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CCCR 2001 Hazard Symbols

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What are CCCR 2001 hazard symbols?

Canada’s Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 require prescribed hazard communication for many chemical products sold to consumers. CCCR symbols use a familiar pictogram inside a border whose shape communicates the degree of hazard: an octagon for danger, a diamond for warning, and an inverted triangle for caution.

The four main symbols

The toxic symbol identifies acute poisoning or aspiration hazards. The corrosive symbol warns of chemical burns or serious eye damage. The flammable symbol identifies products that can ignite under specified conditions. The exploding-container symbol applies to pressurized containers that may rupture when heated or punctured. A separate quick skin-bonding adhesive hazard has prescribed warnings but does not use one of these four main pictograms. 

Explosive
Toxic		 Explosive
Explosive		 Corrosive
Corrosive		 Flammable
Flammable

Classification determines the label

A symbol should never be selected from a product name or marketing claim alone. The responsible party must classify the complete formulation using the CCCR criteria, then apply the required bilingual signal words, hazard statements, instructions, first-aid statements, border, size, contrast, and placement. Some products also require child-resistant containers.

CCCR Today in 2026

The CCCR, 2001 remains distinct from WHMIS workplace requirements. A GHS pictogram or workplace SDS does not replace a compliant Canadian consumer label. Health Canada’s third-edition industry guide, released in 2023, remains the key modern guidance for classification, labelling, and packaging decisions in 2026. Online listings should also be checked for claims that conflict with the regulated label.

How Nexreg can help

Nexreg can classify consumer chemical products, review bilingual CCCR labels, and assess packaging requirements. Contact Nexreg before printing packaging or importing products into Canada.