Tactile Labelling and Tactile Warnings

What is tactile labelling? When is it mandatory?

To protect visually impaired individuals from chemical hazards, tactile warning symbols (raised tactile warnings) are mandatory for certain product groups under Türkiye’s SEA Regulation (Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures). Products classified under certain hazard categories must include tactile labelling. These raised symbols help visually impaired individuals recognize the product and prevent potential accidents. In particular, packaging of flammable, toxic, or corrosive chemical products must bear a tactile warning symbol (embossed triangle).

What is the SEA Regulation? Which article requires tactile labelling?

The SEA (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation governs the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures. It has been implemented in Türkiye in alignment with the EU CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Article 3.2 of the regulation addresses the classification of mixtures and outlines special packaging obligations for hazardous mixtures offered to consumers.

For which products is tactile labelling mandatory?

According to the SEA Regulation, the following product types must include a tactile warning on their packaging:

• Acute Toxic Mixtures (Category 1–3)
  Products toxic via inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact
  
  
• Corrosive Products
  Mixtures causing skin burns or serious eye damage
  
  
• Products Posing Serious Health Risks
  Products classified as aspiration hazards, carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxicants
  
  
• Flammable Liquids (Category 1–3)
  Highly flammable liquid products
  
  
• Skin Sensitizers (under specific conditions)
  If the product is offered to consumers and poses a significant allergic risk
  
  

What should a tactile warning symbol look like?

• A raised triangle embossed directly on the packaging
• Must comply with European Standard TS EN ISO 11683
• Clearly detectable, non-removable, and affixed in a way that remains intact throughout the product's lifetime
  
  

Who is legally obliged to apply tactile labelling?

The obligation of tactile labelling applies to:

• Manufacturers of chemical products
• Importers
• Distributors offering products to consumers

Why is it important?

It is crucial to prevent unintentional exposure of visually impaired individuals to hazardous chemicals. It is not only a legal requirement but also an essential practice for supporting public health and accessibility.

At CHEMLEG, as part of our chemical product labelling consultancy, we provide:

• Compliance checks for product packaging
• Evaluation of tactile warning requirements
• Technical documentation support in line with the SEA Regulation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a tactile warning symbol?
It is a labelling system that helps visually impaired individuals identify products and avoid potential accidents.

2. On which types of packaging should the tactile warning symbol be applied?
All retail packaging that physically reaches consumers must bear this symbol.

3. What happens if tactile warning labelling is not applied?
In the event of inspections, missing tactile warnings may result in administrative fines and product recalls.

4. For which products is tactile labelling mandatory?
Packaging for substances and mixtures classified as acutely toxic, skin corrosive, germ cell mutagen category 2, carcinogen category 2, reproductive toxicant category 2, respiratory sensitizer, STOT category 1 or 2, aspiration hazard, flammable gases, flammable liquids category 1 or 2, or flammable solids—regardless of packaging type or capacity—must bear a tactile warning.

5. In which sectors are tactile warning symbols more commonly used?

• Household cleaning products
• Industrial chemicals
• Automotive care products
• Paints and coatings
• Adhesives and solvents
• Air freshening products