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:
Ω Useful in conveying consigner's intention
Ω Informs the crew about handling
Ω Informs about the contents
Ω Facilitate the easy and rapid recognition of the probable hazards
Ω 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.
Ω Pictures
Ω Symbols
Ω Picture / symbol with Text
Forms of pictorial markings:
Ω Stenciling (i.e. directly on package)
Ω Stamping
Ω Labeling
Ω Metal plates
Ω Tags
Specifications of pictorial markings (for general markings)
Ω Size:Minimum 10 cms x 10 cms
Ω Colours:
 French blue
 Grass green
 Canary yellow
 Signal red
  Light orange
Specifications of pictorial markings (for Dangerous material)
Ω Size : Minimum 100 mm x 100 mm
Ω Shape : Strictly as shown in the figures. (e.g.. Diamond shape for all class labels
Ω Colours : Strictly as shown in the STD.
Ω Number of labels: Depending upon the size and shape of the package.
Ω Placement should be above and left side of the shipping mark.
Ω In case of more than one hazards all the labels must be provided
Ω Dangerous symbol should be given precedence over general symbol
Placard … Placard-specification
Size : 250 mm x 250 mm
Durability : must remain readable up to 3 months in case cargo is immersed in sea
Minimum 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

Marine pollutant
Cryogenic liquid

Magnetized materials
By cargo aircraft only
Pictorial markings for General Products As per IS 1260 part-2
1. Handle with Care
Application: for packages containing fragile
items like glass, ceramics etc.
Examples: packages of TVsets, cameras,
machineries with glass parts etc

2. Use no hooks
Application: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 heat

Application: 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 here
Application: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 Dry
Application:for packages and also the
products which may get affected by water.
Examples:packages for explosives,