When your operation ships and handles hazardous chemicals, the right warning labels are essential for safe and compliant workplaces.

Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), chemical container labels must be durable and clearly communicate the hazards to workers, no matter where in the world the container travels.

At iD Products, we can help you meet GHS requirements with two flexible solutions:

• Preprinted GHS labels – Simply grab and apply, with no printing equipment required. We’ll help you keep your inventory stocked and ready.
• Print-on-demand labels – Our team at iD Partner Portal will help you identify the best label printer and compliant label stock to print exactly what you need, when you need it.

Whether you choose preprinted or in-house printing, we’ll guide you through every step, from printer selection to material choice, so your GHS warning labels stay compliant and durable.

In the following guide, we cover what your GHS label needs to include and how to create a GHS-compliant label.

What is a GHS label?

Language shouldn’t be a barrier to worker safety. Wherever the container goes, the label should have clear, easily understood messaging printed on durable materials so workers can protect themselves and the environment. That’s what GHS labels are designed to do.

GHS labels feature icons and messaging that indicate what chemical is in a container along with the potential hazards. In many countries, GHS labels are required for chemicals that are shipped and used in workplaces. GHS labels are designed to be understood by workers across multiple countries so they can readily identify the hazards and know what safety precautions to take.

What information should a GHS label have?

At a minimum, a GHS label should include a signal word, pictogram and hazard statement for each hazard class and category.

It should also include a precautionary statement to provide workers guidance on how to respond to exposures and other hazardous situation. The goal is to convey enough information for a trained worker to safely handle the container, though the accompanying GHS data sheet should have additional details.

Elements of a GHS label:

Product identifier: Common product name of the chemicals in the container and their relative percentages.

GHS pictogram: One of nine official black-and-white hazard symbols within a red diamond border. The red border is mandatory for compliance, thus the pictogram must be printed in color. (Note: OSHA enforces eight pictograms; the environmental pictogram is optional in the U.S.)

Signal word: Indicates the severity of the hazard (e.g. Danger or Warning.) Only one signal word appears on a label, meaning Danger is used when applicable and takes precedence over Warning.

Hazard statement: Standardized statement describing the chemical’s hazards (e.g., highly flammable, toxic if swallowed, fatal if inhaled).

Precautionary statement: Standardized GHS phrase describing protective measures to prevent exposure and adverse effects (e.g., Keep away from heat), along with statements about response, treatment, storage and disposal.

Supplier identification: Manufacturer or supplier’s name, address and telephone number.

The ultimate authority on GHS labeling requirements is OSHA, and their website features handouts and other resources.

How to build a GHS-compliant label

To create GHS-compliant labels, use durable inks, facestock and adhesives. It’s important to note that GHS standards focus primarily on label content and meaning, it doesn’t specify which materials to use. Keep in mind, to maintain compliance, your GHS label must remain legible and visible for the life of the container, resisting smudging, fading and tearing. When creating a GHS compliant label, durability of the inks, facestock and adhesive are critical.

Tips and strategies for creating a durable GHS label:

Start with environmental exposure: Consider UV exposure, weather elements, chemicals and abrasion over the container’s lifecycle to narrow your material choices.

Choose materials tested to relevant standards: Look to standards and certifications within your industry. A commonly used standard for GHS-compliant labels is BS 5609, which is designed for chemical container labels shipped by sea, ensuring the label remains affixed and legible after three months in seawater.

Select a durable facestock:

• Polyester (PET): Resists chemicals, abrasions and temperature fluctuations
• Polypropylene (PP): Good moisture resistance and a better price point than PET
• Vinyl: Flexible and chemical-resistant while adhering well to curved surfaces

Choose a durable, high-tack adhesive: Ensure it maintains hold on the surface type and at the application’s temperature.

Choose a durable printing method: For in-house printing, thermal transfer with resin ribbon has been the gold standard for chemical resistance and durability, but usually lack the capacity to print colors needed for compliance. However, digital label printers using BS 5609-certified inks are equally durable and provide excellent fade resistance. For preprinted labels, flexographic printing offers long-lasting results, especially with an overlaminate.

Print-on-demand label solutions: Your one-stop shop for GHS labels

At iD Products, our flexible solutions can meet all your GHS labeling needs, whether you’re maintaining an inventory of GHS-compliant labels customized for your container, or you’re setting up an entire in-house label production:

Label printer selection: We’ll help you identify the best Print-On-Demand label printer for your size and scale.

Facestock selection: We’ll supply regulatory-compliant warning label facestock so you can apply labels with confidence that they’ll last.

Warning label design: We’ll align your label with GHS-required colors, font sizes and illustrations.

Rugged materials: We can print and source facestock on vinyl, polycarbonate, aluminum, reflective or polyester.

Customized sizes and convenient formats: Whether you need individual labels, rolls or multi-label decal sheets, we can create the format you need. For customized dimensions our die cutting and kiss cutting capabilities ensure a perfect fit.

Partner with a label printing expert

Take the guesswork out of creating GHS-compliant labels with iD Products and iD Partner Portal. Our team can help you design the best label for your application, whether you choose preprinted, print-on-demand or a combination of both.

FAQs about GHS-compliant labels

Q What does GHS require on a label?

A. A GHS label must include a product identifier, standardized pictograms with a red diamond border, a signal word (Danger or Warning), hazard statements, precautionary statements and supplier identification. These elements ensure hazards are communicated clearly to workers worldwide.

Q. What is BS 5609 certification for GHS labels?

A. BS 5609 is a British Standard that tests label durability for marine shipments. BS 5609-certified GHS labels remain legible and securely affixed even after three months in seawater, making them suited for chemicals shipped by sea.

Q. What is the difference between preprinted and print-on-demand GHS labels?

A. Preprinted GHS labels arrive ready to apply and are ideal for high-volume, repeat-use applications. Print-on-demand labels are produced in-house using compliant printers and label stock, offering flexibility for variable information or smaller runs.

Q. Are GHS labels required in the United States?

A. Yes. Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, GHS-compliant labels are required for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. Employers must also train workers on how to read and understand GHS labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).