Labelty

Understand and Apply Hazardous Goods Labels Correctly

Your compact guide for safe supply chains

What are Hazardous Goods?

**Hazardous goods** are substances, mixtures or objects that pose a danger to people, animals, the environment or property during transport, storage or handling due to their physical or chemical properties. Classification is based on binding regulations such as *ADR* (road), *RID* (rail), *IMDG* (sea) and *IATA-DGR* (air freight). These regulations define exactly which substances are classified as flammable, explosive, toxic, corrosive or radioactive and therefore must meet special labeling and packaging requirements.

Typical examples include flammable solvents such as acetone, compressed gases such as propane, self-igniting metals such as sodium, but also seemingly harmless everyday items such as **lithium-ion batteries** or **spray cans**. Regardless of whether you are shipping a 200-liter drum container, a euro pallet or a small package: as soon as the contents fall into one of the nine hazard classes, the dangerous goods regulations apply.

**Why is this relevant?** According to a study by the European Chemicals Agency ECHA, over **15%** of all serious industrial accidents are due to improper transport or storage of hazardous substances. With sound knowledge and correct classification, companies prevent costly damage, supply chain disruptions and loss of reputation.

**Remember:** Hazardous goods are everywhere - from pharmaceutical laboratories to automotive manufacturing to online shops for car batteries. Only a detailed hazardous substance analysis and classification into the appropriate hazard class determine which labels, accompanying documents and protective measures are required.

What are Hazardous Goods Labels?

**Hazardous goods labels** are square warning signs in diamond shape (rotated 45°) that must mark every shipping unit with dangerous goods according to ADR. A label combines three key pieces of information:

**Color code** - e.g. red for flammable and yellow for radioactive hazard.
**Pictogram** - an internationally recognized symbol, such as the flame (Class 3) or the skull symbol (Class 6).
**Class number** - the digit 1-9 in the lower corner, which clearly refers to the hazard class.

A compliant label has a **minimum size of 100 mm × 100 mm** for packages. For containers and tank vehicles, ADR even requires 250 mm. Material and adhesive must be weather-resistant, UV-resistant and adhesive at temperatures from -40°C to +80°C. This ensures that the warnings are reliably readable even in rain, snow or tropical heat.

Modern hazardous goods labels are often printed on *polypropylene or polyester film* and equipped with a high-tack acrylate adhesive. This combination prevents corners from peeling off or colors from fading. For multilingual supply chains, additional information in German, English or French can be added on separate **plain text labels** without changing the actual hazardous goods label.

Benefits of compliant hazardous goods labels at a glance:

•Faster customs clearance thanks to clear declaration
•Minimized risk of mishandled cargo
•Compliance with ISO 9001 and SQAS audit criteria
•Positive image as a responsible supplier

Why Compliant Labeling is Crucial

Whether you ship lithium batteries, flammable liquids or radioactive samples - **legally compliant hazardous goods labeling according to ADR, IMDG and IATA** is the key to smooth supply chains. Hazardous goods labels warn loaders, drivers, customs offices and emergency services within seconds about the specific hazard, minimize the risk of accidents and avoid hefty fines of up to €50,000. You also save yourself production downtime because incorrectly declared packages are stopped at border crossings. *Correct labeling means: increase economic efficiency, protect human lives and prevent environmental pollution.*

Clarity in Transport

A clearly visible hazardous goods label immediately provides all crucial information: class number, pictogram, color code and hazard code give freight forwarders, warehouse workers and firefighters precise instructions. This **reduces response time in an incident by up to 80%**.

•Accelerated handling at hubs and depots
•Reduced misloadings and returns
•Higher predictability of delivery dates

Legal Security

ADR regulations require that every package with dangerous goods bears a distinctive hazardous goods label with a minimum size of 10 × 10 cm. Violations can lead to **high fines, shutdowns or loss of insurance** during official inspections. With certified labels made of weather-resistant vinyl or polyester film, you meet all requirements for color fastness, adhesion and UV stability.

•Complete documentation during audits
•Compliance with GHS, CLP and REACH
•Reduced liability risks for loaders and shippers

Image Gain

Companies that take hazardous goods labeling seriously signal a high degree of **corporate responsibility** to their customers and the public. This directly pays into your brand: According to a study by the German Freight Forwarding and Logistics Association, 73% of all B2B buyers prefer suppliers who demonstrably maintain high safety and sustainability standards.

•Stronger customer loyalty through transparency
•Competitive advantages in international tenders
•Positive perception in environmental and sustainability ratings

The Nine Hazard Classes at a Glance

So that shippers, carriers and emergency services can immediately recognize the hazards, all dangerous substances are divided into **nine main classes**, some of which have subclasses. Each class receives a unique label with defined colors and symbols. The following overview explains the specifics of each class and shows typical examples - from *Class 1 explosives* to *Class 9 lithium batteries*.