§ 172.406 - Placement of labels.

§ 172.406 Placement of labels.

Cross Reference

Link to an amendment published at 87 FR 44991, July 26, 2022.

(a) General.

(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (e) of this section, each label required by this subpart must -

(i) Be printed on or affixed to a surface (other than the bottom) of the package or containment device containing the hazardous material; and

(ii) Be located on the same surface of the package and near the proper shipping name marking, if the package dimensions are adequate; and

(iii) For transportation by aircraft, the entire label(s) must appear on one side of the package. For cylindrical packages, the label must be of such dimensions that it will not overlap itself. In the case of cylindrical packages containing radioactive materials, which require two identical labels, these labels must be centered on opposite points of the circumference and must not overlap each other. If the dimensions of the package are such that two identical labels cannot be affixed without overlapping each other, one label is acceptable provided it does not overlap itself.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, duplicate labeling is not required on a package or containment device (such as to satisfy redundant labeling requirements).

(b) Exceptions. A label may be printed on or placed on a securely affixed tag, or may be affixed by other suitable means to:

(1) A package that contains no radioactive material and which has dimensions less than those of the required label;

(2) A cylinder; and

(3) A package which has such an irregular surface that a label cannot be satisfactorily affixed.

(c) Placement of multiple labels. When primary and subsidiary hazard labels are required, they must be displayed next to each other. Placement conforms to this requirement if labels are within 150 mm (6 inches) of one another.

(d) Contrast with background. Each label must be printed on or affixed to a background color contrasting to the color specification of the label as required by § 172.407(d)(1), or must have a dotted or solid line outer border, to enhance the visibility of the label. However, the dotted or solid line outer border may also be used for backgrounds of contrasting color.

(e) Duplicate labeling. Generally, only one of each different required label must be displayed on a package. However, duplicate labels must be displayed on at least two sides or two ends (other than the bottom) of -

(1) Each package or overpack having a volume of 1.8 m³ (64 cubic feet) or more;

(2) Each non-bulk package containing a radioactive material;

(3) Each DOT 106 or 110 multi-unit tank car tank. Labels must be displayed on each end;

(4) Each portable tank of less than 3,785 L (1000 gallons) capacity;

(5) Each freight container or aircraft unit load device having a volume of 1.8 m³ (64 cubic feet) or more, but less than 18 m³ (640 cubic feet). One of each required label must be displayed on or near the closure; and

(6) An IBC having a volume of 1.8 m³ (64 cubic feet) or more.

(f) Visibility. A label must be clearly visible and may not be obscured by markings or attachments.

[Amdt. 172-123, 55 FR 52594, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66255, Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 172-130, 58 FR 51531, Oct. 1, 1993; 73 FR 4716, Jan. 28, 2008; 81 FR 35540, June 2, 2016; 87 FR 44991, July 26, 2022]