Chemicals Regulation Division

Labelling Handbook
Volume 3- Requirements for Amateur Product Labels

The Labelling Handbook

Volume 3

Requirements for Amateur Product Labels

Contents
1. INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR PRODUCT LABELS 113

2. PRODUCT IDENTITY 114

2.1 Introduction 114

2.2 Location of Product Identity information on the label 114
2.3 Product tradename 114
2.4 Product registration number 115
2.5 Authorisation holder and marketing company details 115
2.6 Formulation type 115
2.7 Amount and name of the active substance(s) 115
2.8 Net quantity of product 116
2.9 Product batch number/ date of manufacture 116
2.10 Product use-by date 116
2.11 Biological use phrase 116
2.12. Field of use phrase 117
2.13 ‘Use Pesticides Safely’ warning 117
2.14 Child and Pet Pictorial Labelling 118

3. CLP CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING 119

3.1 Introduction 119

3.2 Classification/personal protective equipment and amateur products 119
3.3 Location of CLP information on the label 120
3.4 Options if CLP phrases duplicate other phrases required on the 122
label

4. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 123

4.1 Introduction 123

4.2 Location and format of Safety Instructions 123
4.3 Protection During/In Use Safety Instructions 124
4.4 Other General Protection Safety Instructions 124

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4.5 Environmental Protection Safety Instructions 124

4.6 Storage and disposal Safety Instructions 124

5. MEDICAL ADVICE 125

6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 126

6.1 Introduction 126

6.2 Location of Instructions for Use 126
6.3 Format of Directions for Use 126

APPENDICES 127

Appendix 1: Examples of Safety Instruction phrases 127

Appendix 2: Examples of Instructions For Use formats 130

Appendix 3: Draft amateur label example 133

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1. INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR PRODUCT LABELS

1.1 Amateur (also known as ‘home garden’) products are on retail sale to the public
and are generally used around the home and in the home garden. Amateur
users are not required to be trained in the use of pesticides and therefore the
information on the label must be unambiguous and not presume any knowledge
of such products and their use (as will be the case with professional products).
As such, the format is simpler with the ‘Instructions for use’ including all the
information that would be incorporated in the Important Information and
‘Directions for Use’ sections on a professional label.

1.2 Volume 1 of this Handbook provides guidance on requirements for all product
labels.

1.3 This Volume 3 sets out additional requirements on how text on an Amateur
Product Label must be presented. It is divided into several sections as follows:

Section 2
Product Identity
Safety CLP labelling Section 3
Information Safety Precautions Section 4
Medical Advice Section 5
Instructions for Use Section 6

1.4 An example of a draft amateur label including Product Identity, and Safety
Information is given in Appendix 3. Examples of Instructions for Use are at
Appendix 8

Important note

The requirements and phrases listed below are the most up-to-date for a product
authorised under Regulation 1107/2009. If your product was approved under
COPR 1986 or PPPR 1995 on 14 June 2011 when the new Regulation came into
force, then the previous labelling requirements will continue to apply unless we
have issued an amendment authorisation until or we have reassessed your label
in any future application.

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2. PRODUCT IDENTITY

2.1 Introduction

Product Identity is not a specific discrete section on the label but consists of
various information about the product and its use which will ensure that it is easy
to identify what it is, what it contains and how it should be used.

The product identity includes the following information:

• product tradename
• product registration number
• authorisation holder and marketing company details
• formulation type
• amount and name of the active substance(s)
• net quantity of product
• product batch number/ date of manufacture
• Product use-by date
• biological use phrase
• statement of users obligation in following label instructions
• ‘Use Pesticides Safely’ warning

Guidance on each item is set out below.

2.2 Location of Product Identity information on the label

The information included in the Product Identity must appear on the Container
Label and on any separate Leaflet supplied with the product and must be
formatted in line with the requirements detailed below and those set out in
Volume 1.

2.3 Product tradename

The tradename is the product name as specified on the Notice of Authorisation.

It must be formatted such that it is clear to the user what the correct full
tradename is. Whilst use of different sized fonts and colours for different parts of
the tradename is acceptable, you must ensure that this would not confuse a user.

