What does H400 mean?

Categories and label elements

CLP abbreviation	Pictogram	Signal word
Aquatic Acute 1	GHS09Environment	Warning

Related precautionary statements (P codes)

The precautionary statements that CLP Annex IV assigns to this class. Not all of them go on the label: under CLP Article 28(3), no more than six precautionary statements appear on the label unless the nature and severity of the hazard require more; the selection depends on the product and its users.

When does a mixture need H400?

Whether a mixture needs H400 is calculated from the classes and concentrations of its components. The values in the rule file for this code are:

• A component of this class is taken into account in a mixture only at a concentration of ≥ 0.1 % (with an M-factor the limit becomes 0.1/M %). (CLP Annex I Table 1.1; 4.1.3.1)
• Summation method: the weighted sum of the qualifying components must reach ≥ 25 % for the mixture to be classified Aquatic Acute 1 (H400). (CLP Annex I Table 4.1.1)
• If a component has a harmonised specific concentration limit (SCL) and meets it, the mixture takes the corresponding class directly.

For a step-by-step worked example see classifying a mixture under CLP.

Where is H400 written in the SDS?

H400 is tracked in three places of the SDS: the classification line in Section 2.1 ("Aquatic Acute 1"), the label elements in Section 2.2 and the component list in Section 3. Section 16 repeats the explanation of the code. In addition, it is justified in Section 12 (ecological information) under the relevant effect heading.

How does H400 appear on the label?

The label elements for H400 are: pictogram GHS09 (environment); it is written with the signal word "Warning". In the Chemoris template Section 2.2 carries at most 8 H statements; if the limit is exceeded the least severe ones are dropped and a warning is shown. For the bottom of the label, 3 P statements are candidates for this class in CLP Annex IV; under CLP Article 28 at most 6 of them are selected.

Where does it appear in the safety data sheet?

• Section 2.1: classification; the class abbreviation and H400 are given together.
• Section 2.2: label elements; H400 with its full text, pictogram and signal word.
• Section 3: composition table; in the row of every component that has this class.
• Section 16: the full text of the H statements cited as codes in earlier sections.

Class criteria and thresholds for H400

The values below come from the Chemoris rule file (CLP Annex I). They show the condition under which H400 arises in a mixture. For physical hazards and other classes that depend on test data, the result comes from the mixture's own measurement, not from component percentages.

H400 compared with H410 and H411

The table below puts H400 next to its closest neighbouring statements; the values are read from the rule data.

H400 and H410 carry the same signal word (Warning). Both are shown with the same pictogram (GHS09). The signal word differs: Warning for H400, — for H411. Both are shown with the same pictogram (GHS09).

H410 H411

In which SDS sections does H400 appear?

H400 does not stay only in the label section of an SDS; the class itself and the precautionary statements assigned to it shape the content of other sections too. The counts are calculated from the P statements that Annex IV assigns to this class.

Statements that appear on the label together with H400

H400 is never printed alone on a label; it sits next to the pictogram and the signal word. The Chemoris selection method (response, prevention, storage, disposal in that order; core statements first) gives these first 3 candidates for this class:

The GHS09 pictogram and “Warning” are printed together. This ranking applies because a label usually carries at most 6 statements; when a combined statement is selected, its parts are not printed again.

Official EU wording of H400 in other languages

When a product is exported to the EU, the SDS and label are expected in the official language of the Member State where it is placed on the market (REACH Article 31(5)). The table gives the official wording of H400 from the CLP Annex III/IV language versions published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Source: EUR-Lex CELEX 02008R1272-20260701.

Common mistakes with H400

• Mixing up signal words: if any class requires “Danger”, only “Danger” is printed and “Warning” drops out (CLP Article 20(3)).
• Writing unlimited H statements for a multi-class product: in the Chemoris template, Section 2.2 holds at most 8 H statements.

Next steps

To read a statement like H400 correctly on a label and in an SDS, see the guide How to read H and P codes; to pick the class and prepare the label automatically, use the free label tool.

Frequently asked questions