- Each shipped container needs a product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements and the name, U.S. address and U.S. phone number of the responsible party.
- The U.S. address and phone number come from the 2024 update. Substances had to comply by 19 May 2026; mixtures have until 19 November 2027.
- Containers of 100 mL or less and 3 mL or less have reduced options, but only when a full label is not feasible, and the outer package must carry the full label.
- Labels must be revised within six months of learning significant new hazard information.
Under the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors must make sure each container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked. Paragraph (f) sets out what that label must show. The 2024 update changed some of it.
The six required elements
- Product identifier, matching the SDS.
- Signal word: "Danger" or "Warning".
- Hazard statements for each hazard class and category.
- Pictograms.
- Precautionary statements.
- Name, U.S. address and U.S. telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
Hazards not otherwise classified do not have to be addressed on the label; they go on the SDS.
The U.S. address rule
The 2024 update added "U.S." to the address and telephone number, on the label in paragraph (f)(1)(vi) and in section 1 of the SDS in Appendix D. A foreign manufacturer's details alone are no longer enough: the label and SDS must name a responsible party with a U.S. address and phone number, such as the importer. For substances, manufacturers, importers and distributors had to comply by 19 May 2026. For mixtures, the date is 19 November 2027.
Small containers
| Container | Minimum on the container |
|---|---|
| 100 mL or less, where a full label, pull-out, fold-back or tag label is not feasible | Product identifier, pictograms, signal word, manufacturer name and phone number, and a statement that the full label information is on the outer package. |
| 3 mL or less, where any label would interfere with normal use | No label is required, but the container must show at least the product identifier. |
In both cases the outer package must carry the full label (paragraph (f)(12)). These options are for when you can show a full label will not work, not a general shortcut for small packs.
Bulk shipments
For bulk shipments, the label can be on the immediate container, transmitted with the shipping papers or bills of lading, or sent electronically if the receiving company agrees (paragraph (f)(5)(ii)).
When a label has to be updated
When you become aware of significant information about a chemical's hazards, you must revise the label within six months (paragraph (f)(11)). Chemicals that have already been released for shipment, meaning packaged and labeled the way they will be sold, do not have to be relabeled while they await distribution, but the updated label must go with each shipment.
Workplace labels
Employers label containers in their own workplace. A workplace container must show either the full shipped-label information (except the supplier details) or the product identifier with words, pictures or symbols that give general information about the hazards (paragraph (f)(6)). Employers must not remove or deface labels on incoming containers unless the container is immediately relabeled, and workplace labels must be legible, in English, and prominently displayed. Other languages can be added alongside English.
Shipping to Canada as well?
A US label is not a Canadian label. WHMIS requires English and French and a Canadian manufacturer or importer on the label, and the hazard classes differ slightly. See can you use a US SDS in Canada? and WHMIS label requirements.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Checked against the official sources above on 10 October 2026. Rules change: for your own products, ask for a spot-check.
