CLP reference / H312

H312: Harmful in contact with skin

Rules last checked 25 September 2026. A labelling reference, not legal advice.

H312 is the CLP hazard statement "Harmful in contact with skin". It goes on the label of a mixture classified as acute toxicity (dermal), Category 4, with the GHS07 pictogram (exclamation mark) and the signal word "Warning".

On a candle or diffuser label

Whether this statement applies is decided by the classification of the finished fragrance mixture at your load, which your supplier's safety data sheet gives. The candle and home-fragrance tools take that classification and print the statement with its pictogram and signal word, in the order the label needs. If another class on the same label calls for "Danger", only "Danger" is printed: Article 20(3) says that where "Danger" is used, "Warning" shall not appear.

This class is one of those whose responsible substances are also named on the label, as part of the product identifier (Article 18(3)(b)). A maximum of four chemical names normally suffices.

What it asks of the packaging

Packaging of any size supplied to the general public with this classification also needs:

• A tactile warning of danger: Annex II 3.2.1.1 (acute toxicity).

These are features of the container and closure, not of the label, so they belong in the packaging choice. The same rules apply in Great Britain.

When another pictogram takes its place

• Article 26(1)(b): if GHS06 applies, GHS07 does not appear.
• Article 26(1)(c): if GHS05 applies, GHS07 does not appear for skin or eye irritation.
• Article 26(1)(d): if GHS08 applies for respiratory sensitisation, GHS07 does not appear for skin sensitisation or for skin and eye irritation.

In Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU

The statement, its wording and its pictogram are the same in Great Britain, where the label is written in English, and in Northern Ireland, which follows the EU text. In the EU the label is written in the official language of each country where the product is sold (Article 17(2)).

Other statements with the same pictogram

• H302: Harmful if swallowed
• H332: Harmful if inhaled
• H315: Causes skin irritation
• H319: Causes serious eye irritation
• H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
• H335: May cause respiratory irritation
• H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness