U.S. Code of Federal Regulations

Regulations most recently checked for updates: Dec 07, 2024

§ 172.400 - General labeling requirements.

(a) Except as specified in § 172.400a, each person who offers for transportation or transports a hazardous material in any of the following packages or containment devices, shall label the package or containment device with labels specified for the material in the § 172.101 table and in this subpart:

(1) A non-bulk package;

(2) A bulk packaging, other than a cargo tank, portable tank, or tank car, with a volumetric capacity of less than 18 m 3 (640 cubic feet), unless placarded in accordance with subpart F of this part;

(3) A portable tank of less than 3785 L (1000 gallons) capacity, unless placarded in accordance with subpart F of this part;

(4) A DOT Specification 106 or 110 multi-unit tank car tank, unless placarded in accordance with subpart F of this part; and

(5) An overpack, freight container or unit load device, of less than 18 m 3 (640 cubic feet), which contains a package for which labels are required, unless placarded or marked in accordance with § 172.512 of this part.

(b) Labeling is required for a hazardous material which meets one or more hazard class definitions, in accordance with column 6 of the § 172.101 table and the following table:

Table 1 to Paragraph (b)

Hazard class or division Label name Label design
or section
reference
1.1EXPLOSIVES 1.1172.411
1.2EXPLOSIVES 1.2172.411
1.3EXPLOSIVES 1.3172.411
1.4EXPLOSIVES 1.4172.411
1.5EXPLOSIVES 1.5172.411
1.6EXPLOSIVES 1.6172.411
2.1FLAMMABLE GAS172.417
2.2NON-FLAMMABLE GAS172.415
2.3POISON GAS172.416
3 Flammable Liquid (Combustible liquid)FLAMMABLE LIQUID (none)172.419
4.1FLAMMABLE SOLID172.420
4.2SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE172.422
4.3DANGEROUS WHEN WET172.423
5.1OXIDIZER172.426
5.2ORGANIC PEROXIDE172.427
6.1 (material poisonous by inhalation (see § 171.8 of this subchapter))POISON INHALATION HAZARD172.429
6.1 (other than a material poisonous by inhalation)POISON172.430
6.1 (inhalation hazard, Zone A or B)POISON INHALATION HAZARD172.429
6.1 (other than inhalation hazard, Zone A or B)POISON172.430
6.2INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE172.432
7 (see § 172.403)RADIOACTIVE WHITE-I172.436
7RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II172.438
7RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III172.440
7 (fissile radioactive material; see § 172.402)FISSILE172.441
7 (empty packages, see § 173.428 of this subchapter)EMPTY172.450
8CORROSIVE172.442
9CLASS 9172.446
[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52593, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66255, Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 172-151, 62 FR 1228, Jan. 8, 1997; 64 FR 10776, Mar. 5, 1999; 64 FR 51918, Sept. 27, 1999; 69 FR 3668, Jan. 26, 2004; 69 FR 64471, Nov. 4, 2004; 78 FR 60753, Oct. 2, 2013; 85 FR 83381, Dec. 21, 2020; 87 FR 79773, Dec. 27, 2022]

§ 172.400a - Exceptions from labeling.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 172.400, a label is not required on—

(1) A Dewar flask meeting the requirements in § 173.320 of this subchapter or a cylinder containing a Division 2.1, 2.2, or 2.3 material that is durably and legibly marked in accordance with CGA C-7, Appendix A (IBR; see § 171.7 of this subchapter). Notwithstanding this exception, overpacks must be labeled (see § 173.25 of this subchapter).

(2) A package or unit of military explosives (including ammunition) shipped by or on behalf of the DOD when in—

(i) Freight containerload, carload or truckload shipments, if loaded and unloaded by the shipper or DOD; or

(ii) Unitized or palletized break-bulk shipments by cargo vessel under charter to DOD if at least one required label is displayed on each unitized or palletized load.

(3) A package containing a hazardous material other than ammunition that is—

(i) Loaded and unloaded under the supervision of DOD personnel, and

(ii) Escorted by DOD personnel in a separate vehicle.

(4) A compressed gas cylinder permanently mounted in or on a transport vehicle.

(5) A freight container, aircraft unit load device or portable tank, which—

(i) Is placarded in accordance with subpart F of this part, or

(ii) Conforms to paragraph (a)(3) or (b)(3) of § 172.512.