We will not consider trademark or copyright issues with respect to tradenames.

This is the responsibility of the applicant. However, HSE reserves the right to
request a different tradename where:
• it is likely to cause confusion with another product or with non-pesticide
products
• it misrepresents the composition or intended use of the product
• it makes claims that are not supported by data.

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Further guidance on choosing an acceptable tradename is given in Volume 1/

Appendix 1.

2.4 Product registration number

This is the unique 5 digit identifying registration number given in the authorisation
(currently prefixed with ‘MAFF’ or ‘MAPP’ depending on when we first allocated to
a product) and this must appear in close proximity to the product tradename.

Where appropriate, this may appear on the back packaging label above the
‘Safety Information’ as an alternative to stating the product registration number on
the front packaging label.

If your product registration number is currently prefixed with ‘MAFF’ this will be
amended to ‘MAPP’ when the next authorisation for that product is issued.

2.5 Authorisation holder and marketing company details

The name and address of the authorisation holder, and if different, the name and
address of the marketing company must appear.

A telephone number for the authorisation holder and/or the marketing company
must also appear. If there are 2 different companies in these roles then you can
choose to have both telephone numbers or just one. However, in any case the
number must be a suitable contact number for users to obtain advice on the use
of the product or report adverse incidents.

2.6 Formulation type

The formulation type based on standard GCPC definitions as specified in the

authorisation should preferably be given in full (for example suspension
concentrate rather than SC) in a ‘contents statement’ with the amount and name
of the active substance(s) - see 2.7 below

2.7 Amount and name of the active substance(s)

The name and content of each active substance, as specified on the Notice of
Authorisation, must be given (usually included in a single ‘contents statement’
with the formulation type - see 2.6 above).

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Important Note

Labels for all organophosphorus and carbamate products require the following
phrase to be included after the name of the active substance on the Main Area of the
container label:

‘[active substance] is an anticholinesterase organophosphate [or carbamate].

Handle with care’

2.8 Net quantity of product

The net quantity of the preparation in the container must appear (in accordance
with the Weights and Measures Act). Where a number of smaller containers are
packaged within a single outer, the outer should state how many, and what size,
of the small packs are being supplied (this may be printed on the container itself
rather than on the label area).

Important Note

The pack size of amateur products is limited to the maximum that would be used in a
typical garden in one season as this helps to ensure that most products are used up
within 1 or 2 seasons. In addition the maximum allowed for any concentrate product
is 1 litre or 1kg. Larger sizes may be acceptable for ready-to-use products
depending on the packaging design.

2.9 Product batch number/ date of manufacture

The formulation batch number (or some means of identifying it) plus the date of
manufacture must appear (this may be printed on the container itself rather than
on the affixed label area).

2.10 Product use-by date

An appropriate ‘use-by date’ must appear if the 2 year storage stability data
evaluated for authorisation indicates an acceptable shelf-life of less than 2 years.

2.11 Biological use phrase

Brief statement on biological use (for example ‘For the control of aphids and red
spider mites on apples).

This statement may use descriptive terms such as kills, controls, repels and
eradicates, but these terms must be supported by appropriate data.

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2.12 Field of use phrase

A statement specifying that this is an amateur (home-garden) product and its

action. The phrase should read in capitals as ‘FOR USE ONLY AS AN
AMATEUR’ followed by the appropriate actions from the following list:

• WEEDKILLER
• FUNGICIDE
• INSECTICIDE
• MOSSKILLER
• PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR
• ANIMAL REPELLENT
• BIRD REPELLENT
• HORMONE ROOTING POWDER
• HORMONE ROOTING MEDIUM
• LAWN TREATMENT
• ALGAE KILLER
• MITE KILLER
• SLUG KILLER
• SLUG AND SNAIL KILLER,
• SLUG AND SNAIL REPELLENT

Examples of field of use phrases include:

• FOR USE ONLY AS A AMATEUR WEEDKILLER (meaning applicable to

an outdoor herbicide in edible crop situations).

