Hazmat Label Specifications and Requirements

Hazardous materials labels must meet strict specifications and requirements as defined in the 49 CFR part 172.407. These specifications define the label durability, design, size, and color. Other specifications include form or maker identification marks, exceptions, and the radioactive trefoil symbol. The following information is a plain-english summary of 49 CFR part 172.407, please refer to the exact 49 CFR regulation for official specifications. All Labelmaster hazmat labels meet these strict specifications.

NOTE: Last update January 14, 2014.

Durability

• Hazard class labels must be durable and weather resistant.
• These labels must withstand without deterioration or change in color, a 30-day exposure to reasonable transport conditions.

Design

• Printing, inner border, and symbol must be on label as shown in 49 CFR 172.411 through 172.448.
• The dotted line border shown on each label in 49 CFR 172.411 through 172.448 is not part of the specification, except as an alternative to a solid line in requirements of 172.406(d).

Size

• Label must be oriented as a diamond (square-on-point)
• Label must be at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) on each side
• Label must have solid line inner border 5.0 to 6.3 mm (0.2 to 0.25 inches) from the edge
• The CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY label must be a rectangle measuring at least 110 mm (4.3 inches) in height and 120 mm (4.7 inches) wide. The words "CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY" must be printed at least 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) in height on the label.
• The hazard class number or division number must be at least 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) in height and not greater than 12.7 mm (0.5 inches)
• When hazard is displayed, lettering must be at least 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) in height.
  For SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE or DANGEROUS WHEN WET labels, the words
  "Spontaneously" and "When Wet" must be at least 5.1 mm (0.2 inches) in height.

Color

• Label background color must be as describe in 49 CFR 172.411 through 172.448
• The symbol, text, number, and border must be black except for the following:
• May be white on labels with green, red, or blue backgrounds
• Text and hazard class number must be white on CORROSIVE label
• Symbol may be white on ORGANIC PEROXIDE label
• Color must withstand, without substantion change, 72-hour fadeometer test
  (see ASTM G 23-69 (1975) or ASTM G 26-70)
• Colors must fall within color tolerances as defined in charts in appendix A
• PANTONE® colors standards are as follows
• Red — Use PANTONE® 186 U       ..................
• Orange — Use PANTONE® 151 U   ..................
• Yellow — Use PANTONE® 109 U    ..................
• Green — Use PANTONE® 335 U     ..................
• Blue — Use PANTONE® 285 U      ..................
• Purple — Use PANTONE® 259 U     ..................
• Label color must extend to edge of label except for CORROSIVE, RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II,
  and RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III, for which the color must extend to the inner border

Manufacturer Identification

• The name of the label manufacturer may appear printed outside the label solid line inner border, no larger than 10 pt type.

Exceptions

• Except for materials poisonous by inhalation (see 49 CFR 171.8), a label conforming to specifications in the UN Recommendations may be used in place of these
  corresponding specifications.

Radioactive Symbol

• The radioactive trefoil symbol must meet the 49 CFR 172 appendix B specifications.