(6) An overpack or unit load device in or on which labels representative of each hazardous material in the overpack or unit load device are visible.

(7) A package of low specific activity radioactive material and surface contaminated objects, when transported under § 173.427(a)(6)(vi) of this subchapter.

(8) Packages containing toy plastic or paper caps for toy pistols described as “UN0349, Articles, explosive, n.o.s. (Toy caps), 1.4S” or “NA0337, Toy caps, 1.4S” when offered in conformance with the conditions of § 172.102(c)(1), Special provision 382.

(b) Certain exceptions to labeling requirements are provided for small quantities and limited quantities in applicable sections in part 173 of this subchapter.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 172.402(a), a Division 6.1 subsidiary hazard label is not required on a package containing a Class 8 (corrosive) material which has a subsidiary hazard of Division 6.1 (poisonous) if the toxicity of the material is based solely on the corrosive destruction of tissue rather than systemic poisoning. In addition, a Division 4.1 subsidiary hazard label is not required on a package bearing a Division 4.2 label.

(d) A package containing a material poisonous by inhalation (see § 171.8 of this subchapter) in a closed transport vehicle or freight container may be excepted from the POISON INHALATION HAZARD or POISON GAS label or placard, under the conditions set forth in § 171.23(b)(10) of this subchapter.

[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52594, Dec. 21, 1990] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 172.400a, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

§ 172.401 - Prohibited labeling.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person may offer for transportation and no carrier may transport a package bearing a label specified in this subpart unless:

(1) The package contains a material that is a hazardous material, and

(2) The label represents a hazard of the hazardous material in the package.

(b) No person may offer for transportation and no carrier may transport a package bearing any marking or label which by its color, design, or shape could be confused with or conflict with a label prescribed by this part.

(c) The restrictions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, do not apply to packages labeled in conformance with:

(1) The UN Recommendations (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter);

(2) The IMDG Code (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter);

(3) The ICAO Technical Instructions (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter);

(4) The TDG Regulations (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).

(5) The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter).

(d) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to a packaging bearing a label if that packaging is:

(1) Unused or cleaned and purged of all residue;

(2) Transported in a transport vehicle or freight container in such a manner that the packaging is not visible during transportation; and

(3) Loaded by the shipper and unloaded by the shipper or consignee.

[Amdt. 172-9, 41 FR 15996, Apr. 15, 1976, as amended by Amdt. 172-75, 47 FR 44471, Oct. 7, 1982; Amdt. 172-77, 47 FR 54822, Dec. 6, 1982; Amdt. 172-94, 49 FR 38134, Sept. 27, 1984; Amdt. 172-100, 50 FR 41521, Oct. 11, 1985; Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52594, Dec. 21, 1990; Amdt. 172-132, 58 FR 50501, Sept. 27, 1993; 66 FR 8647, Feb. 1, 2001; 66 FR 45379, Aug. 28, 2001; 68 FR 75741, 75742, Dec. 31, 2003; 74 FR 2252, Jan. 14, 2009]

§ 172.402 - Additional labeling requirements.

(a) Subsidiary hazard labels. Each package containing a hazardous material—

(1) Shall be labeled with primary and subsidiary hazard labels as specified in column 6 of the § 172.101 table (unless excepted in paragraph (a)(2) of this section); and

(2)For other than Class 1 or Class 2 materials (for subsidiary labeling requirements for Class 1 or Class 2 materials see paragraph (e) or paragraphs (f) and (g), respectively, of this section), if not already labeled under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, shall be labeled with subsidiary hazard labels in accordance with the following table:

Subsidiary Hazard Labels

Subsidiary hazard level (packing group) Subsidiary Hazard (Class or Division)
3 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.1 6.1 8
IX******XXXX
IIXXXXXXX
III*XXXXXX

X—Required for all modes.

*—Required for all modes, except for a material with a flash point at or above 38 °C (100 °F) transported by rail or highway.

**—Reserved

***—Impossible as subsidiary hazard.

(b) Display of hazard class on labels. The appropriate hazard class or division number must be displayed in the lower corner of a primary hazard label and a subsidiary hazard label.

(c) Cargo Aircraft Only label. Each person who offers for transportation or transports by aircraft a package containing a hazardous material which is authorized on cargo aircraft only shall label the package with a CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY label specified in § 172.448 of this subpart.

