Ask X3What does 49 CFR 172.407 (Label specifications) require?
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As Ask X3, your fleet-compliance assistant, here is what 49 CFR 172.407 requires for hazard labels:
* Durability: Every label must be durable, weather-resistant, and able to withstand a 30-day exposure to normal transportation conditions without deteriorating or substantially changing color. Black and any color on the label must also withstand a 72-hour fadeometer test.
* Design and Printing: The printing, inner border, and symbol must match the specific sections for each label (such as §§ 172.411 through 172.448). Dotted line borders are generally not part of the specification unless used as an alternative. Labels may include form identification (like the maker's name) outside the solid inner border if printed in 10-point type or smaller.
* Size:
* Standard diamond (square-on-point) labels must be at least 100 mm (3.9 inches) on each side, featuring a solid line inner border about 5 mm (.2 inches) from the edge. Dimensions may be reduced proportionally for smaller packages as long as the symbol and elements stay clearly visible.
* Cargo Aircraft Only labels must be a rectangle measuring at least 110 mm high by 120 mm wide, with text at least 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) high.
* Hazard class or division numbers must be between 6.3 mm (0.25 inches) and 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) high.
* Standard hazard text must be at least 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) high (except for "Spontaneously" and "When Wet," which must be at least 5.1 mm / 0.2 inches high).
* Color:
* Background colors must match the applicable sections, and symbols, text, numbers, and borders must be black (with specific allowances for white text/symbols on certain labels like Corrosive, Organic Peroxide, or specific green/red/blue backgrounds).
* Colors must visually fall within allowed tolerances or specific PANTONE® formula guide standards (e.g., Red: 186 U, Orange: 151 U, Yellow: 109 U, Green: 335 U, Blue: 285 U, Purple: 259 U). If using opaque coatings or printing directly on packaging, a spectrophotometer or instrumentation must be used to ensure a proper PANTONE match.
* The required label color must extend all the way to the edge of the label, except for Corrosive, Radioactive Yellow-II, and Radioactive Yellow-III labels, where the color only extends to the inner border.
* International Standards Exception: Except for materials poisonous by inhalation, you may use labels that conform to UN Recommendations, ICAO Technical Instructions, the IMDG Code, or Transport Canada TDG Regulations in place of standard labels.