes & GS1
EAN-13: Standard retail barcode, 13-digit GTIN. GS1 General Specs, Section 5.2.1
GS1-128: GTINs plus batch/lot, expiry, serial data via Application Identifiers. GS1 General Specs, Section 5.4
ITF-14: Outer cases/groupings. 14-digit GTIN. Warehouse/logistics only. GS1 General Specs, Section 5.3
Placement Rules
Quiet zones: ≥ 7× module width each side (EAN-13). GS1 General Specs, Section 5.2.1.7
Positioning: Flat surface, avoid seams/edges/curves. GS1 General Specs, Section 6
Contrast: Dark bars on light background. Black on white is optimal. GS1 General Specs, Section 5.2.1.6
Orientation: "Picket fence" (vertical bars) preferred. GS1 General Specs, Section 6
Size: EAN-13 nominal 37.29 × 26.26 mm at 100%. Magnification range 80%–200%. GS1 General Specs, Section 5.2.1.1
Place the barcode in the supplemental/commercial area, clearly separated from CLP hazard information.
On a 52 × 74 mm label, space is tight. EAN-13 at 80% magnification (~30 × 22 mm) is the GS1 minimum and is acceptable. Height reduction (truncation) is permitted but must remain scannable — do not truncate below GS1 limits. Quiet zones must still be preserved. Consider placing the barcode on the container itself rather than the label if label space is insufficient.
GS1 General Specs, Section 5.2.1.111 — Transport Labelling
Where a product is classified as dangerous goods for transport, the UN number must appear on the label in bold text at least 6 mm high (e.g., UN 1263). Transport diamonds and orientation arrows are applied as separate stickers, not part of the CLP label.
Where a CLP pictogram on single or outer packaging relates to the same hazard as a transport marking already present, the CLP pictogram may be omitted to avoid double-labelling.
Where outer packaging carries transport labelling, CLP pictograms are not required on the outer — but CLP labelling is always required on the inner packaging. If the outer is transparent and the CLP label beneath is clearly visible, CLP elements may be omitted from the outer layer.
CLP Art. 33 · ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Sections 5.4.1 & 5.4.2, Figures 3 & 4UN number is only required if the product is ADR-classified for transport. If it is not ADR-classified, the UN number must not appear on the label. Where required, "UN XXXX" must be clearly visible, legible, and durable — industry norm is 6–12 mm height; 7 mm is compliant. ADR does not prescribe a fixed mm height for small packages. PICSTAIN is the only small-pack product likely to require ADR classification (as a liquid) — Colour Tint and RHINOGRIP are inert powders and unlikely to be ADR-classified.
ADR 2023, 5.2.1 / 5.2.2 · CLP Art. 33Once products leave transport, they must be removed from transport packaging so the CLP label is visible, or a CLP label must be added to the transport packaging.
ECHA Labelling Guidance v4.2, Section 5.4.212 — Pre-Print Checklist
Run through this before we send any label to print.
CLP Label Content
Dimensions & Readability
Quantity Marking
Barcode
Packaging & Transport
Small Packs — Colour Tint 500 g · PICSTAIN 1 L · RHINOGRIP 500 g
14 — Product Safety Data Sheets
Direct links to our product SDS documents from picsuk.com/downloads. These should be referenced when determining the classification, H-statements, P-statements, and pictograms for each product label.
| Product | Variations | SDS Download | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acid Clean | 5L | — | SDS needed |
| Acid Wash | 5L / 25L | — | SDS with Technical for review |
| Antique Release Agent | 10kg bucket | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Colour Surface Hardener (CSH) | 25kg bag | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Colour Tints | 500g bucket | — | SDS needed |
| Custom Seal | 25L drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
| De-Icer | 5kg / 10kg / 20kg | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Efflorescence Remover | 5L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Fungicidal Wash | 5L | — | SDS needed |
| High Solid Sealer (HSS) | 5L tin / 25L drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Liquid Release Agent | 5L / 25L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Lite Colour Surface Hardener | 25kg bag | — | SDS needed |
| Low Solid Sealer (LSS) | 5L tin / 25L drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Matt Sealer | 5L tin / 25L drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Mossclean | 5L / 25L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Permaseal | 5L / 25L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| PICS Bloom | 5L / 25L | — | SDS needed (product may be discontinued) |
| PICS Glaze | 90L | — | SDS needed |
| PICS Primer / Prime | 5L / 25L | — | SDS needed |
| PICS Primer Pro Slurry | 25kg bag / 15kg bucket | Download SDS | ✓ |
| PICS Shield | 5L / 25L | — | SDS needed |
| PICS Wall Stain | 120ml / 940ml | — | SDS needed (Smiths product) |
| PICSCHIP Repair Compound | 1kg bucket | Download SDS | ✓ |
| PICSCLEAN Degreasant | 5L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| PICSCOAT | 5L / 20L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| PICSEAL | 5L / 25L drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
| PICSTAIN | 1L / 5L / 25L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| PICSTRIP ECO | 5L / 25L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Premier Seal | 25L | — | SDS needed |
| PU Sealer | 4kg tin / 20kg drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Release Agent Wash (RAW) | 5L / 25L | — | SDS needed |
| Rhino Grip | 500g / 20kg | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Stonestop | 5L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Stonewash | 5L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| THEMECRETE | 20kg bag | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Wall Gel | 10kg bucket | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Wall Liquid Release Agent | 5L / 25L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Wall Seal | 5L / 25L drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Wallbond (Wallcrete Bonding Agent) | 5L / 25L | Download SDS | ✓ |
| WALLCRETE | 20kg bag | Download SDS | ✓ |
| WALLCRETE De-Ionised Water | 5L / 25L | — | SDS needed |
| WALLCRETE Pigment | 10kg bucket | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Xtraseal | 5L tin / 25L drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
| Xylene Thinners | 5L tin / 25L drum | Download SDS | ✓ |
Acid Clean · Acid Wash · Colour Tints · Fungicidal Wash · Lite CSH · PICS Bloom · PICS Glaze · PICS Primer/Prime · PICS Shield · PICS Wall Stain · Premier Seal · Release Agent Wash · WALLCRETE De-Ionised Water · Xylene Thinners
15 — Source Documents
| Document | Version | Link | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECHA Guidance on Labelling & Packaging | v4.2, Mar 2021 | echa.europa.eu | |
| ECHA Guidance on CLP Criteria, Part 1 | v5.0, Nov 2024 | echa.europa.eu | |
| ECHA Guidance on CLP Criteria, Part 2 | v5.0, Nov 2024 | echa.europa.eu | |
| ECHA Guidance on CLP Criteria, Part 3 | v5.0, Nov 2024 | echa.europa.eu | |
| ECHA Guidance on CLP Criteria, Parts 4–5 | v5.0, Nov 2024 | echa.europa.eu | |
| CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 | Consolidated | EUR-Lex | — |
| UN Transport of Dangerous Goods Vol. II | Rev. 22, 2021 | unece.org | |
| Council Directive 76/211/EEC | 1976 | EUR-Lex | |
| W&M (Packaged Goods) Regs 2006 | GB Guidance v3, May 2023 | legislation.gov.uk | |
| GS1 General Specifications | Release 26.0 | gs1.org |
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