GHS Pictogram Labels: Requirements, Sizes and Placement Rules (CLP Guide)

2026-04-07 • GHS Pictograms Team

Chemical labels are not just paperwork—they are a safety control. Under the EU CLP Regulation, a compliant GHS/CLP label must present key hazard information in a standard format so workers, transport teams, and end users can understand risks immediately. This guide explains what must be on a label, how pictogram sizes are determined, how placement is handled in practice, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

What Must a GHS Label Include?

CLP Article 17 defines the core label elements. In practical terms, a compliant label includes six mandatory components:

1. Product identifier
   The substance or mixture name used to identify the product (often aligned with the SDS). For substances, this can be a chemical name plus identifiers such as CAS/EC where applicable.

2. Supplier identification
   The name, address, and telephone number of the supplier. This is essential for traceability and emergency contact.

3. Hazard pictograms
   The red diamond symbols (GHS01–GHS09) that correspond to the product’s hazard classification. Pictograms must follow the required format and minimum size rules.

4. Signal word
   Either “Danger” or “Warning”, depending on severity. Only one signal word appears on a label. If “Danger” applies, “Warning” is not used.

5. Hazard statements (H-statements)
   Standardized statements that describe the nature and severity of hazards, for example: “H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour.”

6. Precautionary statements (P-statements)
   Standardized statements describing recommended measures to prevent or respond to adverse effects, for example: “P210: Keep away from heat…”

Depending on the product and local requirements, labels can also include supplemental information (EUH statements), nominal quantity, UFI (for certain mixtures), and other regulatory elements. But the six items above are the foundation.

GHS Pictogram Label Size Requirements

Under CLP Annex I, Table 1.3, the minimum label and pictogram size depends on the container volume. Here is the key table used most often in compliance work:

These sizes are minimums intended to ensure legibility. In real-world packaging design, you often increase pictogram size when space allows—especially for warehouse visibility and multi-language labels. However, always keep the official format: red border, white background, black symbol, correct diamond shape, and consistent proportions.

How Many Pictograms Can Appear on One Label?

In theory, a label could include all 9 pictograms if a product’s classification triggered every hazard class. In practice, that is rare. Most substances and mixtures trigger only a subset (often 1–4). In addition, priority rules reduce clutter so labels remain readable.

For example, when the Skull and Crossbones (GHS06) applies for severe acute toxicity, the Exclamation Mark (GHS07) is often omitted for less severe acute toxicity endpoints. Priority logic exists because showing both symbols for closely related hazards can dilute the warning and make the label harder to scan. Under CLP, the final pictogram set depends on hazard class, category, and the specific rules in Annex I and related guidance (including the commonly cited priority approach associated with CLP Article 26 and label element rules).

As a best practice: derive pictograms from the final classification, then apply the priority rules as defined by CLP, and finally validate the result against the SDS.

GHS vs OSHA HCS Labels: Key Differences

Both the EU CLP system and the US OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012) are based on GHS concepts, but they are not identical in how labels are implemented.

Similarities:

• Both use the same general idea of pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.\n
• Both aim for consistent hazard communication across workplaces.

Key differences in practice:

• Regulatory framework: CLP is an EU regulation with detailed Annexes and harmonized classification elements in some cases, while OSHA HCS is a US workplace standard.\n
• Classification differences: Even when based on GHS, local adoption can differ in cut-offs, category mapping, or enforcement expectations.\n
• Label requirements and supplemental elements: CLP has EU-specific elements such as EUH statements and additional obligations tied to the EU market.\n
• Transport vs workplace labels: In the US, you may encounter additional transport label systems (DOT) and NFPA/HMIS formats in parallel, while the EU context often emphasizes CLP-aligned labels for supply and workplace use.\n

If you distribute globally, you should not assume a CLP label is automatically OSHA-compliant or vice versa. Always check the target jurisdiction rules and the supplier SDS language.

How to Create a GHS Pictogram Label

To create a compliant label, you need accurate hazard classification (for mixtures, that means classification of the final formulation, not just ingredients). Once the classification is known, the rest is a structured assembly:

1. Select pictograms according to hazard classes/categories and apply priority rules.\n
2. Choose the correct signal word.\n
3. Include relevant H- and P-statements (often limited on the label for space; SDS remains the full reference).\n
4. Ensure supplier information is present.\n
5. Apply minimum label and pictogram sizes based on container volume.\n

If you want a quick starting point, use our tool to generate a clean, CLP-style layout:

Try our free GHS Label Constructor →

Common GHS Label Mistakes to Avoid

Here are five common issues that cause non-compliance or unsafe communication:

1. Wrong pictogram size for the container volume
   Designers often scale down pictograms to “fit.” CLP Table 1.3 sets minimums—do not go below them.

2. Incorrect pictogram format
   The red diamond border, white background, and black symbol are not optional. Avoid colored fills, rounded diamonds, or altered proportions.

3. Using both “Danger” and “Warning”
   Only one signal word should appear. If “Danger” applies, “Warning” is omitted.

4. Too many statements without hierarchy
   Labels must remain readable. Use CLP selection rules and keep the layout structured. The SDS carries full detail.

5. Missing supplier information
   Supplier name/address/phone is mandatory. Omitting it breaks traceability and violates CLP Article 17.