If you sell wax melts, candles, reed diffusers or room sprays in the UK, CLP may apply to you. Many fragranced products contain classified substances which can make the finished mixture hazardous under GB CLP.
This guide explains what CLP is, what must appear on a CLP label, the presentation rules that matter, and how to avoid common compliance mistakes.
1. What CLP Is
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging. It is the system used to classify hazardous substances and mixtures and communicate hazards through standard label elements.
For small businesses, CLP affects how your product must be labelled and presented if it is classified as hazardous.
2. When CLP Applies
CLP applies when your finished product is classified as hazardous. In home fragrance, this is most commonly triggered by fragrance or essential oils.
Products where CLP often applies:
- Wax melts containing fragrance oil
- Fragranced candles
- Reed diffusers
- Room and linen sprays
- Fragranced cleaning products
Once you place a finished mixture on the market, classification and correct labelling become your responsibility.
3. What Must Be on a CLP Label
A compliant CLP label must communicate hazard information clearly and in a structured format.
Core required elements:
- Product identifier (mixture name)
- Supplier name, address and contact number
- Hazard pictograms (red diamond symbols)
- Signal word (“Warning” or “Danger”)
- Hazard statements (H-phrases)
- Precautionary statements (P-phrases)
- Supplementary information where required
The exact wording depends on your specific mixture classification and fragrance load.
4. Label Size and Legibility
CLP sets minimum presentation standards based on packaging capacity. Most small retail products fall into the “up to 3 litres” category.
General presentation standards:
- Minimum label size must match package capacity category
- Pictograms must meet minimum size requirements
- Text must remain clearly readable
- Signal words and H/P statements must not be compressed
- Text must contrast clearly against the background
If required hazard information cannot be read easily, it is not compliant. Label size must support readability.
5. Common CLP Mistakes
- Copying another brand’s CLP wording
- Using supplier wording without matching your fragrance load
- Reducing pictogram size below minimum
- Trying to force CLP onto an undersized aesthetic label
- Leaving out required supplier details
Compliance is not optional.
STIKCA prints artwork exactly as supplied. If required compliance information cannot fit within a requested size while meeting readability standards, label dimensions may need to increase. Classification accuracy and regulatory compliance remain the responsibility of the brand placing the order.
CLP FAQs
Do wax melts and candles always require CLP labels?
Not automatically, but many fragranced products become hazardous due to fragrance oil classification and load.
Can I use a small round label for CLP?
Only if all required pictograms and text remain fully compliant and clearly readable at that size.
Can I shorten hazard wording to make it fit?
No. Hazard and precautionary statements must follow the required format.
Does STIKCA check my classification?
No. We print artwork exactly as submitted. Classification and compliance remain the responsibility of the brand owner.
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