(d) Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, each package containing a Class 7 material that also meets the definition of one or more additional hazard classes must be labeled as a Class 7 material as required by § 172.403 and for each additional hazard.

(1) A subsidiary label is not required for a package containing material that satisfies all of the criteria in § 173.4, § 173.4a, or § 173.4b applicable to the subsidiary hazard class.

(2) Each package or overpack containing fissile material, other than fissile-excepted material (see § 173.453 of this subchapter) must bear two FISSILE labels, affixed to opposite sides of the package or overpack, which conforms to the figure shown in § 172.441; such labels, where applicable, must be affixed adjacent to the labels for radioactive materials.

(e) Class 1 (explosive) Materials. In addition to the label specified in column 6 of the § 172.101 table, each package of Class 1 material that also meets the definition for:

(1) Division 6.1, Packing Groups I or II, shall be labeled POISON or POISON INHALATION HAZARD, as appropriate.

(2) Class 7, shall be labeled in accordance with § 172.403 of this subpart.

(f) Division 2.2 materials. In addition to the label specified in column 6 of the § 172.101 table, each package of Division 2.2 material that also meets the definition for an oxidizing gas (see § 171.8 of this subchapter) must be labeled OXIDIZER.

(g) Division 2.3 materials. In addition to the label specified in column 6 of the § 172.101 table, each package of Division 2.3 material that also meets the definition for:

(1) Division 2.1, must be labeled Flammable Gas;

(2) Division 5.1, must be labeled Oxidizer; and

(3) Class 8, must be labeled Corrosive.

[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52594, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66255, Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 172-139, 59 FR 67490, Dec. 29, 1994; Amdt. 172-140, 60 FR 26805, May 18, 1995; Amdt. 172-149, 61 FR 27173, May 30, 1996; 62 FR 39405, July 22, 1997; 66 FR 33425, June 21, 2001; 69 FR 3668, Jan. 26, 2004; 74 FR 2252, Jan. 14, 2009; 76 FR 56314, Sept. 13, 2011; 79 FR 40609, July 11, 2014]

§ 172.403 - Class 7 (radioactive) material.

(a) Unless excepted from labeling by §§ 173.421 through 173.427 of this subchapter, each package of radioactive material must be labeled as provided in this section.

(b) The proper label to affix to a package of Class 7 (radioactive) material is based on the radiation level at the surface of the package and the transport index. The proper category of label must be determined in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section. The label to be applied must be the highest category required for any of the two determining conditions for the package. RADIOACTIVE WHITE-I is the lowest category and RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III is the highest. For example, a package with a transport index of 0.8 and a maximum surface radiation level of 0.6 millisievert (60 millirems) per hour must bear a RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III label.

(c) Category of label to be applied to Class 7 (radioactive) materials packages:

Transport index Maximum radiation level at any point on the external surface Label category 1
0 2Less than or equal to 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mrem/h)WHITE-I.
More than 0 but not more than 1Greater than 0.005 mSv/h (0.5 mrem/h) but less than or equal to 0.5 mSv/h (50 mrem/h)YELLOW-II.
More than 1 but not more than 10Greater than 0.5 mSv/h (50 mrem/h) but less than or equal to 2 mSv/h (200 mrem/h)YELLOW-III.
More than 10Greater than 2 mSv/h (200 mrem/h) but less than or equal to 10 mSv/h (1,000 mrem/h)YELLOW-III (Must be shipped under exclusive use provisions; see 173.441(b) of this subchapter).

1 Any package containing a “highway route controlled quantity” (§ 173.403 of this subchapter) must be labelled as RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III.

2 If the measured TI is not greater than 0.05, the value may be considered to be zero.

(d) EMPTY label. See § 173.428(e) of this subchapter for EMPTY labeling requirements.

(e) FISSILE label. For packages required in § 172.402 to bear a FISSILE label, each such label must be completed with the criticality safety index (CSI) assigned in the NRC or DOE package design approval, or in the certificate of approval for special arrangement or the certificate of approval for the package design issued by the Competent Authority for import and export shipments. For overpacks and freight containers required in § 172.402 to bear a FISSILE label, the CSI on the label must be the sum of the CSIs for all of the packages contained in the overpack or freight container.