• FOR USE ONLY AS A AMATEUR LAWN TREATMENT (meaning

applicable to a weed control plus fertiliser product on lawns).

• FOR USE ONLY AS AN AMATEUR MOSSKILLER (meaning applicable

to a moss control product on patios and other hard surfaces)

2.13 ‘Use Pesticides Safely’ warning

All amateur pesticide products must carry the following short message on the front
of the pack:

This phrase should be in bold type, upper case and white text on black
background. The font type should be Helvetica Neue Bold Condensed.

• For a pack with a front facing label under 100mm wide, the minimum font
size should be 9pt.

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• For a pack with a front facing label between 101-200mm wide, the
minimum font size should be 13.5pt.
• For a pack with a front facing label over 200mm wide, the minimum font
size should be 18pt.

Links to images for label printing can be found on the HSE website.

2.14 Child and Pet Pictorial Labelling

Full details of the use of the ‘Child/Pet Logo’ on amateur product labels are set
out in section 5.7 of Volume 1 and in Regulatory Update 03/2010.

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3. CLP CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Plant protection product (PPP) labels must comply with legislation on
classification and labelling of chemicals under the Classification, Labelling and
Packaging (CLP) Regulation 1272/2008. This implements in the UK the United
Nations' Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for classification and labelling.

3.1.2 CLP classification is part of Safety Information and must appear on the Container
Label and on any separate Leaflet supplied with the product formatted in line with
the requirements detailed below and those set out in Volume 1. Only symbols
and phrases which are appropriate to the product must be used. You should
justify your choice of symbols and phrases when making an application.
Guidance on CLP classification and labelling is in the CLP Guidance Document
on our website. This section provides advice on:

(a) How a CLP classification for health effects will determine whether an
authorisation may be granted for an amateur product- see 3.2. below; and
(b) How to format the required CLP information on an amateur PPP label- see
3.3. and 3.4 below.

3.2 Classification/personal protective equipment and amateur products

3.2.1 UK authorisation for amateur products is dependent on the classification of the

product and whether the risk assessment shows that the product can only be
used safely with personal protective clothing (PPE). Therefore, authorisation will
not be given in the following cases:

(a) The product is classified for any of the following health effects under CLP:

• Acute toxicity hazard category Categories 1 and 2 (for example Fatal if

...)
• Acute toxicity hazard category 3 (for example Toxic if ...).
• Carcinogenicity, hazard category 1A or 1B;
• Reproductive toxicity, hazard category 1A 1B
• Germ cell mutagenicity, hazard categories 1A or 1B;
• Specific target organ toxicity after single exposure Cat 1, for example
Causes damage to organs….
• Skin corrosion hazard Cat 1A, 1B or 1C (Causes severe skin burns
and eye damage)

(b) Where a risk assessment demonstrates that PPE is required for safe use of
the product. This usually means that products classified as follows are
unlikely to be authorised as home garden products unless our risk
assessment shows safe use without PPE (meaning no exposure when
product supplied in a water-soluble sachet).

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• Eye damage, hazard category 1, for example (Causes serious eye

damage)
• Skin sensitisation, Cat 1, 1a, 1b, for example (May cause an allergic
skin reaction)
• Respiratory sensitisation Cat 1, 1a, 1b, for example (May cause allergy
or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled)

Other classified amateur products may still be authorised if our risk

assessment shows safe use without PPE (meaning no exposure when
product supplied in a water-soluble sachet).

3.3 Location of CLP information on the label

3.3.1 CLP has requirements on the information that must appear on classified
products. However, they do not explicitly specify location and presentation (other
than to define the size and colour of the hazard symbols/pictograms and that
symbols/phrases must be in close proximity. The classification is a fundamental
part of the Safety Information so all information relating to CLP should ideally
appear on the Main Area of the label if space is available.

