GHS Labels

GHS (Globally Harmonized System) labels are mandatory for chemical safety compliance across Canada, ensuring hazardous products carry standardized hazard communication through pictograms, signal words, and precautionary statements. Non-compliant labelling risks workplace accidents, regulatory fines, shipment rejections, and legal liability under federal and provincial occupational health frameworks. At Lux Label Labs, we specialise in producing labels that meet exact Canadian regulatory specifications, with rigorous proof verification before printing.

Canadian Regulatory Requirements

Canadian GHS implementation operates under WHMIS 2015 (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), which fully aligns with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System. Key regulatory bodies include:

  • Health Canada & CCOHS: Enforce WHMIS 2015 requirements for workplace chemical labelling, including mandatory pictograms (e.g., flame, skull), hazard statements (e.g., "Causes skin irritation"), and precautionary measures.
  • Transport Canada: Requires TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) compliant labels for chemical shipments, which must integrate with GHS elements for consistency.
  • CFIA: Regulates chemical labels for agricultural pesticides and fertilizers under the Pest Control Products Act, demanding additional bilingual content and registration numbers.
  • Provincial Enforcement: Ontario's Ministry of Labour conducts workplace inspections where non-compliant labels trigger stop-work orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

All labels must display supplier information in both English and French, with hazard classifications matching the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under WHMIS 2015.

Label Specifications

Canadian regulations dictate precise physical requirements for GHS labels to ensure legibility and durability throughout a product's lifecycle:

  • Dimensions: Minimum 50 mm x 70 mm for most containers; proportional scaling (min. 15% of surface area) for small containers. Pictograms must occupy ≥10% of label area with minimum 12 mm height.
  • Durability: Must withstand 24-hour immersion in water, 30-minute exposure to common solvents (e.g., acetone, isopropyl alcohol), and abrasion testing without fading or delamination.
  • Adhesive Performance: Permanent acrylic adhesive required for secure attachment to metal, plastic, or glass containers through temperature extremes (-40°C to 60°C) and humidity exposure.
  • Colour Accuracy: Pictogram borders must be red (Pantone 485 C), with black symbols on white background meeting ISO 7010 visibility standards.

Our pre-production proofs verify all dimensional and colour specifications against Health Canada's Hazardous Products Regulations.

Industries Requiring These Labels

Ontario-based sectors with high GHS compliance demands include:

  • Chemical Manufacturing: Facilities in Sarnia's "Chemical Valley" requiring batch-specific labels for industrial solvents, adhesives, and resins.
  • Agricultural Suppliers: Pesticide and fertilizer producers across Ontario's farming regions needing CFIA-compliant labels with registration numbers.
  • Pharmaceutical & Lab Suppliers: Toronto and Ottawa research facilities requiring GHS labels for laboratory chemicals and cleaning agents.
  • Automotive Manufacturing: Assembly plants (e.g., Oakville, Oshawa) using hazardous degreasers, paints, and lubricants.
  • Cleaning Product Formulators: Mississauga-based manufacturers of industrial cleaners requiring bilingual hazard communication.

Material & Print Options

We offer substrates certified for chemical resistance and environmental durability:

  • White Vinyl (70μm): Ideal for outdoor chemical drums; withstands UV exposure, -40°C cold, and industrial solvents. Recommended for WHMIS labels on shipping containers.
  • Clear Polypropylene (50μm): Crystal-clear finish for premium product visibility; resists moisture, grease, and mild acids. Popular with Ontario cosmetic and cleaner manufacturers.
  • Matte Polyester (90μm): Highest tear resistance for reusable containers; suitable for repeated chemical exposure in laboratory settings.

All materials feature permanent acrylic adhesive and are printed using UV-cured inks meeting ISO 15489 archival standards. Explore full technical specifications in our Label Materials Guide, including CFIA-approved options for agricultural chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both GHS and WHMIS labels?
WHMIS 2015 incorporates GHS standards, so compliant labels satisfy both requirements. Canadian labels must include supplier details, product identifier, and bilingual hazard elements as specified in the Hazardous Products Regulations.

Can you print labels for small chemical batches?
Absolutely. Our minimum order is 50 labels per design—ideal for Ontario startups, laboratories, or custom chemical formulators. We accommodate urgent orders with 24-hour digital proofs.

How do you verify regulatory compliance before printing?
Our pre-press team checks label layouts against current Health Canada documentation, including pictogram scaling, colour accuracy, and mandatory text placement. You'll receive a certified proof for approval via email prior to production.

What if my container is irregularly shaped?
We specialise in custom die-cut labels for curved surfaces, tapered bottles, or recessed panels. Provide container dimensions when requesting roll labels for precise die-line creation.

Ensure compliance with Ontario's leading GHS label provider: Order pre-designed bundles → · Request custom quote →

Call 289-687-4158 or email info@luxlabellabs.com for same-day design consultations.

All labels undergo mandatory proof verification. Minimum 50 units per design. Production completes in 2–5 business days after your approval (varies by order complexity).

Related Resources

Serving Ontario's Golden Horseshoe with Canada-wide shipping. All GHS labels produced to Health Canada specifications for Ontario workplaces and nationwide distribution.