(f) Each package required by this section to be labeled with a RADIOACTIVE label must have two of these labels, affixed to opposite sides of the package. (See § 172.406(e)(3) for freight container label requirements).

(g) The following applicable items of information must be entered in the blank spaces on the RADIOACTIVE label by legible printing (manual or mechanical), using a durable weather resistant means of marking:

(1) Contents. Except for LSA-1 material, the names of the radionuclides as taken from the listing of radionuclides in § 173.435 of this subchapter (symbols which conform to established radiation protection terminology are authorized, i.e., 99Mo, 60Co, etc.). For mixtures of radionuclides, with consideration of space available on the label, the radionuclides that must be shown must be determined in accordance with § 173.433(g) of this subchapter. For LSA-I material, the term “LSA-I” may be used in place of the names of the radionuclides.

(2) Activity. The maximum activity of the radioactive contents in the package during transport must be expressed in appropriate SI units (e.g., Becquerels (Bq), Terabecquerels (TBq)). The activity may also be stated in appropriate customary units (e.g., Curies (Ci), milliCuries (mCi), microCuries (uCi)) in parentheses following the SI units. Abbreviations are authorized. Except for plutonium-239 and plutonium-241, the weight in grams or kilograms of fissile radionuclides (or the mass of each fissile nuclide for mixtures when appropriate) may be inserted instead of activity units. For plutonium-239 and plutonium-241, the weight in grams of fissile radionuclides (or the mass of each fissile nuclide for mixtures when appropriate) may be inserted in addition to the activity units.

(3) Transport index. (see § 173.403 of this subchapter.)

(h) When one or more packages of Class 7 (radioactive) material are placed within an overpack, the overpack must be labeled as prescribed in this section, except as follows:

(1) The “contents” entry on the label may state “mixed” in place of the names of the radionuclides unless each inside package contains the same radionuclide(s).

(2) The “activity” entry on the label must be determined by adding together the number of becquerels of the Class 7 (radioactive) materials packages contained therein.

(3) For an overpack, the transport index (TI) must be determined by adding together the transport indices of the Class 7 (radioactive) materials packages contained therein, except that for a rigid overpack, the transport index (TI) may alternatively be determined by direct measurement as prescribed in § 173.403 of this subchapter under the definition for “transport index,” taken by the person initially offering the packages contained within the overpack for shipment.

(4) The category of Class 7 label for the overpack must be determined from the table in § 172.403(c) using the TI derived according to paragraph (h)(3) of this section, and the maximum radiation level on the surface of the overpack.

(5) The category of the Class 7 label of the overpack, and not that of any of the packages contained therein, must be used in accordance with Table 1 of § 172.504(e) to determine when the transport vehicle must be placarded.

(6) For fissile material, the criticality safety index which must be entered on the overpack FISSILE label is the sum of the criticality safety indices of the individual packages in the overpack, as stated in the certificate of approval for the package design issued by the NRC or the U.S. Competent Authority.

[Amdt. 172-29, 41 FR 15996, Apr. 15, 1976] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 172.403, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

§ 172.404 - Labels for mixed and consolidated packaging.

(a) Mixed packaging. When compatible hazardous materials having different hazard classes are packed within the same packaging, or within the same outside container or overpack as described in § 173.25, the packaging, outside container or overpack must be labeled as required for each class of hazardous material contained therein.

(b) Consolidated packaging. When two or more packages containing compatible hazardous materials are placed within the same outside container or overpack, the outside container or overpack must be labeled as required for each class of hazardous material contained therein, unless labels representative of each hazardous material in the outside container or overpack are visible.

(c) Consolidation bins used by a single motor carrier. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, labeling of a consolidation bin is not required under the following conditions:

(1) The consolidation bin must be reusable, made of materials such as plastic, wood, or metal and must have a capacity of 64 cubic feet or less;

(2) Hazardous material packages placed in the consolidation bin must be properly labeled in accordance with this subpart;

(3) Packages must be compatible as specified in § 177.848 of this subchapter;

(4) Packages may only be placed within the consolidation bin and the bin be loaded on a motor vehicle by an employee of a single motor carrier;

(5) Packages must be secured within the consolidation bin by other packages or by other suitable means in such a manner as to prevent shifting of, or significant relative motion between, the packages that would likely compromise the integrity of any package;

(6) The consolidation bin must be clearly and legibly marked on a tag or fixed display device with an indication of each hazard class or division contained within the bin;

(7) The consolidation bin must be properly blocked and braced within the transport vehicle; and

(8) Consolidation bins may only be transported by a single motor carrier, or on railcars transporting such vehicles.

