Standard hazard statements (H-phrases)

What are H-phrases and why are they important?

Hazard Statements are standardized phrases that accurately describe the risks associated with chemical substances and mixtures. They are not general labels, but precise characteristics of the risk - for example, whether the product causes eye irritation, is flammable or poses a threat to the environment.

H-phrases are an integral part of the European CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) system, i.e. the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures, which is binding throughout the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. This system is based on the international framework GHS (Globally Harmonised System), created by the United Nations (UN), which unifies the labelling of chemicals across countries and continents.

Main function of H phrases

H-phrases fulfill several important roles:

• Health Protection – Inform workers, consumers and emergency services of the risks posed by the product – e.g. “H314 – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage”.

• Standardization – Thanks to standardized numbering, H-phrases have a clear meaning that is maintained in all EU languages – making them easier to translate, check and understand across languages and countries.

• Legally binding – Their inclusion on labels and safety data sheets is mandatory and legally enforceable. Incorrect use (e.g. paraphrasing or poor translation) may have legal consequences.

How are H-phrases divided?

Use of H-phrases in practice

In the safety data sheet (SDS)

H-phrases play a key role in informing users about specific risks. They appear mainly in section 2.2 of the safety data sheet, where they appear together with:

• P-phrases (instructions for safe handling),
• signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”). Their text must correspond to the official text according to Annex III of the CLP Regulation.

It is not allowed to:

• make your own translations,
• modify the text,
• paraphrase.

For example, the H319 sentence in the Czech translation always reads: “Causes serious eye irritation.”

It cannot be rewritten as, for example, “May irritate eyes.” – such text does not meet legal requirements and may lead to invalidation of the label or fines.

On the label

The label is often the only document available to the consumer. It must therefore contain all the information that will enable safe handling – and at the same time meet the legal requirements under the CLP Regulation. The H-phrases on the label must be:

• legible and visible (correct font size, contrast),
• stated in accordance with the classification of the entire mixture or substance
• stated in full, without abbreviations

The order of the individual H and P-phrases on the label is not fixed – the supplier can choose it at his own discretion. However, it is important that:

• the phrases are grouped by language – Czech must not be mixed with other languages within one section,
• the phrases are exactly as worded according to CLP, without abbreviations or modifications – multilingual labels are clearly divided and all language versions are complete.

The label must also contain:

• hazard warning symbols (e.g. flame, skull, exclamation mark),
• signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”),
• P-phrases – instructions for safe handling, e.g. “Wear safety glasses”.

New EUH phrases among standard phrases

As part of the revision of the CLP Regulation, new phrases designated as EUH have been added, which expand the existing labelling system to include additional specific risks not yet addressed by the GHS. Unlike the previous informative supplements, these new EUH phrases have the status of standard hazard statements.

EUH – Overview of the new standard EUH phrases: