EnglishHatice Muazzez Bodur · Grüner Baum GmbH2026-07-238 min

GPSR warning statements and pictograms: use correctly

GPSR warning pictograms and labels play a critical role in ensuring product safety and informing users. If you are a label designer, manufacturer, or quality expert, this article will give you important information on how to use GPSR and industry-specific pictograms.

General warning pictograms

General warning pictograms are used to indicate the potential hazards of products. These pictograms are designed to draw users' attention and inform them about the hazards. Here are some common general warning pictograms:

Drowning: It should be used in products close to water. - Swallowing: It is important in products containing small pieces, especially toys. - Burning: It should be used in products containing flammable substances. - Cutting: It should be used in products with sharp edges.

The correct placement of these pictograms increases product safety and protects users.

# Sectoral Pictograms

Each sector has its own risks and requirements, so it is extremely important to use sectoral pictograms. The following examples show pictograms used in different sectors:

Toys: Special pictograms are required to ensure the safety of toys. ** Chemical**: Hazard symbols must be used on products containing chemicals. ** Electrical**: Electrical products must have special pictograms to indicate the risk of electric shock.

These pictograms must comply with industry legislation to ensure that products are properly labelled.

The ISO 7000 symbol library

ISO 7000 is a library of symbols that conform to international standards. This library helps designers and manufacturers choose the right symbols. The symbols in ISO 7000 are recognized worldwide and meet safety standards. Using this library, you can use the right symbols on the labels of your products.

Pictogram size and visibility standards

The size and visibility of pictograms are critical for users to easily see these icons. Pictograms must be of a certain size and high contrast.

Adherence to these standards ensures that pictograms are effectively perceived.

Multi-language warning text vs. single pictogram preference

If your products are being marketed internationally, it is important to use multilingual warning texts. However, in some cases, the use of a single pictogram may be more effective.

Multi-language labels: Warning texts in different languages should be appropriate to the target market of the product. - One pictogram: If the hazard of the product is simple and understandable, a single pictogram may be sufficient.

These choices should be made carefully in order to enhance user experience and ensure security.

Frequent Mistakes

Frequent mistakes in the design of pictograms and warning labels can endanger product safety.

Avoiding these mistakes is essential to enhance the safety of your products.

How do we help?

Based in Germany §Grüner Baum GmbH§§§§, we assist you in the design and labelling of pictograms that meet the requirements of GPSR and industry legislation.

If you need us, you can contact us via our assessment request form.

§§MDX0 §§

Hatice Muazzez Bodur — Grüner Baum GmbH

Founder & CEO · GPSR Responsible Person

Hatice Muazzez Bodur is the founder and CEO of Grüner Baum GmbH, a Germany-based company. Under the EU Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, Regulation 2023/988), she provides EU Responsible Person services — a legal requirement for brands from Turkey and other third countries placing products on the EU market. She is an ISO 9001 auditor; our team also has auditing experience aligned with ISO 27001 and 42001 principles. Our work is carried out within these three principles. Advisory services in Turkish, German, and English. Grüner Baum GmbH (HRB 52165, Amtsgericht Mainz), located at Vorstädter Str. 32, 55276 Oppenheim, Germany, provides brand owners with EU Responsible Person documentation and a direct communication channel with market surveillance authorities.