[76 FR 43527, July 20, 2011]

§ 172.405 - Authorized label modifications.

(a) For Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8, text indicating a hazard (for example FLAMMABLE LIQUID) is not required on a primary or subsidiary label.

(b) For a package containing Oxygen, compressed, or Oxygen, refrigerated liquid, the OXIDIZER label specified in § 172.426 of this subpart, modified to display the word “OXYGEN” instead of “OXIDIZER”, and the class number “2” instead of “5.1”, may be used in place of the NON-FLAMMABLE GAS and OXIDIZER labels. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the word “OXYGEN” must appear on the label.

(c) For a package containing a Division 6.1, Packing Group III material, the POISON label specified in § 172.430 may be modified to display the text “PG III” instead of “POISON” or “TOXIC” below the mid line of the label. Also see § 172.313(d).

[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52594, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66255, Dec. 20, 1991; 57 FR 45458, Oct. 1, 1992; 64 FR 10776, Mar. 5, 1999; 66 FR 33425, June 21, 2001]

§ 172.406 - Placement of labels.

(a) General. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (e) of this section, each label required by this subpart must—

(i) Be printed on or affixed to a surface (other than the bottom) of the package or containment device containing the hazardous material;

(ii) Be located on the same surface of the package and near the proper shipping name marking, if the package dimensions are adequate; and

(iii) For transportation by aircraft, the entire label(s) must appear on one side of the package. For cylindrical packages, the label must be of such dimensions that it will not overlap itself. In the case of cylindrical packages containing radioactive materials, which require two identical labels, these labels must be centered on opposite points of the circumference and must not overlap each other. If the dimensions of the package are such that two identical labels cannot be affixed without overlapping each other, one label is acceptable provided it does not overlap itself.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, duplicate labeling is not required on a package or containment device (such as to satisfy redundant labeling requirements).

(b) Exceptions. A label may be printed on or placed on a securely affixed tag, or may be affixed by other suitable means to:

(1) A package that contains no radioactive material and which has dimensions less than those of the required label;

(2) A cylinder; and

(3) A package which has such an irregular surface that a label cannot be satisfactorily affixed.

(c) Placement of multiple labels. When primary and subsidiary hazard labels are required, they must be displayed next to each other. Placement conforms to this requirement if labels are within 150 mm (6 inches) of one another.

(d) Contrast with background. Each label must be printed on or affixed to a background color contrasting to the color specification of the label as required by § 172.407(d)(1), or must have a dotted or solid line outer border, to enhance the visibility of the label. However, the dotted or solid line outer border may also be used for backgrounds of contrasting color.

(e) Duplicate labeling. Generally, only one of each different required label must be displayed on a package. However, duplicate labels must be displayed on at least two sides or two ends (other than the bottom) of—

(1) Each package or overpack having a volume of 1.8 m 3 (64 cubic feet) or more;

(2) Each non-bulk package containing a radioactive material;

(3) Each DOT 106 or 110 multi-unit tank car tank. Labels must be displayed on each end;

(4) Each portable tank of less than 3,785 L (1000 gallons) capacity;

(5) Each freight container or aircraft unit load device having a volume of 1.8 m 3 (64 cubic feet) or more, but less than 18 m 3 (640 cubic feet). One of each required label must be displayed on or near the closure; and

(6) An IBC having a volume of 1.8 m 3 (64 cubic feet) or more.

(f) Visibility. A label must be clearly visible and may not be obscured by markings or attachments.

[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52594, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66255, Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 172-130, 58 FR 51531, Oct. 1, 1993; 73 FR 4716, Jan. 28, 2008; 81 FR 35540, June 2, 2016; 87 FR 44991, July 26, 2022]

§ 172.407 - Label specifications.

(a) Durability. Each label, whether printed on or affixed to a package, must be durable and weather resistant. A label on a package must be able to withstand, without deterioration or a substantial change in color, a 30-day exposure to conditions incident to transportation that reasonably could be expected to be encountered by the labeled package.

(b) Design. (1) Except for size and color, the printing, inner border, and symbol on each label must be as shown in §§ 172.411 through 172.448 of this subpart, as appropriate.

