A Guide to CLP hazard pictograms (Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation, Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008).

What Are CLP Pictograms?

Under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, chemical products must display pictograms that indicate the type of hazard they present.

There are nine pictograms in total, each representing a different class of hazard – from flammability to toxicity and environmental damage.

The Nine CLP Hazard Pictograms

1. Exploding Bomb

CLP hazard pictogram – exploding bomb symbol for explosives or self-reactive substances.

Indicates: Explosives, self-reactive substances and organic peroxides that can explode if exposed to heat, shock or friction.
Examples: Fireworks, detonators, unstable laboratory materials.
Safety advice: Handle with extreme care and keep away from heat and ignition sources.

2. Flame

CLP hazard pictogram – flame symbol for flammable gases, liquids, or solids.

Indicates: Flammable gases, liquids, solids and aerosols that ignite easily.
Examples: Propane, acetone, paint thinners.
Safety advice: Store in cool, ventilated areas and keep away from open flames.

3. Flame Over Circle

CLP hazard pictogram – flame over circle symbol for oxidising substances.

Indicates: Oxidising substances that can cause or intensify a fire.
Examples: Hydrogen peroxide, oxygen cylinders, nitrates.
Safety advice: Keep away from flammable or combustible materials.

4. Gas Cylinder

CLP hazard pictogram – gas cylinder symbol for gases under pressure.

Indicates: Gases under pressure, which may explode if heated or cause frostbite on release.
Examples: CO₂ cartridges, helium tanks, compressed air.
Safety advice: Store upright and away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

5. Corrosion

CLP hazard pictogram – corrosion symbol showing test tubes damaging metal and skin.

Indicates: Substances that can corrode metals or cause severe skin and eye burns.
Examples: Strong acids and alkalis such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
Safety advice: Wear protective gloves and eye protection; avoid contact with skin or eyes.

6. Skull and Crossbones

CLP hazard pictogram – skull and crossbones symbol for acute toxicity.

Indicates: Highly toxic substances that can cause serious health effects or death if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.
Examples: Certain pesticides, methanol, cyanides.
Safety advice: Use only in well-ventilated areas and follow all safety instructions.

7. Exclamation Mark

CLP hazard pictogram – exclamation mark symbol for irritation or less severe health hazards.

Indicates: Substances that can cause irritation, skin sensitisation, or drowsiness.
Examples: Cleaning products, solvents, adhesives.
Safety advice: Avoid breathing vapours and contact with skin; always read the label.

8. Health Hazard

CLP hazard pictogram – silhouette with starburst on chest for long-term health hazards such as carcinogenicity or respiratory sensitisation.

Indicates: Long-term or serious health effects, including cancer, reproductive harm, or respiratory problems.
Examples: Diesel exhaust, formaldehyde, benzene.
Safety advice: Use appropriate PPE and minimise exposure.

9. Environment

Indicates: Substances hazardous to aquatic life or ecosystems.
Examples: Pesticides, oil, heavy metals.
Safety advice: Prevent spills and dispose of waste responsibly.

How to Read a CLP Label

Every CLP label includes more than just the pictogram. Look for:

Product identifier – what the substance is
Signal word – either Danger or Warning
Hazard statements (H-phrases) – the nature of the hazard
Precautionary statements (P-phrases) – how to handle safely
Supplier information – who to contact for more details

Understanding these elements ensures safer handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous products.

Keeping Your Products CLP Compliant

Manufacturers, importers and distributors are responsible for ensuring that chemical products sold in the EU or UK are correctly labelled under CLP.

Accurate pictograms, classification and hazard statements are a legal requirement and an important part of product safety communication.

Acting as your Authorised Representative in Europe we are manufacturers importing goods into the EU, we

Support with EU Product Registration

If your business is based outside the EU but sells chemical products into the European market, you may need to register certain substances on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) database under the REACH Regulation.

Appointing an EU Authorised Representative (also known as an Only Representative for REACH purposes) allows a non-EU manufacturer to meet these legal duties without establishing an EU entity.

Authorised Rep Compliance can manage this process for you — from determining which products require registration, to submitting the necessary data to the ECHA system and maintaining records for ongoing compliance.

This ensures your products are correctly registered and remain compliant with EU chemical safety requirements.