Fold-Out Labels: Small Packaging, Lots to Say

In the world of chemicals classified as hazardous, there are numerous mandatory labeling elements. But what do you do when there's simply too much information for the size of the packaging? The solution lies in fold-out labels, which allow for multi-page information without omitting any required content, thus complying with regulations.

What are fold-out labels and why do we use them?

Fold-out labels are multi-layered labels that users can open (unfold) to access additional information. They are most commonly used when:

• the product is intended for multilingual markets,
• legislation requires extensive safety and technical data,
• the packaging is small.

Such labels ensure that the product is properly labeled, compliant with regulations, while maintaining clarity.

CLP Regulation Requirements: What needs to be where?

The CLP Regulation clearly specifies how a fold-out label should be structured. The use of fold-out labels is only permissible if the packaging shape or size makes it impossible to meet general labeling rules.

On the outer (visible) side, the following must always be included:

• product identifier,
• hazard pictograms,
• warning words in all label languages,
• quantity/volume (for products in general use),
• supplier contact details,
• reference to additional information inside the label (e.g., "See safety information inside"),
• language codes (abbreviations),
• UFI.

The inside of the label is for details. Here, you must include:

• all labeling elements from Article 17 of the CLP Regulation (except pictograms and supplier),
• additional safety information,
• content divided by languages (recommended: one language per page),
• clear language labels at the top of each page.

Back page:

• repeats information from the front page,
• does not include language abbreviations.

What about the size of the label?

The CLP Regulation also specifies minimum dimensions that must be adhered to based on the size of the packaging.

For example:

• packaging volume up to 3 L: label at least 52 × 74 mm, pictogram at least 10 × 10 mm,
• packaging volume over 500 L: label at least 148 × 210 mm, pictogram at least 46 × 46 mm.

Due to the complexity of the CLP Regulation requirements, preparing a correct label is often a challenging task, especially for multilingual and fold-out labels.

If you want to check the compliance of your existing label or need help designing a new one, you can contact me at tim.bencik@bens-consulting.eu.