3.3.2 The basic information under CLP that must appear on any classified product plus
comments is detailed below. Note that in addition to the classification and
labelling components not covered by the PPP Regulation 1107/2009, there is
other required information which duplicates that required by 1107/2009:

CLP PPP requirements

1. Tradename Tradename is already required on
a PPP label
2. Name, address and telephone Authorisation holder and marketing
number of the supplier company if different are already
required on a PPP label.
3. Identity of all substances in the The active substance must always
mixture that contribute to a appear on the PPP label.
classification of acute toxicity,
skin corrosion or serious eye
damage, germ cell
mutagenicity, carcinogenicity,
reproductive toxicity,
respiratory or skin sensitisation,
specific target organ toxicity
(STOT) or
aspiration hazard.
4. Hazard pictograms, signal -
words
5 Hazard precautionary Similar and other phrases are
statements, supplemental required in the label ‘SAFETY
information PRECAUTIONS- see Section 4.

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6. For preparations intended for The weight or volume of the PPP

sale to the general public, the must always appear on the PP
nominal quantity label.

7. EUH401 — ‘To avoid risks to The phrase must appear on all

human health and the amateur products even if they are
environment, comply with the not subject to CLP classification.
instructions for use’

3.3.3 Most of the CLP requirements must already appear on a PPP label and should
continue to appear in the formats given elsewhere in this Handbook.

3.3.4 The phrases and symbols (4, 5 and 7 above) and the formulation constituents (3
above) are the additional CLP information that must appear on the PPP label.
We do not have a set format for presentation of this information but we suggest
that it appear boxed and it must be on the Main Area of the label.

3.3.5 An example of such a ‘CLP box’ is given below. You may utilise any other format
as long as it complies with both the requirements of CLP and the guidance on
PPP labels in this Labelling Handbook.

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(a) Example of an amateur product ‘CLP Box’

Warning

Causes serious eye irritation

Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand

Keep out of reach of children
Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Wear eye protection
IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present
and easy to do - continue rinsing
If eye irritation persists get medical advice/attention
Dispose of unused product in its container at a household waste site (civic amenity site).
Contact your local council (local authority) for details.
Dispose of empty container in the dustbin.

To avoid risks to human health and the environment comply with the instructions for use

3.4 Options if CLP phrases duplicate other phrases required on the label

Some phrases which were historically required on PPP labels in the ‘Safety
Precautions’ are now also specified under CLP (as P statements). Where these
phrases must appear as CLP requirements they need not be duplicated
elsewhere on the label. For example the phrase KEEP OUT OF REACH OF
CHILDREN may have been historically specified as a precautionary phrase on
PPPs, but if it is also a requirement of CLP (P102) and appears in the ‘CLP box’,
then there is no need to repeat the phrase in the ‘Safety Precautions’ section.
You should note that if the phrases differ in any way it may not be appropriate to
delete the phrase from the ‘Safety Precautions’ section. For example if the PPP
authorisation requires the phrase ‘KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND
PETS’.

Important Note

Phrases historically required under COPR but are not a requirement of CLP s should
remain on the product label to ensure safe use (unless they are identical to a CLP
phrase).

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4. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 In addition to the CLP requirements, we may require a number of UK specific

safety phrases to appear in the Safety Instructions section to ensure safe
storage, use and disposal of the product.

4.1.2 These may include phrases set out in Annex III to Regulation 1107/2009 (the
‘Annex III phrases’) if the risk assessment has been carried out under that
Regulation (see Volume 2/ Appendix 2*) Such additional phrases must be listed
in the Safety Instructions section.

* Note that we have included the list of Annex III phrases in Volume 2 on
professional products because usually (but not always) they will apply to
such products. One exception is the SP1 phrase ‘Do not contaminate water
with the product or its container’ which must appear in the Safety Instructions
of all amateur products.

4.2 Location and format of Safety Instructions

4.2.1 The Safety Instructions represent key safety information and should appear on
the Main Area of the label, and any separate leaflet supplied with the product.

4.2.2 It must have a major heading SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS in bold capitals with the
following subheadings in bold using upper and lower text as shown:

• Protection during/in use,

• Other general protection,
• Environmental protection
• Storage and disposal

The precautionary phrases must appear under the appropriate subheading. Any
sub-heading(s) need not appear if there no required phrases.

