CLP & Labelling Glossary for UK Makers
Labelling jargon can feel like another language, especially when you work with candles, wax melts, diffusers and room sprays at the same time. This glossary explains the key terms you will see on SDS sheets, IFRA certificates and CLP labels in clear, maker friendly English.
CLP
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging.
It is the legal system that decides which warnings, pictograms and statements must appear on your labels. Your CLP label is based on the SDS.
SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
The SDS is the safety document supplied with a fragrance oil, base or chemical.
It includes hazards, handling advice and emergency information. Your CLP label comes from Section 2 of the SDS.
IFRA
IFRA is the International Fragrance Association.
It sets the maximum safe usage percentages for different product types. IFRA does not replace CLP. It works alongside it.
IFRA Categories
IFRA categories group products into numbered types. Each category has its own maximum fragrance percentage.
You only need the ones relevant to home fragrance.
10A: Reed Diffusers
Used for reed diffusers. Every fragrance has a different maximum level for 10A.
10B: Room Sprays
Used for room sprays and air fresheners. These limits are usually lower because of inhalation exposure.
12: Candles and Wax Melts
Used for candles, wax melts, tealights and similar heated products. This category often says “Not Restricted”. That simply means IFRA does not limit the fragrance for this type of product. You still need to respect the wax performance limit.
Fragrance Load
Fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil added to the wax only.
Example: 10 g of fragrance added to 100 g of wax equals 10 percent fragrance load.
Fragrance load is about how much fragrance your wax can actually hold without sweating, leaking, separating or failing. Different waxes have different maximum loads.
Fragrance Content
Fragrance content is the percentage of fragrance oil in the entire finished product.
Example: 10 g fragrance plus 100 g wax equals 110 g total weight.
Fragrance content equals 9.09 percent.
IFRA limits are always based on fragrance content.
Usage Rate
The amount of fragrance you choose to add.
Your usage rate must sit below the IFRA limit and below the wax or base performance limit.
Flash Point
The temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to ignite.
It does not mean the product will catch fire at that temperature.
Relevant for storage, transport and classification.
Pictograms
The red diamond symbols used on CLP labels. Examples include the exclamation mark or the environment symbol. They must be clear and correctly sized.
Precautionary Statements
Safety advice such as “Keep out of reach of children”. These statements tell the customer how to handle the product safely.
Hazard Statements
Statements that describe the hazard itself.
For example “Causes skin irritation”.
Signal Word
Either “Warning” or “Danger”.
Most home fragrance products use “Warning”.
Allergens (in CLP)
These are the fragrance allergens listed under Section 3 of the SDS.
They appear on your CLP label when they pass the threshold for disclosure.
Diffuser Base
The carrier liquid used in reed diffusers.
Different bases have different evaporation rates, odours and hazard classifications.
Wax Type
The material used for candles or wax melts. Examples include soy, coconut, paraffin and blends.
Each wax has different performance characteristics.
UFI (Unique Formula Identifier)
A code used for poison centre notifications.
Not currently required for most small UK home fragrance makers.
Regulatory Printer
A printer who understands CLP, IFRA and product safety rules.
Sticky Print Pixels® falls into this category. Accuracy and compliance come first.
If you are unsure how any of these terms apply to your product, feel free to ask before placing your order. Clarity always comes before printing.