What Is CLP?
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemical substances and mixtures. Under UK CLP Regulation, any product containing hazardous chemicals must carry specific hazard information on its label. This includes many everyday products: fragranced candles, reed diffusers, cleaning sprays, essential oil blends, wax melts, and some cosmetics.
Who Needs CLP Labels?
You need CLP labelling if your product contains classified hazardous substances above certain concentration thresholds. Common products requiring CLP include:
- Fragranced candles — most fragrance oils contain allergens classified as sensitisers
- Wax melts — same as candles, fragrance-driven
- Reed diffusers — high fragrance concentration
- Room sprays — aerosolised fragrance
- Cleaning products — surfactants, acids, alkalis
- Essential oil products — many EOs are classified irritants or sensitisers
- Bath bombs — if fragranced above thresholds
What Must a CLP Label Include?
- GHS Hazard Pictograms: Diamond-shaped symbols indicating hazard types (exclamation mark for irritant, flame for flammable, etc.)
- Signal Word: Either WARNING (less severe) or DANGER (more severe)
- Hazard Statements (H-phrases): Standardised phrases describing the nature of the hazard, e.g. H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
- Precautionary Statements (P-phrases): Standardised advice on safe handling, storage, and first aid
- Product Identifier: Name of the hazardous substance(s) or mixture
- Supplier Information: Your business name, address, and phone number
- Nominal Quantity: The amount of product in the container
GHS Pictogram Guide
- Exclamation Mark (GHS07): Irritant, skin sensitiser — the most common for candles and cosmetics
- Flame (GHS02): Flammable — relevant for high-alcohol products and some diffusers
- Health Hazard (GHS08): Serious health hazard — less common for consumer products
- Corrosion (GHS05): Corrosive — relevant for strong cleaning products
- Environment (GHS09): Hazardous to aquatic environment — some fragrances
CLP Label Sizing
CLP regulations specify minimum label dimensions based on package size:
- Up to 3 litres: Minimum 52mm x 74mm for hazard information
- 3-50 litres: Minimum 74mm x 105mm
- Above 50 litres: Minimum 105mm x 148mm
- Pictogram minimum size: Each pictogram must be at least 1cm x 1cm, or 1/15th of the label area, whichever is larger
Separate CLP Label vs Integrated
Many producers use a separate CLP label on the base or back of their product, keeping the front label clean for branding. This is perfectly acceptable as long as all required CLP information is present and legible. A typical separate CLP label is 40mm x 30mm to 60mm x 40mm.
Where to Get Your CLP Classification
Your fragrance oil or chemical supplier should provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each ingredient. The SDS contains the hazard classification you need for your CLP label. If you blend multiple fragrances, you may need to calculate the overall mixture classification — CLP consultants can help with this.
Ordering CLP Labels
StickerNation prints CLP labels on waterproof vinyl with high-resolution GHS pictograms. Available in any size with permanent adhesive. Design using our online tool or upload your pre-made CLP artwork.