4.2.3 The actual safety phrases must be presented as either a mixture of upper and
lower case (as specified in Appendix 1 to this Volume) or alternatively a
combination of bold (in place of upper case) and normal font may be used.
Clarity to the reader is of key importance. We prefer that each phrase appears as
a separate line of text. However, where space constraints dictate, they may
follow on the same line as long as individual phrases are clearly differentiated
from one another.

4.2.4 You must suggest appropriate phrases when submitting the draft label. These
should be based on the assessment for the product/uses, and may consider
phrases used on similar products. We will clarify which phrases are needed after

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we have conducted our evaluation, specifying any changes required via label
amendments issued with the authorisation. To help you decide which phrases
may be appropriate we have provided details of standard phrases and the
situations where they might be used later in this Volume.

4.3 Protection During/In Use Safety Instructions

Precautions to be followed to ensure the safe use of the product – various

examples can be found in Appendix 1 to this Volume including ones that are
obligatory for all amateur products.

4.4 Other General Protection Safety Instructions

Precautions to be followed to ensure the protection of persons likely to come into

contact with treated material after application has occurred – various examples
can be found in Appendix 1 to this Volume.

4.5 Environmental Protection Safety Instructions

Precautions to be followed to ensure the protection of the environment (meaning

water, soil and air) and non-target organisms (such as fish and other aquatic life,
bees, livestock and game) - various examples can be found in Appendix 1 to this
Volume. including those that are obligatory for all amateur products. Several of
the Regulation 1107/2009 Annex III phrases fall into this category, and some
have been tailored to reflect UK specific requirements - further guidance can be
found on the HSE website.

4.6 Storage and disposal Safety Instructions

These are the precautions to be followed to ensure safety of product in storage

and reflect good disposal practices - various examples can be found in Appendix
1 to this Volume.

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5. MEDICAL ADVICE
5.1 Where the toxicity of the product justifies it, statements on First Aid and Guide to
Doctor or Poisons Centre must appear. This Medical Advice must appear as
appropriate in the Safety Instructions (if a precautionary phrase) or as a separate
section on the Container Label and any separate Leaflet.

5.2 Examples of standard statements for certain active substances

(Organophosphate pesticides, Dinitro compounds, Anticoagulant rodenticides,
Cyanides and Carbamates) are given in Appendix 7 of Volume 2, along with
details of the UK National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) Centres. For other
products if it is considered that medical advice is appropriate, this will be required
as part of the authorised text and requested as an amendment on the Notice of
Authorisation. Other wording must not be used unless we have given prior
agreement. Where Medical Advice is considered necessary, you should present
this on the draft label for our consideration.

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6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

6.1 Introduction

The Instructions for Use section contains all the other authorised text required for
safe and efficacious use. For example crops and pests/weeds controlled, dose
rates, numbers of treatments, timings, (including pre-harvest intervals), mixing and
spraying advice, specific safety and efficacy restrictions or warnings about use.
You should refer to the ‘Crop Definitions List’ guidance on our website for advice
on the appropriate way of defining crops and situations of use when you submit
your draft label.

6.2 Location of Instructions for Use

The Instructions for Use should appear on the Container Label and on any
separate Leaflet supplied with the product. However, where space constraints
dictate, they may appear on the Leaflet only, providing a suitable phrase directs
the user to where they may be found (full guidance on the presentation of
Container Labels and Leaflet is given in Volume 1/ Section 4).

6.3 Format of Instructions for Use

6.3.1 The section must be headed with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE in bold capitals and
the text underneath should be set normally. For example in capitals and lower
case as appropriate. All subheadings must be distinct from the main
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE heading.

6.3.2 We prefer standard formats for the Instructions for Use, because this encourages
familiarity of the user with all labels. However we allow some flexibility in format
and have therefore provided some examples to use as a basis for your label.

6.3.3 Instructions and guidance for amateur uses should be written in a way
which may be understood by a lay person. They may need to be simpler than
that appearing on similar professional product labels. However the guidance
given on professional labelling could be used as a starting point as it may provide
useful guidance relevant to the amateur situation. For amateur products,
guidance on doses/application rates may need to be very carefully worded,
especially for products such as slug pellets. The user must be able to determine
the dose without resorting to sophisticated weighing equipment.

