GHS pictogram — CLP hazard pictograms
Visual diamond-shaped symbol with a red border and white background that conveys the type of hazard of a substance or chemical mixture. Established by the CLP Regulation Annex V according to the UN GHS system.
Context
A GHS pictogram is a standardised visual symbol in a diamond shape with a red border and white background that conveys the type of hazard of a substance or chemical mixture to the user. Established by the CLP Regulation Annex V.
Regulatory origin
Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex V. EU adoption of the UN GHS system (Globally Harmonized System).
The 9 official pictograms
Explosive · exploding bomb.
Flammable · flame.
Oxidiser · flame over a circle.
Gas under pressure · gas cylinder.
Corrosive · corrosion of hand and metal.
Acute toxicity · skull.
Irritant · exclamation mark.
CMR/respiratory sensitisation hazard · human figure with an effect.
Aquatic toxicity · dead fish and tree.
Timeline
UN GHS approved
The United Nations adopts the globally harmonised GHS system.
EU CLP adopted
Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 transposes GHS into EU law.
Application to substances
Chemical substances are fully labelled with GHS pictograms.
Application to mixtures
Chemical mixtures are fully labelled with GHS pictograms.
Applied case
A textile brand receives Safety Data Sheets from its chemical suppliers and verifies the GHS labelling of each product.
Verifies that each SDS contains section 2 with the full CLP classification: pictogram + H and P statements + signal word.
Maintains an internal matrix of chemical products with associated GHS pictograms for operator training.
When a product changes classification (a new CLP+ hazard class under Reg. (EU) 2024/2865): updates the internal labelling.
For finished textile articles (T-shirts, trousers) it does NOT use GHS pictograms · it uses ISO 3758 textile care symbols.
Common mistakes
CLP pictograms are not the same as commercial or textile-care icons.
Textile care symbols (washing, ironing, drying · ISO 3758) are distinct from CLP pictograms. CLP regulates hazardous chemical substances and mixtures. ISO 3758 regulates the care of finished textile products. A shirt does NOT carry CLP pictograms, it carries ISO 3758 symbols + fibre labelling (Reg. 1007/2011).
Not all chemical products carry mandatory pictograms.
Only substances and mixtures classified as hazardous in accordance with CLP (with at least one hazard class). Unclassified products (distilled water, pure salt, inert substances) do not carry pictograms. The obligation is triggered by classification.
A pictogram is not a substitute for the H/P statement.
The pictogram conveys the general type of hazard. The H statements (hazard statements · e.g. H315) and P statements (precautionary · e.g. P280 wear gloves) detail the specific hazard and the prevention. The CLP label requires both: pictograms + H/P text.
There are only 9 official pictograms — no other is valid.
The 9 pictograms (GHS01-GHS09) are the only ones recognised in CLP. Any additional symbol (e.g. commercial symbols, private certifications) may coexist but does not replace the mandatory official pictograms. Using non-official symbols as if they were CLP is an infringement.
Frequently asked questions
What is a GHS pictogram?
A standardised visual symbol in a diamond shape with a red border and white background that conveys the type of hazard of a substance or chemical mixture to the user. Established by Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP, OJEU L 353, 31.12.2008) Annex V — the EU adoption of the UN GHS system (Globally Harmonized System). Code GHS01-GHS09.
How many CLP pictograms are there?
9 official pictograms (GHS01 to GHS09) covering physical hazards (GHS01 explosive, GHS02 flammable, GHS03 oxidiser, GHS04 gas under pressure), health hazards (GHS05 corrosive, GHS06 acute toxicity, GHS07 irritant, GHS08 CMR/respiratory sensitisation hazard) and environmental hazards (GHS09 aquatic toxicity). The exact definition and graphic representation are in CLP Annex V.
When is it mandatory to display CLP pictograms?
When a substance or mixture is classified as hazardous according to CLP Annex I (criteria and thresholds by hazard class). They are displayed on the packaging label together with the signal word ("Warning" or "Danger" depending on the category), H statements (Hazard statements), P statements (Precautionary statements) and product identifiers. In line with Art. 31-39 CLP: the minimum pictogram size, the position on the label and the text format are strictly regulated.
Does a cotton shirt carry CLP pictograms?
No. CLP applies to chemical substances and mixtures (cleaning products, industrial dyes, flame retardants in packaging), not to finished textile articles. Garments carry care symbols in accordance with the ISO 3758:2012 standard (washing, drying, ironing) — a distinct visual system. However, if the brand imports an industrial dye for its own textile printing, that CLP-classified dye must arrive with pictograms.
Are CLP pictograms the same all over the world?
Conceptually yes: CLP transposed the UN GHS system into the EU. More than 70 countries adopted GHS with minor national variations: USA (HazCom 2012), Japan (Industrial Safety and Health Act), China (GB 30000), UK (CLP UK post-Brexit), Brazil (ABNT NBR 14725 standard). The red-diamond visual is identical universally, but the signal words and H/P statements are in local languages in accordance with Art. 17 EU CLP.
Fuentes oficiales
- Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) — Article 19 + Annex V: GHS hazard pictograms and labelling rulesEuropean Parliament · European Council · OJEU L of 31.12.200831 dic 2008 + actualizacionesregulation
- United Nations · UNECE2023 (revisión 10)standard
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)2024guide
