Labels: international “sign language”

Do you know it? You are abroad and an unfamiliar pictogram appears in front of you, trying to signal “something”. You don’t know what to make of it and no wonder – different country, different signage. But certain motifs have their own language, they are internationally unified and understandable. “STOP” – a sign that in all countries is an instruction to stop. “P” – a parking sign that easily informs you that you can park your vehicle…

This is similar to the markings on parcels that are sent out all over the world. Different symbols clearly indicate handling instructions. Adequate marking is an essential part of the packaging: if the marking of the cargo is ambiguous, no compensation can be obtained (in the event of damage to the packaging or its contents). It is therefore advisable to enquire about relevant signalling options before sending packages.

For example, the arrow symbol to indicate which side the box should be placed on is very useful: “This side up”. The sign with the glass means “Caution fragile!”, the symbolic umbrella (sometimes with a pictorial drop) “Protect from moisture!”. Shipping crates with the sign of the cross and the dot mark the centre of gravity of the cargo. The symbols for cargo handling are internationally and uniformly defined in ISO R/780 (International Organization for Standardization) and DIN 55 402 (Deutsches Institut für Normung). They are unambiguous and facilitate communication in international transport. The additional indication of the weight of the load on the outside of the package is meaningful. Rajapack offers various marking options with its warning or signalling labels, PP or PVC warning tapes with corresponding printing or information labels.

Clear marking of dangerous goods according to ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) is mandatory. Dangerous goods are anything that could harm human or animal life and health or the environment. For the carriage of dangerous goods, specific statutory provisions for marking and packaging apply (depending on the class or sub-class into which the dangerous goods are divided according to their nature or contents). Here, too, Rajapack’s special, internationally comprehensible hazardous goods labels can reliably warn of potential dangers.

By using these labels, you prevent language barriers and the associated mishandling of your boxes. Just as individual countries place traffic signs to improve road safety, you too can ensure the safety of your transported cargo by means of signalling symbols!