6.3.4 It is acknowledged that not all labels can be drafted to fit into a set format. Some
require extensive information whereas others require only brief instructions;
however by adopting a common format, labels should become easier to
understand by the user. The most important aspect is that labels should be
logical and consistent with clear headings and sub-headings.

6.3.5 Two different but acceptable formats are given in Appendix 2 to this Volume.

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Appendix 1 – Examples of Safety Instruction phrases

1. Protection during/in use phrase

1.1 Compulsory for products containing anticholinesterase organophosphate

or carbamate active substances. If required, this phrase must be the first
phrase in the ‘Protection during/in use’ section):

This product contains an anticholinesterase organophosphate (or carbamate or

carbomoyl triazole). DO NOT USE if under medical advice not to work with such
compounds.

1.2 May be required as appropriate:

a) AVOID ALL CONTACT BY MOUTH

b) KEEP OFF SKIN/AWAY FROM EYES

c) WASH OFF SPLASHES (IMMEDIATELY)

d) DO NOT BREATHE SPRAY/MIST/VAPOUR/DUST/FUMES

e) WASH HANDS/AND EXPOSED SKIN/AFTER USE/HANDLING

2. Other general protection phrases

May be required as appropriate:

a) DO NOT SPRAY/APPLY DIRECTLY ON FOOD/FOOD CROPS.

b) DO NOT PICK/GATHER FOOD CROPS WITHIN ............. hours/days of

treatment (where the product is authorised for use on food crops).

3. Environmental protection phrases

3.1 For all amateur products:

a) Do not contaminate water with the product or its container.

b) Do not empty into drains.

3.2 May be appropriate depending on the risk assessment:

a) Direct spray away from ponds and other surface water bodies.

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b) Remove/cover fish bowls/fish tanks/caged birds/pets before application.

c) DO NOT USE OUTDOORS.

d) Dangerous to bees. To protect bees and pollinating insects do not apply to

plants when in flower. Do not use where bees are actively foraging. Do not
apply when flowering weeds are present.

e) Risk to non-target insects or other arthropods

4. Storage and disposal phrases

4.1 For all amateur products:

a) KEEP PRODUCT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, tightly closed, in a safe place.

b) KEEP PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS or KEEP OUT OF

THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.

c) KEEP AWAY FROM FOOD AND DRINK or KEEP AWAY FROM FOOD,
DRINK AND ANIMAL FEEDING STUFFS.

d) For products sold in sachets:

DO NOT STORE half-used sachets.

For label clarity, a distinction must be drawn between safety phrases concerning storage
(for example ‘keep out of reach of children and pets’) and those directed at ‘after use’
(for example ‘keep children and pets away from treated area until granules have been
watered in’). Storage safety phrases must be in the ‘storage and disposal’ section of the
label, and the ‘after use’ phrases must be in the ‘Instructions for Use’ section of the label.

4.2 For all amateur products (expect those containing ferrous sulphate alone or
ferrous sulphate + fertiliser):

a) Dispose of unused product in its container at a household waste site (civic

amenity site). Contact your local council (local authority) for details. This
phrase may be accompanied by a crossed-out dustbin symbol.

b) For ‘concentrate’ products (for example those diluted before use):

Dispose of empty container in the dustbin.

c) For ‘ready-to-use’ products (including aerosol containers)

‘Dispose of empty container by recycling’

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4.3 For all amateur products containing ferrous sulphate alone or ferrous
sulphate + fertilizer:

a) Unused product in its container may be disposed of in the dustbin.

b) Dispose of empty container by recycling’

4.4 For all amateur products supplied in refillable containers:

DO NOT RE-USE CONTAINER FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE.

4.5 For all amateur slug pellet products containing metaldehyde, methiocarb or
any other bait-based products of equivalent toxicity (on the front of the
label):

SINCE THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS [active substance], WHICH CAN KILL IF

EATEN, IT MUST BE KEPT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS.

