Pictorial Markings for Export Packaging

Pictorial Markings is the Picture Oriented Language which represents the message or instructions for handling the goods during transport while exporting/ importing. Pictorial markings are the indicators of the probable hazards involved during transit. This is an international language of communication between package and everybody in products life cycle. Significance of pictorial markings:

Useful in conveying consigner's intention Informs the crew about handling Informs about the contents Facilitate the easy and rapid recognition of the probable hazards Superior over text forms (Markings in text format in particular language may

create confusion due to language problem) Reference standard: Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) has made a standard IS 1260 -1979, PART I & II which gives details of the pictorial markings, this was adopted on 28th May 1973. Part I gives the details of the pictorial markings for Dangerous Goods, while Part II- gives the pictorial markings for General Goods. This standard covers the recommendations of IMCO (IMDG), classifications as per Transport and Communication commission (TCC) and it also covers the classifications of UNO & IATA (DGR).Abbreviations IMCO- Inter-Governmental International Maritime Consultative Organization TCC - Transport & Communication commission UNO – United Nations Organization IATA – International Air Transport Association Types of pictorial markings: Following are the types of pictorial markings.

Pictures Symbols Picture / symbol with Text

Forms of pictorial markings: Stenciling (i.e. directly on package) Stamping Labeling Metal plates Tags

Specifications of pictorial markings (for general markings) Size:Minimum 10 cms x 10 cms Colours:

French blue Grass green Canary yellow Signal red Light orange

Specifications of pictorial markings (for Dangerous material)

Size : Minimum 100 mm x 100 mm Shape : Strictly as shown in the figures. (e.g.. Diamond shape for all class labels Colours : Strictly as shown in the STD. Number of labels: Depending upon the size and shape of the package. Placement should be above and left side of the shipping mark. In case of more than one hazards all the labels must be provided Dangerous symbol should be given precedence over general symbol

Placard … Placard-specificationSize : 250 mm x 250 mmDurability : must remain readable up to 3 months in case cargo is immersed in seaMinimum one placard on each side

 Pictorial markings for Dangerous Goods As per IS-1260, Part-1  

Pictorial markings for Dangerous Goods are already described and given under the heading of Dangerous goods Classifications.

Other labels  

Cryogenic liquid Marine pollutant

By cargo aircraft only Magnetized materials

 

Pictorial markings for General Products As per IS 1260 part-2  

1. Handle with CareApplication: for packages containing fragile items like glass, ceramics etc. Examples: packages of TVsets, cameras, machineries with glass parts etc

2. Use no hooksApplication:for packages which are to be handled with the help of metallic hooks (Hessian bags, woven HDPE sacks etc.)Examples:packages of fruits & vegetables, cement, sugar, chemicals fertilizers etc.

3. Keep away from heatApplication: for packages which may get affected by UV rays or heat.Examples: Packages of pharmaceuticals, many food products and the packages containing products with low melting point (chocolates).

4. Sling hereApplication:for bigger shipping containers.Examples:20’, 30’ or 40’ containers.

5. Center of gravity

 

Application:for most of the engineering packages containing heavy products.Examples:many types of machineries and spare parts.

6. Keep DryApplication:for packages and also the products which may get affected by water.Examples:packages for explosives, crackers,hygroscopic products, match boxes, electronic items and many food products.

7. Perishable goodsApplication:for packages used for products which may get crushed during transit due to load stacked on it.Examples:packages containing fish, vegetables & flowers.

8.Do not roleApplication:for packages used for liquid or fragile items.Examples:packages containing glass wares, and many liquid products where there is chance of leakage.

9.Hermetic packaging don’t openApplication:for the pilfer proof packages to avoid adulteration or where there may be spoilage of the product after opening.Examples:packages containing many food products, chemicals (aluminium phosphide).

10.Keep away from dustApplication:for packages containing dust sensitive products.Examples:packages containing costly electronic items, many sterilized products, pharmaceuticals etc.

11. Do not Drop

Application:for packages containing fragile or impact sensitive products.Examples:packages containing electronic items,explosives etc.

12. Maximum allowable loadApplication:for indicating the maximum staking load during stacking.Examples:mostly all packages.

13.Allowable temperatureApplication:for indicating the range of temperature in which the product is to be stored or transported. Examples:packages for milk products and many perishable products.

14.Clamp this wayApplication:for indicating the area where the package is to be clamped for handling. Examples:packages for engineering items and many fragile items.

15.This side upApplication:for indicating top side of the package during storage and transportation to avoid leakage and damage to the product.Examples:mostly all packages