Understanding BS5609 Label Certification

Companies transporting dangerous goods in marine environments (overseas) are subject to safety regulations and may require British Maritime Standards (BS5609) certification for their labeling components. This is a requirement for International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) certification. The purpose is to ensure that if a chemical drum falls off a ship that the label remains adhered, intact and legible after an extended period in the ocean. Labels need to withstand a three-month salt water submersion. BS5609 compliance means the label has met the most stringent tests for durability in the industry.

What is BS5609 Section 2 compliance?

Section 2 tests are conducted on the blank pressure sensitive, adhesive coated base material. Testing procedures include exposing to artificial weathering (salt spray & sunlight), dimensional stability and adhesion. The label must remain adhered for 3 months submerged in seawater. When a label is Section 2 compliant, it means only the blank label is BS5609 Section 2 compliant.

Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels are BS5609 Section 2 certified.

What is BS5609 Section 3 compliance?

The difference between Section 2 and Section 3 is that the printed label is tested, whereas Section 2 is only testing blank label stock. With Section 3 compliance, labels are tested for abrasion resistance and permanence of print. Tests include exposing the label to artificial weathering (salt spray & sunlight), tape removal and abrasion resistance.

Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels are BS5609 Section 3 certified with specific printers and ink/toner.

Which printers are BS5609 Section 3 certified with Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels?

UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels for Laser Printers (60501, 60502, 60503, 60504, 60505, 60506, 60507, 60508) are BS5609 Section 3 certified with the following printers:

BS5609 Sec. 3 Certified Laser Printers

Important Notes

OKI C711 Series Printers

• C711 n
• C711 dtn
• C711 dn

Please download and install the custom media table developed by OKI for BS5609 Sec. 3 certification with Avery GHS Labels.

Click here to download

IMPORTANT: Click here to open the installation instructions

Can I use a standard color laser printer to print GHS labels?

Yes, if you are not shipping chemicals in marine environments and do not require BS5609 Section 3 certification, then you can use a standard color laser printer with Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels and have great durability. This works well for domestic shipments or workplace labeling. For best results, use the Label setting on your printer.

UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels for Pigment-based Inkjet Printers are certified with:

Can I use a standard inkjet printer to print GHS labels?

If you are not shipping chemicals in marine environments and do not require BS5609 Section 3 certification, then you can use a standard pigment-based desktop printer with Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels (Inkjet) and have excellent durability. This works well for domestic shipments or workplace labeling.