Important Note

It is not appropriate for slug pellets products to have a child/pet logo – see Volume 1/
Section 5.6 for further guidance on the use of artwork.

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Appendix 2 - Examples of Instructions for Use formats

Applicants are encouraged to present the Instructions for Use section in one of the
following two formats (specified headings do not need to appear if no relevant
information is being presented).

1. Format 1

1.1 This is a suggested format for an amateur product which is used to control a pest
or group of pests in one crop or a group of crops where the majority of the
information is the same. It is suggested that the required information be
presented under the following subject headings (or similar) below the main
heading ‘INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE.

• When to use
Details of when to use a product should appear first on an amateur label to
enable users to easily locate the appropriate product for their needs. There
should be a clear statement of the weeds, pests or diseases controlled and
this should be followed by brief general advice on the optimum time to use
the product, for example time of year or plant growth stage.

On an amateur product guidance on any restrictions should appear

immediately after the statement of the weed, pest or disease controlled. It
should enable the user to easily establish when use of the product would not
be appropriate. For example: Do not use on lawns; Do not use on desired
plants; Do not spray open flowers; Do not use on African violets.

• Where to use
This section should provide specific information relating to each crop, such
as dose, timings and varieties. This may be achieved with one simple
section (where there is only one crop or where all the crops may be treated
the same), or a number of sections covering the information (for a range of
crops). Alternatively a simple table may be used with general information
appearing afterwards. As a rule this section should follow only one format to
avoid confusion.

• How to use
A section covering mixing and application instructions should appear next.
This section should include information on doses and water volumes (if not
specified for each crop in the crop specific information section), application
methods (for example watering can, sprayer or a particular type of lawn
spreader) and any specific information such as the need to not let the
mixture stand, spray quality (fine, coarse) and advice to clean the applicator
after use. It may be appropriate to include guidance on how to measure or
mark out areas to ensure accurate application.

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Where additional action on the part of the user is required, this should be
detailed. In the case of a mosskiller for example this could include advice on
scarifying and improving drainage. In the case of certain herbicides it could
include the need to wait for a specified period before digging-in weeds or
planting the following crop.

1.2 An example of this format is as follows:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

WHEN TO USE

Weedkiller Y is applied to control a range of weeds in lawns including moss,

dandelion, daisy, plantain and creeping buttercup. It is most effective when
applied to actively growing weeds in the spring.

WHERE TO USE

For use on lawns

Do not apply to lawns sown or turfed less than six months ago.
Do not apply within three days before or after mowing.
Do not apply under drought conditions, if frost is expected or if the lawn is
waterlogged.
Do not apply in mixture with other weedkillers.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.

HOW TO USE

Mix 25 ml of Weedkiller Y in 20 litres of water and apply to 15 m2 of lawn

using a sprayer or watering can fitted with a fine rose or dribble bar. Ensure
complete and even coverage but avoid overdosing. If rain does not fall
within three days, water the lawn lightly. A repeat application can be made
after six weeks if required but do not apply more than twice in any three-
month period.

When moss has turned black, affected areas should be raked to remove
dead moss. Re-occurrence of moss can be minimised by improving
drainage.
Grass clippings must be composted for at least six months before being used as
a mulch.

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2. Format 2

2.1 Relatively few amateur products need to have complex labels (usually there are
not large numbers of uses and instructions). However where the layouts
described in Format 1 above would make the label difficult to write or understand
a tabular format is suggested. An example of where this might be appropriate is
a label for an insecticide used on many crops for the control of a number of
different pests with several crop/pest combinations, each with specific
recommended application regimes.

2.2 An example of this format is as follows:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

WHEN TO USE
Insecticide Y controls aphids on vegetable plants, bedding plants and shrubs (including roses) and
aphids, capsid and caterpillars on apple.

