61 

Environmental Protection Agency § 156.10 

156.78 Precautionary statements for physical or chemical hazards. 

Subpart E—Environmental Hazard and 

Precautionary Statements 

156.80 General. 

156.85 Non-target organisms. 

Subparts F–G [Reserved] 

Subpart H—Container Labeling 

156.140 Identification of container types. 

156.144 Residue removal instructions—general. 

156.146 Residue removal instructions for 

nonrefillable containers—rigid containers with dilutable pesticides. 

156.156 Residue removal instructions for refillable containers. 

156.159 Compliance date. 

Subparts I–J [Reserved] 

Subpart K—Worker Protection Statements 

156.200 Scope and applicability. 

156.203 Definitions. 

156.204 Modification and waiver of requirements. 

156.206 General statements. 

156.208 Restricted-entry statements. 

156.210 Notification-to-workers statements. 

156.212 Personal protective equipment 

statements. 

AUTHORITY: 7 U.S.C. 136–136y. 

Subpart A—General Provisions 

§ 156.10 Labeling requirements. 

(a) General—(1) Contents of the label. 

Every pesticide product shall bear a 

label containing the information specified by the Act and the regulations in 

this part. The contents of a label must 

show clearly and prominently the following: 

(i) The name, brand, or trademark 

under which the product is sold as prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section; 

(ii) The name and address of the producer, registrant, or person for whom 

produced as prescribed in paragraph (c) 

of this section; 

(iii) The net contents as prescribed in 

paragraph (d) of this section; 

(iv) The product registration number 

as prescribed in paragraph (e) of this 

section; 

(v) The producing establishment 

number as prescribed in paragraph (f) 

of this section; 

(vi) An ingredient statement as prescribed in paragraph (g) of this section; 

(vii) Hazard and precautionary statements as prescribed in subpart D of 

this part for human and domestic animal hazards and subpart E of this part 

for environmental hazards. 

(viii) The directions for use as prescribed in paragraph (i) of this section; 

and 

(ix) The use classification(s) as prescribed in paragraph (j) of this section. 

(2) Prominence and legibility. (i) All 

words, statements, graphic representations, designs or other information required on the labeling by the Act or 

the regulations in this part must be 

clearly legible to a person with normal 

vision, and must be placed with such 

conspicuousness (as compared with 

other words, statements, designs, or 

graphic matter on the labeling) and expressed in such terms as to render it 

likely to be read and understood by the 

ordinary individual under customary 

conditions of purchase and use. 

(ii) All required label text must: 

(A) Be set in 6-point or larger type; 

(B) Appear on a clear contrasting 

background; and 

(C) Not be obscured or crowded. 

(3) Language to be used. All required 

label or labeling text shall appear in 

the English language. However, the 

Agency may require or the applicant 

may propose additional text in other 

languages as is considered necessary to 

protect the public. When additional 

text in another language is necessary, 

all labeling requirements will be applied equally to both the English and 

other-language versions of the labeling. 

(4) Placement of Label—(i) General. 

The label shall appear on or be securely 

attached to the immediate container of 

the pesticide product. For purposes of 

this section, and the misbranding provisions of the Act, ‘‘securely attached’’ 

shall mean that a label can reasonably 

be expected to remain affixed during 

the foreseeable conditions and period 

of use. If the immediate container is 

enclosed within a wrapper or outside 

container through which the label cannot be clearly read, the label must also 

be securely attached to such outside 

wrapper or container, if it is a part of 

62 

§ 156.10 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–07 Edition) 

the package as customarily distributed 

or sold. 

(ii) Tank cars and other bulk containers—(A) Transportation. While a pesticide product is in transit, the appropriate provisions of 49 CFR parts 170– 

189, concerning the transportation of 

hazardous materials, and specifically 

those provisions concerning the labeling, marking and placarding of hazardous materials and the vehicles carrying them, define the basic Federal 

requirements. In addition, when any 

registered pesticide product is transported in a tank car, tank truck or 

other mobile or portable bulk container, a copy of the accepted label 

must be attached to the shipping papers, and left with the consignee at the 

time of delivery. 

(B) Storage. When pesticide products 

are stored in bulk containers, whether 

mobile or stationary, which remain in 

the custody of the user, a copy of the 

label of labeling, including all appropriate directions for use, shall be securely attached to the container in the 

immediate vicinity of the discharge 

control valve. 

