Description
ADR mark for environmentally hazardous substances — legal basis for use
The ADR Environmentally hazardous substances label is used for the transport of dangerous goods classified as environmentally hazardous. This applies in particular to liquid and solid substances that may pollute the aquatic environment, as well as solutions, mixtures, preparations and waste which, according to ADR classification, require additional marking with the environmental hazard mark.
In ADR, the mark for environmentally hazardous substances is described in section 5.2.1.8. The regulations state that the mark should be applied to packages containing environmentally hazardous substances, except in certain cases of single packagings and inner packagings in combination packagings when they contain no more than 5 litres of liquid substances or no more than 5 kg of solid substances. The mark should be placed close to other required transport markings.
According to ADR, the mark should have the shape of a square set at an angle of 45°, i.e. a diamond. The symbol showing a fish and a tree should be black on a white or other suitably contrasting background. The minimum size of the mark for packages is 100 × 100 mm, and the minimum width of the line forming the diamond should be 2 mm. The dimensions may be reduced only when required by the size of the package and provided that the mark remains clearly visible.
For containers, MEGCs, tank-containers, portable tanks and vehicles containing environmentally hazardous substances, ADR 5.3.6 requires the use of the environmental hazard mark when placards or marks are required under the relevant provisions for marking transport units. For such applications, the standard size of the mark is larger and is generally 250 × 250 mm, whereas the 100 × 100 mm version is intended mainly for packages and individual packagings.
The environmental hazard mark does not replace other required ADR hazard labels, UN numbers, proper shipping names, transport documents or other markings required for the specific goods. It is an additional marking indicating environmental hazard. The choice of labels should always be verified against the classification of the goods, safety data sheet, UN number, packing instruction and current ADR requirements. In case of doubt, consultation with an ADR dangerous goods adviser is recommended.
Where and how to use the “Environmentally hazardous substances” label
The ADR Environmentally hazardous substances 100 × 100 mm label should be applied to packages and shipments containing goods classified as hazardous to the environment. This may include selected chemicals, mixtures, preparations, paints, varnishes, technical additives, cleaning agents, petroleum-based substances, waste, industrial products and liquid or solid materials that may pose a risk to the aquatic environment if released.
The label should be applied to the outer surface of the transport packaging in a visible and easily identifiable location. The mark should be placed close to other transport markings, such as ADR hazard labels, UN numbers, handling marks or labels identifying the contents of the shipment. The marking must not be covered by packing tape, stretch film, transport documents, other labels, packaging edges or fastening elements.
This version with a white border is especially recommended when the label is to be applied to dark surfaces. The white background and white border improve the contrast of the symbol on black packaging, dark drums, black canisters, graphite-coloured containers, dark crates, industrial packaging and other surfaces where a classic mark with a black border could be less legible.
Before applying the label, make sure that the surface is clean, dry, free from grease and as smooth as possible. This is particularly important for drums, canisters and containers used in the chemical industry, warehouses, production and logistics, where the surface may be contaminated with dust, oil, moisture or product residues. The label should be applied without folds, air bubbles or damage to the symbol.
Before shipment, it is worth checking:
- whether the goods actually meet the criteria for environmentally hazardous substances,
- whether the quantity in the packaging is not exempt from the obligation to apply the mark,
- whether all required ADR hazard labels and UN numbers are present on the package,
- whether the environmental mark is clearly visible and placed close to the other markings,
- whether the correct label version has been selected for the colour of the packaging,
- whether the label has not been covered by film, tape or transport documents,
- whether the marking will remain legible after palletising, storage and transport.
For light and white packaging, the version with a black border is recommended, while for black, dark or strongly contrasting surfaces the version with a white border is more practical, as it provides clear separation between the mark and the background.
Quality of Print&Stick labels for marking environmentally hazardous substances
Print&Stick ADR Environmentally hazardous substances 100 × 100 mm labels have been designed for clear, durable and repeatable marking of shipments in transport, storage and logistics. The 100 × 100 mm format corresponds to the standard size of the mark for packages, making the label clearly visible and compliant with requirements concerning marking legibility.
This version with a white border improves the functionality of the label when used on dark packaging. The white area around the symbol increases contrast, so the fish-and-tree symbol remains clearly visible on black drums, dark canisters, graphite-coloured containers, crates and other dark transport surfaces. This helps reduce the risk of confusion, overlooking the marking or losing legibility during logistics handling.
The labels are made from high-quality self-adhesive material and coated with a durable permanent adhesive that ensures good adhesion to typical transport packaging: cardboard, paper, board, drums, canisters, boxes, containers and smooth logistics surfaces. The label roll allows fast peeling and convenient application in warehouses, packing departments, production plants or distribution centres.
The print is clear and repeatable, and the label has been designed to maintain good visibility under everyday transport conditions. The use of high-quality printing and controlled production parameters helps maintain a consistent appearance of successive label batches, repeatable symbol reproduction, correct contrast and a neat overall appearance.
Label production is carried out in accordance with quality and environmental management standards consistent with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. For companies shipping dangerous goods, this means stable product quality, predictable functional parameters and the ability to use labels that perform well in regular packing and ADR shipment preparation processes.
Print&Stick labels are a practical solution for chemical manufacturers, distributors of dangerous substances, laboratories, industrial plants, logistics companies, warehouses, export departments, e-commerce businesses and companies preparing environmentally hazardous goods for road and multimodal transport.
Technical specifications
- Name: Self-adhesive ADR Environmentally hazardous substances label
- Marking type: mark for environmentally hazardous substances
- Application standard: ADR, marking of packages containing environmentally hazardous substances
- Label size: 100 × 100 mm
- Mark shape: square set at 45°, diamond
- Symbol: fish and tree
- Symbol colour: black
- Background and outer border: white
- Version: white border — recommended for black and dark packaging
- Material: self-adhesive label
- Adhesive: permanent
- Supply format: roll
- Package content: 1 roll = 500 labels
- Package size: 13 × 13 × 11 cm
- Package weight: 1 kg
- Application: marking packages and shipments containing environmentally hazardous substances