WHERE AND HOW TO USE

Crop Pest Maximum dose Timing
per litre of water
Bedding Aphids 5 ml Spray when aphid colonies seen
plants (greenfly
Shrubs and and 10 ml Treat roses as soon as aphids are
roses blackfly) seen. Treat other shrubs when aphid
numbers increase
Peas and 10 ml Treat once if aphids are present before
beans the end of flowering.
Cabbage, 15 ml Treat up to three times at 14 day
Brussels intervals.
sprouts Latest time of application 5 days
before harvest
Apple 10 ml Treat once before flowering and once
after petal fall.
Apple Capsid 15 ml Treat once if capsids are seen pre-
flowering.
Apple Caterpillars 10 ml Treat once in June/July if caterpillars
are seen on developing fruitlets
Strawberry Vine weevil 50 ml Using a watering can, apply as a
drench to the crown of the plants at a
dose of 1 litre per 3 metres of row as
soon as adult weevils are seen or leaf
notching is seen on most leaves.
Latest time of application 5days before
harvest

For all the above crops except strawberry, apply as a fine spray to thoroughly wet foliage but not so that
the leaves are dripping. Wash equipment thoroughly after use.

Do not apply to Fuchsia or Clematis.

Do not apply directly to open blossoms as spotting may result.

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Appendix 3: Draft amateur label example

Product tradename - formatted such that is clear to the user what

the full tradename is.

Formulation type and amount of active substance(s).

PRODUCT X
A suspension concentrate formulation containing 50 g/l Active A and 20 g/l Active B.
Registration number – may appear on
MAPP XXXXX
the back of the label. Biological use phrase

For the control of a range of weeds in lawns including moss, dandelion, daisy, plantain and creeping
buttercup.
Field of use phrase.
FOR USE ONLY AS A HOME GARDEN WEEDKILLER
Both may be printed on the container
itself rather than on the label.
Pack size and batch number.
This product covers approximately XXXX square metres. The pack size is limited to what
would be used up in a typical garden
in one season.
Marketing company and/or approval holder details:
Name: XXXXX Statement of users
Address: XXXXX obligation to follow label
Tel: XXXXX instructions.

TO AVOID RISKS TO MAN AND THE ENVIRONMENT, COMPLY WITH THE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

WHEN TO USE
Product X is applied to control a range of weeds in lawns including moss, dandelion, daisy, plantain
and creeping buttercup. It is most effective when applied to actively growing weeds in the spring.

WHERE TO USE
For use on lawns
Do not apply to lawns sown or turfed less than six months ago.
Do not apply within three days before or after mowing.
Do not apply under drought conditions, if frost is expected or if the lawn is waterlogged.
Do not apply in mixture with other weedkillers.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.

HOW TO USE
Mix 25 ml of Product X in 20 litres of water and apply to 15 m 2 of lawn using a sprayer or watering
can fitted with a fine rose or dribble bar. Ensure complete and even coverage but avoid overdosing.
If rain does not fall within three days, water the lawn lightly. A repeat application can be made after
six weeks if required but do not apply more than twice in any three month period.
When moss has turned black, affected areas should be raked to remove dead moss. Re-
occurrence of moss can be minimised by improving drainage.
Grass clippings must be composted for at least six months before being used as a mulch.

The standard heading and subheadings must appear. Where space is limited the information may be
signposted to a separate leaflet providing a suitable phrase directs the user to where they may be
found.

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Classification – including symbols and PH phrases

under CLP Reg 1272/2008. Note that in this example
the P-phaese have been included in the Safety
Instructions. Otherwise they could be included a in
Warning aseparte CLP box as in Section 3.2

Harmful if swallowed
Toxic to aquatic life with long
lasting effects

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Protection during/in use

AVOID ALL CONTACT BY MOUTH
Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician if you feel unwell.
Rinse mouth
If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand

Environmental protection
Do not empty into drains
Do not contaminate water with the product or its container

Storage and disposal

KEEP PRODUCT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, tightly closed in a safe place.
Dispose of contents / container to a licensed hazardous-waste collection site except for empty
containers which can be disposed of in the dustbin. Contact your local council (local authority) for
details.
PROTECT FROM FROST
KEEP AWAY FROM FOOD, DRINK AND ANIMAL FEEDING STUFFS.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.

Standard headings and subheadings must appear .

The safety phrases required under CLP may appear
here- otherwise they should appear under the
symbols and P-phrases

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