(5) False or misleading statements. Pursuant to section 2(q)(1)(A) of the Act, a 

pesticide or a device declared subject 

to the Act pursuant to §152.500, is misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading in any particular including 

both pesticidal and non-pesticidal 

claims. Examples of statements or representations in the labeling which constitute misbranding include: 

(i) A false or misleading statement 

concerning the composition of the 

product; 

(ii) A false or misleading statement 

concerning the effectiveness of the 

product as a pesticide or device; 

(iii) A false or misleading statement 

about the value of the product for purposes other than as a pesticide or device; 

(iv) A false or misleading comparison 

with other pesticides or devices; 

(v) Any statement directly or indirectly implying that the pesticide or 

device is recommended or endorsed by 

any agency of the Federal Government; 

(vi) The name of a pesticide which 

contains two or more principal active 

ingredients if the name suggests one or 

more but not all such principal active 

ingredients even though the names of 

the other ingredients are stated elsewhere in the labeling; 

(vii) A true statement used in such a 

way as to give a false or misleading impression to the purchaser; 

(viii) Label disclaimers which negate 

or detract from labeling statements required under the Act and these regulations; 

(ix) Claims as to the safety of the 

pesticide or its ingredients, including 

statements such as ‘‘safe,’’ ‘‘nonpoisonous,’’ ‘‘noninjurious,’’ ‘‘harmless’’ 

or ‘‘nontoxic to humans and pets’’ with 

or without such a qualifying phrase as 

‘‘when used as directed’’; and 

(x) Non-numerical and/or comparative statements on the safety of the 

product, including but not limited to: 

(A) ‘‘Contains all natural ingredients’’; 

(B) ‘‘Among the least toxic chemicals 

known’’ 

(C) ‘‘Pollution approved’’ 

(6) Final printed labeling. (i) Except as 

provided in paragraph (a)(6)(ii) of this 

section, final printed labeling must be 

submitted and accepted prior to registration. However, final printed labeling need not be submitted until draft 

label texts have been provisionally accepted by the Agency. 

(ii) Clearly legible reproductions or 

photo reductions will be accepted for 

unusual labels such as those silkscreened directly onto glass or metal 

containers or large bag or drum labels. 

Such reproductions must be of microfilm reproduction quality. 

(b) Name, brand, or trademark. (1) The 

name, brand, or trademark under 

which the pesticide product is sold 

shall appear on the front panel of the 

label. 

(2) No name, brand, or trademark 

may appear on the label which: 

(i) Is false or misleading, or 

(ii) Has not been approved by the Administrator through registration or 

supplemental registration as an additional name pursuant to §152.132. 

(c) Name and address of producer, 

registrant, or person for whom produced. An unqualified name and address given on the label shall be considered as the name and address of the 

producer. If the registrant’s name appears on the label and the registrant is 

63 

Environmental Protection Agency § 156.10 

not the producer, or if the name of the 

person for whom the pesticide was produced appears on the label, it must be 

qualified by appropriate wording such 

as ‘‘Packed for * * *,’’ ‘‘Distributed by 

* * *,’’ or ‘‘Sold by * * *’’ to show that 

the name is not that of the producer. 

(d) Net weight or measure of contents. 

(1) The net weight or measure of content shall be exclusive of wrappers or 

other materials and shall be the average content unless explicitly stated as 

a minimum quantity. 

(2) If the pesticide is a liquid, the net 

content statement shall be in terms of 

liquid measure at 68 °F (20 °C) and shall 

be expressed in conventional American 

units of fluid ounces, pints, quarts, and 

gallons. 

(3) If the pesticide is solid or semisolid, viscous or pressurized, or is a 

mixture of liquid and solid, the net 

content statement shall be in terms of 

weight expressed as avoirdupois pounds 

and ounces. 

(4) In all cases, net content shall be 

stated in terms of the largest suitable 

units, i.e., ‘‘1 pound 10 ounces’’ rather 

than ‘‘26 ounces.’’ 

(5) In addition to the required units 

specified, net content may be expressed 

in metric units. 

(6) Variation above minimum content 

or around an average is permissible 

only to the extent that it represents 

deviation unavoidable in good manufacturing practice. Variation below a 

stated minimum is not permitted. In 

no case shall the average content of 

the packages in a shipment fall below 

the stated average content. 

(7) For a pesticide product packaged 

in a refillable container, an appropriately sized area on the label may be 

left blank to allow the net weight or 

measure of content to be marked in by 

the refiller according to 40 CFR 

165.65(h) or 165.70(i) prior to distribution or sale of the pesticide. As required in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this 

section, the net contents must be 

shown clearly and prominently on the 

label. 

