Guidelines on good labelling practice for pesticides (revised). International code of conduct on pesticide management

Overview

This present, revised, version of the Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides targets pesticide regulatory authorities, primarily in developing countries and countries with economies in transition, which have to define or revise national pesticide labelling requirements. The guidelines aim also to assist pesticide registration authorities in reviewing the design and contents of (draft) pesticide labels. Other stakeholders, such as pesticide industry and civil society groups, may also find the guidelines useful for writing or evaluating pesticide labels.

The guidelines have been brought in line with the GHS, and where the GHS allows for (national) interpretation of its provisions, these guidelines provide specific options relevant to pesticide labelling.

The document contains six chapters with annexes. The first chapter identifies the main objectives and considerations with respect to pesticide labelling. The second chapter briefly introduces the GHS. The third chapter identifies the information which should or may appear on a label. The fourth chapter describes label design, style and contents. The fifth chapter discusses hazard or risk classifications for a product. The final sixth chapter underlines the importance of information provision and training. The annexes contain examples label statements, hazard colour bands, and precautionary pictograms, which can help to clarify the general text.