(2) The dotted line border shown on each label is not part of the label specification, except when used as an alternative for the solid line outer border to meet the requirements of § 172.406(d) of this subpart.

(c) Size. (1) Each diamond (square-on-point) label prescribed in this subpart must be at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) on each side with each side having a solid line inner border approximately 5 mm (.2 inches) inside and parallel to the edge. The 5 mm (.2 inches) measurement is from the outside edge of the label to the outside of the solid line forming the inner border.

(i) If the size of the package so requires, the dimensions of the label and its features may be reduced proportionally provided the symbol and other elements of the label remain clearly visible.

(ii) Where dimensions are not specified, all features shall be in approximate proportion to those shown in §§ 172.411 through 172.448 of this subpart, as appropriate.

(iii) [Reserved]

(iv) For domestic transportation, a packaging labeled prior to January 1, 2017, and in conformance with the requirements of this paragraph in effect on December 31, 2014, may continue in service until the end of its useful life.

(2) The CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY label must be a rectangle measuring at least 110 mm (4.3 inches) in height by 120 mm (4.7 inches) in width. The words “CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY” must be shown in letters measuring at least 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) in height.

(3) Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, the hazard class number, or division number, as appropriate, must be at least 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) and not greater than 12.7 mm (0.5 inches).

(4) When text indicating a hazard is displayed on a label, the label name must be shown in letters measuring 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 shown in letters measuring at least 5.1 mm (0.2 inches) in height.

(5) The symbol on each label must be proportionate in size to that shown in the appropriate section of this subpart.

(d) Color. (1) The background color on each label must be as prescribed in §§ 172.411 through 172.448 of this subpart, as appropriate.

(2) The symbol, text, numbers, and border must be shown in black on a label except that—

(i) White may be used on a label with a one color background of green, red or blue.

(ii) White must be used for the text and class number for the CORROSIVE label.

(iii) White may be used for the symbol for the ORGANIC PEROXIDE label.

(A) If white is used for the symbol for the ORGANIC PEROXIDE label then the solid line forming the inner border on the upper half of the label must also be white.

(B) Transitional exception. A label in conformance with the requirements of this paragraph in effect on December 31, 2014, may continue to be used until December 31, 2016.

(C) For domestic transportation, a packaging labeled prior to January 1, 2017 and in conformance with the requirements of this paragraph in effect on December 31, 2014, may continue in service until the end of its useful life.

(iv) The FLAMMABLE GAS label displayed on cylinders and gas cartridges for liquefied petroleum gases may be shown in the background color of the receptacle if adequate contrast is provided.

(3) Black and any color on a label must be able to withstand, without substantial change, a 72-hour fadeometer test (for a description of equipment designed for this purpose, see ASTM G 23-69 (1975) or ASTM G 26-70).

(4)(i) A color on a label, upon visual examination, must fall within the color tolerances—

(A) Displayed on color charts conforming to the technical specifications for charts set forth in table 1 or 2 in appendix A to this part; or

(B) For labels printed on packaging surfaces, specified in table 3 in appendix A to this part.

(ii) Color charts conforming to appendix A to this part are on display at the Standards and Rulemaking Division, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, East Building, 2nd Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

(5) The following color standards in the PANTONE ® formula guide coated/uncoated (see § 171.7(b) of this subchapter) may be used to achieve the required colors on markings and hazard warning labels and placards:

(i) For Red—Use PANTONE ® 186 U

(ii) For Orange—Use PANTONE ® 151 U

(iii) For Yellow—Use PANTONE ® 109 U

(iv) For Green—Use PANTONE ® 335 U

(v) For Blue—Use PANTONE ® 285 U

(vi) For Purple—Use PANTONE ® 259 U

(6) Where specific colors from the PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM ® are applied as opaque coatings, such as paint, enamel, or plastic, or where labels are printed directly on the surface of a packaging, a spectrophotometer or other instrumentation must be used to ensure a proper match with the color standards in the PANTONE ® formula guide coated/uncoated for colors prescribed in paragraph (d)(5) of this section. PANTONE ® is the property of Pantone, Inc.

(7) The specified label color must extend to the edge of the label in the area designated on each label, except for the CORROSIVE, RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II, and RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III labels on which the color must extend only to the inner border.

(e) Form identification. A label may contain form identification information, including the name of its maker, provided that information is printed outside the solid line inner border in no larger than 10-point type.

(f) Exceptions. Except for materials poisonous by inhalation (see § 171.8 of this subchapter), a label conforming to specifications in the UN Recommendations, the ICAO Technical Instructions, the IMDG Code, or the Transport Canada TDG Regulations (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter) may be used in place of a corresponding label that conforms to the requirements of this subpart.

(g) Trefoil symbol. The trefoil symbol on the RADIOACTIVE WHITE-I, RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II, and RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III labels must meet the appropriate specifications in appendix B of this part.

[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52595, Dec. 21, 1990] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 172.407, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

§ 172.411 - EXPLOSIVE 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 labels, and EXPLOSIVE Subsidiary label.

(a) Except for size and color, the EXPLOSIVE 1.1, EXPLOSIVE 1.2 and EXPLOSIVE 1.3 labels must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the EXPLOSIVE 1.1, EXPLOSIVE 1.2 and EXPLOSIVE 1.3 labels must be orange. The “**” must be replaced with the appropriate division number and compatibility group letter. The compatibility group letter must be the same size as the division number and must be shown as a capitalized Roman letter.

(c) Except for size and color, the EXPLOSIVE 1.4, EXPLOSIVE 1.5 and EXPLOSIVE 1.6 labels must be as follows:

EXPLOSIVE 1.4: EXPLOSIVE 1.5: EXPLOSIVE 1.6:

(d) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the EXPLOSIVE 1.4, EXPLOSIVE 1.5 and EXPLOSIVE 1.6 label must be orange. The “*” must be replaced with the appropriate compatibility group. The compatibility group letter must be shown as a capitalized Roman letter. Division numbers must measure at least 30 mm (1.2 inches) in height and at least 5 mm (0.2 inches) in width.

(e) An EXPLOSIVE subsidiary label is required for materials identified in Column (6) of the HMT as having an explosive subsidiary hazard. The division number or compability group letter may be displayed on the subsidiary hazard label. Except for size and color, the EXPLOSIVE subsidiary label must be as follows:

(f) The EXPLOSIVE subsidiary label must comply with § 172.407.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66256, Dec. 20, 1991, as amended by Amdt. 172-139, 59 FR 67490, Dec. 29, 1994; 66 FR 33425, June 21, 2001; 68 FR 45031, July 31, 2003]

§ 172.415 - NON-FLAMMABLE GAS label.

(a) Except for size and color, the NON-FLAMMABLE GAS label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the NON-FLAMMABLE GAS label must be green.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66256, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.416 - POISON GAS label.

(a) Except for size and color, the POISON GAS label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the POISON GAS label and the symbol must be white. The background of the upper diamond must be black and the lower point of the upper diamond must be 14 mm (0.54 inches) above the horizontal center line.

[62 FR 39405, July 22, 1997]

§ 172.417 - FLAMMABLE GAS label.

(a) Except for size and color, the FLAMMABLE GAS label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the FLAMMABLE GAS label must be red.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66257, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.419 - FLAMMABLE LIQUID label.

(a) Except for size and color the FLAMMABLE LIQUID label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the FLAMMABLE LIQUID label must be red.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66257, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.420 - FLAMMABLE SOLID label.

(a) Except for size and color, the FLAMMABLE SOLID label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the FLAMMABLE SOLID label must be white with vertical red stripes equally spaced on each side of a red stripe placed in the center of the label. The red vertical stripes must be spaced so that, visually, they appear equal in width to the white spaces between them. The symbol (flame) and text (when used) must be overprinted. The text “FLAMMABLE SOLID” may be placed in a white rectangle.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66257, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.422 - SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE label.

(a) Except for size and color, the SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the lower half of the SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE label must be red and the upper half must be white.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66257, Dec. 20, 1991, as amended at 57 FR 45458, Oct. 1, 1992]

§ 172.423 - DANGEROUS WHEN WET label.

(a) Except for size and color, the DANGEROUS WHEN WET label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the DANGEROUS WHEN WET label must be blue.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66257, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.426 - OXIDIZER label.

(a) Except for size and color, the OXIDIZER label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the OXIDIZER label must be yellow.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66257, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.427 - ORGANIC PEROXIDE label.

