It is difficult to label small containers given the fact that there is a lot of info that needs to be included on a GHS label and the outer surface area of the containers is always limited. Luckily, many countries allow some GHS label elements (i.e. hazard statements or precautionary statements) to be omitted from a label for small containers. For countries that do not allow simplified labels (i.e., the United States), the use of tags or fold-out labels may be the only solution. If some elements have been omitted, it is always a good practice to include 'please refer to SDSs for more info' on the simplified GHS label.
In this article, we have summarized how different countries/regions define small containers and which elements can be omitted for a typical GHS labels.
Europe
Small container: <=125ml;
Precautionary statements, hazard statements, signal word or even pictogram can be omitted;
Which elements can be omitted depend on a product's GHS classification (see the picture below);
More reading: EU CLP regulation;
- See more at: http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/GHS/GHS_label_small_container.html