What does P103 mean?

What kind of precautionary statement is P103?

General precautionary statements (P1xx) concern how the product is supplied and to whom: reading the instructions before use, keeping the product away from children and similar points. What matters is less the hazard class than whether the product goes to consumers or to industrial users.

Which hazards is it used for?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table used by Chemoris, P103 is not linked directly to a class; it is used as part of a combined statement or at the supplier's choice.

Neighbouring statements of the same kind

The statements closest in number to P103 in the general group:

• P101If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
• P102Keep out of reach of children.

How is P103 read?

The text of P103 is 4 words long. The text is a single instruction without options and is written as it appears in Annex IV.

Where is P103 written in the SDS?

In the SDS, P103 is written in Section 2.2 (label elements) with its code and the text "Read label before use.". Being a general statement, it sits among the general lines.

How does P103 appear on the label?

On the label P103 appears together with its text; under CLP Article 28(3) a label usually carries at most 6 precautionary statements. If the core statements exceed 6, Article 28(3) allows up to 8; when a combined statement is chosen, its individual parts are not repeated on the label. As P103 is on the list of precautionary statements of Annex IV, it can be used in current labels and SDSs; Chemoris writes it into the document only when the relevant general candidate is selected.

Where does P103 stand in the general group?

P103 is number 3 of the 3 statements in the P1xx group. The group holds 0 combined and 0 withdrawn statements and 3 single valid statements. Combined statements merge several situations on one line; withdrawn statements are replaced by their current equivalents.

Checklist when writing P103

• The text is a single instruction without options; it is written as it stands.

Official EU wording of P103 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 P103 from the CLP Annex III/IV language versions published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Source: EUR-Lex CELEX 02008R1272-20260701.

Next steps

To read a statement like P103 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.

Where does it appear in the safety data sheet?

Precautionary statements are given with their code and full text in Section 2.2 (label elements) of the safety data sheet. Alternatives separated by a slash or in square brackets (e.g. gloves/protective clothing) are narrowed down to suit the product.

Frequently asked questions