(e) Product registration number. The 

registration number assigned to the 

pesticide product at the time of registration shall appear on the label, preceded by the phrase ‘‘EPA Registration 

No.,’’ or the phrase ‘‘EPA Reg. No.’’ 

The registration number shall be set in 

type of a size and style similar to other 

print on that part of the label on which 

it appears and shall run parallel to it. 

The registration number and the required identifying phrase shall not appear in such a manner as to suggest or 

imply recommendation or endorsement 

of the product by the Agency. 

(f) Producing establishment’s registration number. The producing establishment registration number preceded by 

the phrase ‘‘EPA Est.’’, of the final establishment at which the product was 

produced may appear in any suitable 

location on the label or immediate container. It must appear on the wrapper 

or outside container of the package if 

the EPA establishment registration 

number on the immediate container 

cannot be clearly read through such 

wrapper or container. For a pesticide 

product packaged in a refillable container, an appropriately sized area on 

the label may be left blank after the 

phrase ‘‘EPA Est.’’ to allow the EPA 

establishment registration number to 

be marked in by the refiller according 

to 40 CFR 165.65(h) or 165.70(i) prior to 

distribution or sale of the pesticide. 

(g) Ingredient statement—(1) General. 

The label of each pesticide product 

must bear a statement which contains 

the name and percentage by weight of 

each active ingredient, the total percentage by weight of all inert ingredients; and if the pesticide contains arsenic in any form, a statement of the 

percentages of total and water-soluble 

arsenic calculated as elemental arsenic. The active ingredients must be 

designated by the term ‘‘active ingredients’’ and the inert ingredients by the 

term ‘‘inert ingredients,’’ or the singular forms of these terms when appropriate. Both terms shall be in the same 

type size, be aligned to the same margin and be equally prominent. The 

statement ‘‘Inert Ingredients, none’’ is 

not required for pesticides which contain 100 percent active ingredients. Unless the ingredient statement is a complete analysis of the pesticide, the 

term ‘‘analysis’’ shall not be used as a 

heading for the ingredient statement. 

(2) Position of ingredient statement. (i) 

The ingredient statement is normally 

required on the front panel of the label. 

If there is an outside container or 

64 

§ 156.10 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–07 Edition) 

wrapper through which the ingredient 

statement cannot be clearly read, the 

ingredient statement must also appear 

on such outside container or wrapper. 

If the size or form of the package 

makes it impracticable to place the ingredient statement on the front panel 

of the label, permission may be granted 

for the ingredient statement to appear 

elsewhere. 

(ii) The text of the ingredient statement must run parallel with other text 

on the panel on which it appears, and 

must be clearly distinguishable from 

and must not be placed in the body of 

other text. 

(3) Names to be used in ingredient statement. The name used for each ingredient shall be the accepted common 

name, if there is one, followed by the 

chemical name. The common name 

may be used alone only if it is well 

known. If no common name has been 

established, the chemical name alone 

shall be used. In no case will the use of 

a trademark or proprietary name be 

permitted unless such name has been 

accepted as a common name by the Administrator under the authority of section 25(c)(6). 

(4) Statements of percentages. The percentages of ingredients shall be stated 

in terms of weight-to-weight. The sum 

of percentages of the active and the 

inert ingredients shall be 100. Percentages shall not be expressed by a range 

of values such as ‘‘22–25%.’’ If the uses 

of the pesticide product are expressed 

as weight of active ingredient per unit 

area, a statement of the weight of active ingredient per unit volume of the 

pesticide formulation shall also appear 

in the ingredient statement. 

(5) Accuracy of stated percentages. The 

percentages given shall be as precise as 

possible reflecting good manufacturing 

practice. If there may be unavoidable 

variation between manufacturing 

batches, the value stated for each active ingredient shall be the lowest percentage which may be present. 

(6) Deterioration. Pesticides which 

change in chemical composition significantly must meet the following labeling requirements: 

(i) In cases where it is determined 

that a pesticide formulation changes 

chemical composition significantly, 

the product must bear the following 

statement in a prominent position on 

the label: ‘‘Not for sale or use after 

[date].’’ 

(ii) The product must meet all label 

claims up to the expiration time indicated on the label. 

(7) Inert ingredients. The Administrator may require the name of any 

inert ingredient(s) to be listed in the 

ingredient statement if he determines 

that such ingredient(s) may pose a hazard to man or the environment. 

