Here is the packaging information you need
From the 1st of March 2018, Rodenticide sold to the general public will be sold in smaller packaging and in lower strengths (Regulation 2016/1179). This comes as part of the long-running “Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU)” for more details see the Think Wildlife site and now anyone wanting to buy larger volumes will have to go through a CRRU approved Training & Certification.
Barrettine, one of the leading suppliers, said in a blog that any products containing 0.005% of the anticoagulant active ingredient authorised for use in the Professional market will need re-labelling. The stock carried forward without the correct CLP label must be over labelled for sale. Barrettine’s blog post.
When this became about packaging we became interested to see if we could help. Please note Barrettine’s is not a customer, just that they have some interesting articles.
Home use rat poison – how toxic/harmful is it?
For everyone who sells rat poison to the general public the new rules will mean a packaging and/or a formulation rethink. It may be the perfect time to add a tactile warning of danger to labels or sachets if needed.
Known as a tactile warning label these need to be placed on products that have certain CLP categories. Most rat poisons fall under the CLP classification of either acute toxicity or reproductive toxicity. When a product has acute toxicity values in category 1-4, or category 2 for reproductive toxicity and sold to the general public a tactile warning device is needed on the label.
Reformulation to lower toxicity levels could negate the need for this. According to Equestrianbusiness.net “PelGar carried out extensive field trials” showing the new formulations were still effective assuming best practices were followed. Rentokil has followed suit offering “a powerful rodenticide, which is proven to work effectively at this new concentration of 0.0025%.”
As label people, we must admit a gap in our knowledge here, we don’t do classification of products, that is done by the appropriate testing labs. Once a chemical is tested and placed in a CLP category needing a tactile and intended for general retail we can help.
Smaller packets too
As with similar regulations governing potentially harmful substances, the publicly available quantities are being limited. In this case 300g for the block baits and 150g for pellet baits. For packaging, it means further adaptation. Sourcing new labels for sachets shouldn’t be a challenge you can get both from one source, Readability Ltd.
What is a tactile warning label?
Our print team knows how to integrate a tactile warning triangle into a label or we could supply you with a roll of clear labels with a compliant warning triangle that will stick to any packaging.
Tactile warnings of danger are regulated under ISO 11683 this legislation governs the size and placement of the triangle on the packaging. The equilateral triangle has a normal size where the sides are between 16-20mm long and 1.5-1.9mm thick. Smaller sizes are allowed but have to be justified based on the packaging size, 8-10mm long sides and 0.8-1.2mm thickness are commonplace on 10ml bottles. Other options are available including a solid 3mm equilateral triangle or even three dots spaced 4-9mm apart.
The size is entirely your call, and we can print any option you choose.
EU Biocides Regulation 528/2012
HSE Link to packaging guide: EU Biocides Regulation 528/2012 (EU BPR) – Packaging and labelling guide
The link above lists required warnings on labels & packaging for biocidal products. The list is long and smaller packaging will mean less space for everything that is needed. For those selling the smallest quantities and who are concerned about the size of the packets not being big enough for the information, fear not our peel and reseal labels or folded leaflets could be ideal for you.
We’re not lawyers.
As ever with this kind of blog on our site this is meant as a guide to point you in the correct direction, giving examples to make an informed decision. If anyone wants to correct any information here please contact us with details. All resources are referenced in the writing with links. If you want your brand name removed just ask. We don’t control external site content.
About the Author: Chris Edney
Chris is our Founder and Managing Director, clocking up over 30 years at the forefront of quality packaging and printed labels. He enjoys working with business owners and designers to create eye catching packaging with fast turnaround times.