(a) Except for size and color, the ORGANIC PEROXIDE label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the ORGANIC PEROXIDE label must be red in the top half and yellow in the lower half.

[71 FR 78627, Dec. 29, 2006]

§ 172.429 - POISON INHALATION HAZARD label.

(a) Except for size and color, the POISON INHALATION HAZARD label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the POISON INHALATION HAZARD label and the symbol must be white. The background of the upper diamond must be black and the lower point of the upper diamond must be 14 mm (0.54 inches) above the horizontal center line.

[62 FR 39406, July 22, 1997]

§ 172.430 - POISON label.

(a) Except for size and color, the POISON label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the POISON label must be white. The word “TOXIC” may be used in lieu of the word “POISON”.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66258, Dec. 20, 1991, as amended by Amdt. 172-139, 59 FR 67490, Dec. 29, 1994]

§ 172.431 - [Reserved]

§ 172.432 - INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE label.

(a) Except for size and color, the INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCE label must be white.

(c) Labels conforming to requirements in place on August 18, 2011 may continue to be used until October 1, 2014.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66258, Dec. 20, 1991, as amended at 67 FR 53136, Aug. 14, 2002; 76 FR 43527, July 20, 2011; 76 FR 56314, Sept. 13, 2011; 76 FR 81400, Dec. 28, 2011]

§ 172.436 - RADIOACTIVE WHITE-I label.

(a) Except for size and color, the RADIOACTIVE WHITE-I label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the RADIOACTIVE WHITE-I label must be white. The printing and symbol must be black, except for the “I” which must be red.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66259, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.438 - RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II label.

(a) Except for size and color, the RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-II label must be yellow in the top half and white in the lower half. The printing and symbol must be black, except for the “II” which must be red.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66259, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.440 - RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III label.

(a) Except for size and color, the RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the RADIOACTIVE YELLOW-III label must be yellow in the top half and white in the lower half. The printing and symbol must be black, except for the “III” which must be red.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66259, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.441 - FISSILE label.

(a) Except for size and color, the FISSILE label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background color on the FISSILE label must be white.

[69 FR 3669, Jan. 26, 2004]

§ 172.442 - CORROSIVE label.

(a) Except for size and color, the CORROSIVE label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the CORROSIVE label must be white in the top half and black in the lower half.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66259, Dec. 20, 1991]

§ 172.444 - [Reserved]

§ 172.446 - CLASS 9 label.

(a) Except for size and color, the “CLASS 9” (miscellaneous hazardous materials) label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the CLASS 9 label must be white with seven black vertical stripes on the top half. The black vertical stripes must be spaced, so that, visually, they appear equal in width to the six white spaces between them. The lower half of the label must be white with the class number “9” underlined and centered at the bottom.

[Amdt. 172-123, 56 FR 66259, Dec. 20, 1991, as amended at 74 FR 2252, Jan. 14, 2009; 76 FR 43528, July 20, 2011; 76 FR 56314, Sept. 13, 2011; 76 FR 81400, Dec. 28, 2011; 85 FR 83381, Dec. 21, 2020]

§ 172.447 - LITHIUM BATTERY label.

(a) Except for size and color, the LITHIUM BATTERY label must be as follows:

(b) In addition to complying with § 172.407, the background on the LITHIUM BATTERY label must be white with seven black vertical stripes on the top half. The black vertical stripes must be spaced, so that, visually, they appear equal in width to the six white spaces between them. The lower half of the label must be white with the symbol (battery group, one broken and emitting flame) and class number “9” underlined and centered at the bottom in black.

[82 FR 15873, Mar. 30, 2017, as amended at 87 FR 44991, July 26, 2022]

§ 172.448 - CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY label.

(a) Except for size and color, the CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY label must be as follows:

(b) The CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY label must be black on an orange background.

(c) A CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY label conforming to the specifications in this section and in § 172.407(c)(2) in effect on October 1, 2008, may be used until January 1, 2013.

[74 FR 2252, Jan. 14, 2009, as amended at 75 FR 72, Jan. 4, 2010]

§ 172.450 - EMPTY label.

(a) Each EMPTY label, except for size, must be as follows:

(1) Each side must be at least 6 inches (152 mm.) with each letter at least 1 inch (25.4 mm.) in height.

(2) The label must be white with black printing.

(b) [Reserved]