Märkningsföreskrifter

Märkningsföreskrifter are regulations issued by Swedish authorities that specify how products, containers and packaging must be marked to convey essential health, safety and environmental information. They codify requirements for labeling of chemicals, mixtures and hazardous goods and align with international labeling systems used in the European Union.

Scope and application: Märkningsföreskrifter apply to chemical substances and mixtures sold, stored or used in Sweden, as well as certain consumer products and workplace goods. They cover the content of the markings—such as hazard pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements, product identifiers and supplier information—as well as how the markings should appear, including language, legibility, durability, placement and minimum font sizes. They may also govern how labeling is complemented by safety data sheets.

Relation to other laws: The föreskrifterna implement or interpret EU rules, notably the CLP Regulation and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). In case of conflict, CLP/GHS provisions take precedence. Enforcement is carried out by relevant Swedish authorities responsible for chemicals and occupational safety, and violations can lead to penalties, product recalls or other corrective actions.

Practical implications: For manufacturers and distributors, compliance requires proper classification and labeling of products and ongoing updates when classifications change. For workplaces, it requires adherence to labeled hazards and associated precautions. Märkningsföreskrifter thus help ensure consistent communication of risks and safe handling practices across the supply chain.

See also: CLP Regulation, GHS, labeling, safety data sheet.