(h) [Reserved] 

(i) Directions for Use—(1) General requirements—(i) Adequacy and clarity of 

directions. Directions for use must be 

stated in terms which can be easily 

read and understood by the average 

person likely to use or to supervise the 

use of the pesticide. When followed, directions must be adequate to protect 

the public from fraud and from personal injury and to prevent unreasonable adverse effects on the environment. 

(ii) Placement of directions for use. Directions may appear on any portion of 

the label provided that they are conspicuous enough to be easily read by 

the user of the pesticide product. Directions for use may appear on printed 

or graphic matter which accompanies 

the pesticide provided that: 

(A) If required by the Agency, such 

printed or graphic matter is securely 

attached to each package of the pesticide, or placed within the outside 

wrapper or bag; 

(B) The label bears a reference to the 

directions for use in accompanying 

leaflets or circulars, such as ‘‘See directions in the enclosed circular:’’ and 

(C) The Administrator determines 

that it is not necessary for such directions to appear on the label. 

(iii) Exceptions to requirement for direction for use. (A) Detailed directions for 

use may be omitted from labeling of 

pesticides which are intended for use 

only by manufacturers of products 

other than pesticide products in their 

regular manufacturing processes, provided that: 

(1) The label clearly shows that the 

product is intended for use only in 

manufacturing processes and specifies 

the type(s) of products involved. 

(2) Adequate information such as 

technical data sheets or bulletins, is 

65 

Environmental Protection Agency § 156.10 

available to the trade specifying the 

type of product involved and its proper 

use in manufacturing processes; 

(3) The product will not come into 

the hands of the general public except 

after incorporation into finished products; and 

(4) The Administrator determines 

that such directions are not necessary 

to prevent unreasonable adverse effects 

on man or the environment. 

(B) Detailed directions for use may 

be omitted from the labeling of pesticide products for which sale is limited to physicians, veterinarians, or 

druggists, provided that: 

(1) The label clearly states that the 

product is for use only by physicians or 

veterinarians; 

(2) The Administrator determines 

that such directions are not necessary 

to prevent unreasonable adverse effects 

on man or the environment; and 

(3) The product is also a drug and 

regulated under the provisions of the 

Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. 

(C) Detailed directions for use may 

be omitted from the labeling of pesticide products which are intended for 

use only by formulators in preparing 

pesticides for sale to the public, provided that: 

(1) There is information readily 

available to the formulators on the 

composition, toxicity, methods of use, 

applicable restrictions or limitations, 

and effectiveness of the product for 

pesticide purposes; 

(2) The label clearly states that the 

product is intended for use only in 

manufacturing, formulating, mixing, 

or repacking for use as a pesticide and 

specifies the type(s) of pesticide products involved; 

(3) The product as finally manufactured, formulated, mixed, or repackaged is registered; and 

(4) The Administrator determines 

that such directions are not necessary 

to prevent unreasonable adverse effects 

on man or the environment. 

(2) Contents of Directions for Use. The 

directions for use shall include the following, under the headings ‘‘Directions 

for Use’’: 

(i) The statement of use classification as prescribed in paragraph (j) of 

this section immediately under the 

heading ‘‘Directions for Use.’’ 

(ii) Immediately below the statement 

of use classification, the statement ‘‘It 

is a violation of Federal law to use this 

product in a manner inconsistent with 

its labeling.’’ 

(iii) The site(s) of application, as for 

example the crops, animals, areas, or 

objects to be treated. 

(iv) The target pest(s) associated 

with each site. 

(v) The dosage rate associated with 

each site and pest. 

(vi) The method of application, including instructions for dilution, if required, and type(s) of application apparatus or equipment required. 

(vii) The frequency and timing of applications necessary to obtain effective 

results without causing unreasonable 

adverse effects on the environment. 

(viii) Worker protection statements 

meeting the requirements of subpart K 

of this part. 

(ix) Specific directions concerning 

the storage, residue removal and disposal of the pesticide and its container, 

in accordance with subpart H of this 

part and part 165 of this chapter. These 

instructions must be grouped and appear under the heading, ‘‘Storage and 

Disposal.’’ This heading must be set in 

type of the same minimum sizes as required for the child hazard warning. 

(See table in §156.60(b)) 

(x) Any limitations or restrictions on 

use required to prevent unreasonable 

adverse effects, such as: 

(A) Required intervals between application and harvest of food or feed 

crops. 

(B) Rotational crop restrictions. 

(C) Warnings as required against use 

on certain crops, animals, objects, or in 

or adjacent to certain areas. 

(D) For total release foggers as defined in paragraph (h)(2)(iii)(B) of this 

section, the following statements must 

be included in the ‘‘Directions for 

Use’’: 

DO NOT use more than one fogger per 

room. DO NOT use in small, enclosed spaces 

such as closets, cabinets, or under counters 

or tables. Do not use in a room 5 ft.×5 ft. or 

smaller; instead, allow fog to enter from 

other rooms. Turn off ALL ignition sources 

such as pilot lights (shut off gas valves), 

other open flames, or running electrical appliances that cycle off and on (i.e., refrigerators, thermostats, etc.). Call your gas 

66 

§ 156.60 40 CFR Ch. I (7–1–07 Edition) 

utility or management company if you need 

assistance with your pilot lights.’’ 

(E) For restricted use pesticides, a 

statement that the pesticide may be 

applied under the direct supervision of 

a certified applicator who is not physically present at the site of application 

but nonetheless available to the person 

applying the pesticide, unless the 

Agency has determined that the pesticide may only be applied under the 

direct supervision of a certified applicator who is physically present. 

(F) Other pertinent information 

which the Administrator determines to 

be necessary for the protection of man 

and the environment. 

(j) Statement of Use Classification. By 

October 22, 1976, all pesticide products 

must bear on their labels a statement 

of use classification as described in 

paragraphs (j) (1) and (2) of this section. Any pesticide product for which 

some uses are classified for general use 

and others for restricted use shall be 

separately labeled according to the labeling standards set forth in this subsection, and shall be marketed as separate products with different registration numbers, one bearing directions 

only for general use(s) and the other 

bearing directions for restricted use(s) 

except that, if a product has both restricted use(s) and general use(s), both 

of these uses may appear on a product 

labeled for restricted use. Such products shall be subject to the provisions 

of paragraph (j)(2) of this section. 

(1) General Use Classification. Pesticide products bearing directions for 

use(s) classified general shall be labeled with the exact words ‘‘General 

Classification’’ immediately below the 

heading ‘‘Directions for Use.’’ And reference to the general classification 

that suggests or implies that the general utility of the pesticide extends beyond those purposes and uses contained 

in the Directions for Use will be considered a false or misleading statement 

under the statutory definitions of misbranding. 

(2) Restricted Use Classification. Pesticide products bearing direction for 

use(s) classified restricted shall bear 

statements of restricted use classification on the front panel as described 

below: 

(i) Front panel statement of restricted 

use classification. (A) At the top of the 

front panel of the label, set in type of 

the same minimum sizes as required 

for human hazard signal words (see 

table in paragraph (h)(1)(iv) of this section), and appearing with sufficient 

prominence relative to other text and 

graphic material on the front panel to 

make it unlikely to be overlooked 

under customary conditions of purchase and use, the statement ‘‘Restricted Use Pesticide’’ shall appear. 

(B) Directly below this statement on 

the front panel, a summary statement 

of the terms of restriction imposed as a 

precondition to registration shall appear. If use is restricted to certified applicators, the following statement is 

required: ‘‘For retail sale to and use 

only by Certified Applicators or persons under their direct supervision and 

only for those uses covered by the Certified Applicator’s certification.’’ If, 

however, other regulatory restrictions 

are imposed, the Administrator will define the appropriate wording for the 

terms of restriction by regulation. 

[40 FR 28268, July 3, 1975; 40 FR 32329, Aug. 1, 

1975; 40 FR 36571, Aug. 21, 1975, as amended at 

43 FR 5786, Feb. 9, 1978. Redesignated and 

amended at 53 FR 15991, 15999, May 4, 1988; 57 

FR 38146, Aug. 21, 1992; 60 FR 32096, June 19, 

1995; 63 FR 9082, Feb. 23, 1998; 66 FR 64764, 

Dec. 14, 2001; 71 FR 47420, Aug. 16, 2006] 

Subparts B–C [Reserved] 

Subpart D—Human Hazard and 

Precautionary Statements 

SOURCE: 66 FR 64764, Dec. 14, 2001, unless 

otherwise noted. 

§ 156.60 General. 

Each product label is required to bear 

hazard and precautionary statements 

for humans and domestic animals (if 

applicable) as prescribed in this subpart. Hazard statements describe the 

type of hazard that may occur, while 

precautionary statements will either 

direct or inform the user of actions to 

take to avoid the hazard or mitigate 

its effects. 

(a) Location of statements—(1) Front 

panel statements. The signal word, child 

hazard warning, and, in certain cases, 

the first aid statement are required to