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A Comparison of Global GHS Label Size Requirements 2015

A Comparison of Global GHS Label Size Requirements 2015

Link: GHS Advanced Topics, A Comparison of Global GHS Label Size Requirements 2015
By: ChemSafetyPro

Many countries have set minimum GHS label size requirements for chemical packages with different packaging capacities. Some countries have even set additional requirements on GHS label pictogram size and even font size. In this article, we will give you a brief summary of global GHS label size requirements, including pictogram size requirement and font size requirement.

General Principles

Before we move into each country or region’s GHS label and pictogram size requirements, there are a few general principles you need to be aware of:

  • The minimum size of a GHS label shall be related to package sizes;
  • The minimum size of a pictogram on a GHS label shall be related to the minimum size of the GHS label;
  • The minimum size of a GHS pictogram on a GHS label is usually much smaller than a transport pictogram (100mm x 100mm);
  • A GHS label must be legible and prominently displayed;
Europe, Switzerland, Singapore & Malaysia
  • Minimum GHS label size and pictogram size depend on package capacities;
  • Malaysia: minimum font size is 7 points.
Capacity of the package
(Litres)		 Dimensions of the label
(Min. mm × mm)		 Dimensions of the pictogram
(Min. mm × mm)
Capa. ≤ 3 If possible, 52 × 74 Not smaller than 10 × 10
If possible, 16 × 16
3＜ Capa. ≤ 50 74 × 105 23 × 23
50＜ Capa. ≤ 500 105 × 148 32 × 32
Capa. ＞ 500  148 × 210 46 × 46
China
  • Has only set requirements on GHS label size;
Capacity of the package
(Litres)		 Dimensions of the label
(Min. mm × mm)
Capa. ≤ 0.1 Use simplified label
0.1 ＜ Capa. ≤ 3 50 × 75
3 ＜ Capa. ≤ 50 75 × 100
50 ＜ Capa. ≤ 500 100 × 150
500 ＜ Capa. ≤ 1000 150 × 200
Capa. ＞ 1000 200 × 300
Korea
  • Has set requirements on GHS label size and GHS pictogram size;
Capacity of the package
(Litres)		 Dimensions of the label
(Min. cm2)		 Dimensions of the pictogram
(Min. cm2)
Capa. ≤ 5 5% of area 1/40 of surface area;
0.5cm2
5 ＜ Capa. ≤ 50 90
50 ＜ Capa. ≤ 200 180
200 ＜ Capa. ≤ 500 300
Capa. ≥ 500 450
Australia
  • Has set requirements on GHS pictogram size and text size;
Capacity of the package
(Litres)		 Dimensions of the label
(Min. mm × mm)		 Dimensions of the pictogram
(Min. mm × mm)
Capa. ≤ 0.5 2.5 15 × 15
0.5 ＜ Capa. ≤ 5 3 20 × 30
5 ＜ Capa. ≤ 25 5 50 × 50
Capa. ≥ 25 7 100 × 100
USA, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand & Philippine
  • No specific size requirements on GHS labels, pictograms and fonts;
  • General principles shall be followed;
Conclusion of the Comparison of Global GHS Label Size Requirements
  • Unfortunately, GHS label size requirements are not harmonized;
  • Not all countries have set requirements on GHS label size or GHS pictogram size;
  • Malaysia and Australia have set font size requirements.

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