BS5609 Certification Guide: Labels, Testing & Printers

If your business involves shipping chemicals or hazardous goods by sea, BS5609 certification is a must. This globally recognized labeling standard ensures that your labels survive extreme marine environments and comply with international regulations like GHS and IMDG.

For manufacturers, exporters, and logistics partners, this one-stop guide provides an in-depth analysis of BS5609, covering certification, testing, and compliant printing,  ensuring your labeling is export-ready and fully compliant.

What is BS5609 Certification?

BS5609, standing for British Standard 5609, certifies labels for hazardous chemical packaging — such as drums and IBC containers — under marine conditions.

These chemical labels carry critical product information (e.g., product codes, SKUs), shipping data, and traceable barcodes. Missing or illegible information can pose serious safety risks.

The BS5609 certification rigorously evaluates label durability, ensuring legibility after prolonged exposure to saltwater, UV radiation, abrasion, and other harsh environments. BS5609 compliance is essential for meeting the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) requirements for chemical labeling worldwide.

Who Needs BS5609 Compliant Labels?

Any business that exports hazardous materials—especially chemicals—by ocean freight needs BS5609 compliant labeling. Industries typically involved include:

✔️Hazardous goods transportation (via sea)

✔️Chemical industry (drum and container labeling)

✔️Export of coatings, solvents, and related products

✔️Pharmaceutical and laboratory cold chain logistics

Who Conducts the Certification?

Independent laboratories such as UL, Smithers, and others perform the necessary tests. Certification may apply to label stock (Part 2) or to the printed label (Part 3), which includes the printer, ink/ribbon, and label combined.

BS5609 Part 2 vs. Part 3: Key Differences

BS5609 consists of four parts, but the most important are Part 2 and Part 3.

1. BS5609 Part 2: Label Material Testing

Part 2 focuses on the raw label material, testing for:

✔️ Saltwater immersion for 90 days

✔️ Tensile strength testing

✔️ Abrasion resistance in simulated marine environments

✔️ Adhesive strength

✔️ UV and temperature exposure stability

If a label substrate passes Part 2, it's suitable for marine use—but it still needs proper printing.

2. BS5609 Part 3: Printed Label Testing

Part 3 tests the complete printed label, including:

✔️ Durability of print under marine exposure – whether barcodes or text remain legible

✔️ Print adhesion after saltwater and abrasion testing

✔️ Label performance using a specific printer, ink, and material combination

This is crucial for BS5609 compliant printing, as using an uncertified ribbon, ink, or printer can result in non-compliance.

Choosing the Right BS5609 Compliant Labels

1. Material Matters

Common label materials that pass BS5609 testing include:

✔️ Polyester (PET) – Highly durable, ideal for drums and barrels

✔️ Polyethylene (PE) – Flexible, for curved surfaces

✔️ Polypropylene (PP) – Good balance between durability and cost

2. Adhesive Selection

For harsh environment labeling, adhesives must resist moisture, heat, and cold. Use marine-grade permanent adhesives that are pressure-sensitive and chemical-resistant.

For instance, exporters of hazardous chemicals must ensure that drum labels are clear, smudge-resistant, and firmly affixed—even in harsh environments. To comply with GHS, these chemical hazard labels must meet the durability standards of BS5609 for safe, regulation-ready shipping worldwide.

Best Printing Methods for BS5609 Compliant Labels

Thermal Transfer Printing is the most reliable method for BS5609 compliant labels.

✔️ Use resin-based ribbons for maximum abrasion and chemical resistance.

✔️ Ensure proper speed settings for durable print adhesion.

Is Inkjet or Laser Enough?

Most inkjet and laser printers fall short of BS5609 compliance unless combined with specially certified label stocks and inks.

Best Thermal Transfer Printer for BS5609 Compliant Labels

The HPRT Delight is a high-performance 6-inch industrial label printer, ideal for high-volume printing of durable chemical drum labels, container labels, and other GHS-compliant labels.

It offers excellent flexibility with wax, wax/resin, resin ribbons and can print on PP, PET and other label materials—delivering sharp, long-lasting results that meet the stringent durability requirements of BS5609 certification.

Below are the specifications of this 6-inch wide industrial printer:

Frequently Asked Questions about BS5609

1. Is BS5609 Mandatory?

While not a legal requirement itself, BS5609 compliance is effectively mandatory for labels on marine-transported dangerous goods under GHS and IMDG codes.

2. Can You Use Non-Certified Labels Domestically?

Yes, but if your goods are transported internationally by sea, non-compliance can lead to shipment rejection or penalties.

BS5609 is more than a certification—it's a safeguard for your reputation, compliance, and logistics integrity. For exporters and manufacturers, using BS5609 certified labels and printers ensures that every shipment meets the highest durability standards. Whether you're labeling chemical drums or shipping industrial goods across the ocean, choosing the right system is critical.

Need BS5609 compliant labels that withstand harsh marine environments? HPRT's industrial label printers deliver the durability and performance you require. Contact our expert team now!