What does P403 mean?

What kind of precautionary statement is P403?

Storage statements (P4xx) set the conditions for keeping the product safely: locked up, in a cool, well-ventilated place or in the original container, protected from sunlight. Warehouse layout and container choice follow from these statements.

Which hazards is it used for?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P403 is assigned to the classes of these hazard statements:

• H220Extremely flammable gas.
• H221Flammable gas.
• H270May cause or intensify fire; oxidiser.

Combined statements containing this code

• P403+P233
• P403+P235
• P410+P403

How many hazard statements is P403 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P403 is provided for the classes of 3 H statements in total: 3 physical hazard statements. The lowest-numbered example is H220 and the highest-numbered is H270. Whether a mixture label carries this statement depends on those classes really applying to the mixture.

Neighbouring statements of the same kind

The statements closest in number to P403 in the storage group:

• P401Store in accordance with… .
• P402Store in a dry place.
• P404Store in a closed container.
• P405Store locked up.
• P406Store in a corrosion-resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner.

How is P403 read?

The text of P403 is 5 words long. The text is a single instruction without options and is written as it appears in Annex IV.

Where is P403 written in the SDS?

In the SDS, P403 is written in Section 2.2 (label elements) with its code and the text "Store in a well-ventilated place.". Being a storage statement, it sits among the storage lines. The statement should also agree with the safe storage conditions in Section 7.2.

How does P403 appear on the label?

On the label P403 appears together with its text; under CLP Article 28(3) a label usually carries at most 6 precautionary statements. In the Chemoris selection method, storage statements are considered in position 3. 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 P403 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 storage candidate is selected.

Which classes and which priority is P403 assigned to?

In the CLP Annex IV assignment table, P403 appears in 2 class/category entries (1 different H statements). Priority split: core (priority 1) in 2 entries. Of these entries, 1 carry the signal word “Danger”, 0 carry “Warning” and 1 need no signal word. The pictograms that most often accompany it: GHS03 (1).

The class families it appears in most often: Flam. Gas * (1) and Ox. Gas (1).

Classes that P403 is assigned to

The first 2 rows of 2 entries in the CLP Annex IV assignment table (by priority and hazard order):

Statements assigned together with P403

The precautionary statements that most often appear with P403 in the same class entries (with entry count):

• P377Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely. (1)
• P381In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. (1)
• P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. (1)
• P370+P376In case of fire: Stop leak if safe to do so. (1)
• P220Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials. (1)

Where does P403 stand in the storage group?

P403 is number 3 of the 19 statements in the P4xx group. The group holds 6 combined and 2 withdrawn statements and 12 single valid statements. Combined statements merge several situations on one line; withdrawn statements are replaced by their current equivalents.

Which SDS section does P403 feed?

Because of its number and its storage kind, P403 relates to Section 7 Handling and storage of the SDS; in Section 2.2 it is written with its code and text. Statements in the same number range feed the same section.

Checklist when writing P403

• P403 is a part of the combined statements P403+P233, P403+P235, P410+P403; when a combined statement is selected, P403 is not repeated on the label.
• P403 should agree with Section 7; in Section 2.2 it is written with its code and text.
• The text is 5 words long; if the label space is narrow, choosing a combined statement can save room.

Official EU wording of P403 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 P403 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 P403 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