Chemical Packaging Compliance: Regulations Around the Globe

Aerosol containers are classified by pressure ratings to ensure they can safely withstand internal pressure fluctuations during storage, handling, and transit. The DOT defines three key rating categories:

• 2N - Suitable for normal pressure applications
• 2P - Designed for higher pressure contents
• 2Q - Rated for extra-high pressure performance

All aerosol packaging must meet DOT rating requirements—2N, 2P, or 2Q—based on pressure classification and intended use, ensuring safe handling and transport. Manufacturers must obtain DOT certification before entering the U.S. market, confirming compliance with structural, labeling, and performance standards in 49 CFR. Certification involves third-party testing such as burst pressure, drop, and leak resistance evaluations.

Maintaining DOT certification requires ongoing audits, inspections, and requalification testing to ensure continued compliance. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, delays, or recalls. Evergreen Resources follows these regulations, with all facilities in our network being DOT-certified to support safety and regulatory consistency across the supply chain. Learn more about DOT regulations here.

• Standards include container ratings TC-2P (higher pressure) and TC-2Q (extra-high pressure): These ratings define the structural integrity requirements for aerosol containers used in higher-risk or high-pressure applications, ensuring they withstand the demands of both storage and transportation.
• Mutual recognition between U.S. DOT and Canadian standards facilitates streamlined cross-border shipping: This agreement allows for aerosol containers certified under either jurisdiction to be legally accepted in both Canada and the U.S., significantly simplifying compliance for North American operations.
• Adherence to Transport Canada’s regulations helps Evergreen simplify logistics and ensure regulatory consistency.

By complying with both Canadian and U.S. aerosol packaging standards, Evergreen ensures its products meet regulatory requirements for both markets. This dual compliance streamlines cross-border operations, minimizes regulatory delays, and reduces the need for region-specific packaging changes. Learn more about Canada’s regulations here.

Aerosol cans are classified into three pressure rating types based on the nature of the propellant and the maximum allowable internal pressure:

• Type I – Rated for liquefied flammable propellants (e.g., propane, butane); Max pressure at 50 °C: 12 bar
• Type II - Rated for liquefied non-flammable propellants (e.g., HFC-134a); Max pressure at 50 °C: 13.2 bar
• Type III - Rated for compressed non-flammable gases (e.g., CO₂, N₂, air); Max pressure at 50 °C: 15 bar

All aerosol containers intended for EU markets must be designed and tested according to these pressure classifications. Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance through rigorous assessments involving burst pressure, thermal stability, and leak prevention to meet ADD standards and ensure legal distribution.

Maintaining EU compliance requires adherence to harmonized standards (e.g., EN 14898) and passing relevant safety evaluations, including:

• Pressure resistance testing
• Labeling compliance (flammability icons, safety instructions, storage guidelines)
• Leak and burst evaluations at elevated temperatures

Non-compliance may result in product withdrawal, fines, or restricted market access. Evergreen Resources adheres to these EU regulations across its aerosol product lines, ensuring consistent product performance, regulatory alignment, and market acceptance within the European Economic Area. Learn more about EU Aerosol compliance here.

• UN packaging codes applied to metal cans (such as cone top, oblong, and paint-style containers) identify container type, construction material, and certified performance. These codes are essential for pairing the correct packaging with a chemical's hazard class and transit method—ensuring safe handling and regulatory compliance.
• Customers are responsible for selecting the appropriate UN-certified packaging that corresponds to the chemical's properties, including hazard classification, flammability, corrosivity, and volatility. The packaging must also be suitable for the mode of transport—whether by road, sea, or air.

Evergreen Resources offers a range of UN-rated metal chemical cans that are thoroughly tested and certified for the safe transport of hazardous materials. Their product lineup includes F-style, cone top, and paint cans, each designed to meet current international transport and packaging regulations. Beyond providing compliant containers, Evergreen also offers technical guidance to help customers select the most appropriate can for their specific chemical properties and shipping requirements. Learn more about UN Standards here.

United States (OSHA HazCom)

In the U.S., OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) requires clear, consistent communication of chemical hazards in the workplace. Aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), it ensures standardized safety information is provided to workers and end users:

• Labels must include key GHS-compliant elements to clearly communicate chemical hazards. These include hazard pictograms, signal words (e.g., Danger or Warning), hazard statements, and precautionary statements for safe handling, storage, and emergency response.
• Evergreen ensures its containers are designed to support full label compliance, offering surface finishes, formats, and material compatibility that accommodate OSHA and GHS labeling requirements. This includes proper space for full-color pictograms, chemical hazard descriptions, and multilingual safety instructions as needed.

Adhering to HazCom standards is essential for both regulatory compliance and workplace safety. Clear labeling helps prevent accidents, supports proper handling, and meets training requirements. Evergreen supports this by enabling compliant labeling across the industries it serves. Learn more about OSHA HazCom here.

European Union (CLP Regulation)

The Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation is the EU’s main framework for the safe use and distribution of hazardous substances. Aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), it ensures consistent and accurate communication of chemical hazards across all member states:

• Labels must include key GHS-compliant elements such as hazard pictograms, signal words like Danger or Warning, hazard statements describing the risks, and precautionary statements outlining safe handling, storage, disposal, and emergency response measures.
• Special labeling provisions apply to small containers under 125 mL, where space limitations may restrict the inclusion of full hazard information. The CLP Regulation provides specific exemptions and formatting adjustments for these packages, while still requiring critical safety details to remain visible and legible.

Evergreen designs its packaging to align with CLP labeling requirements by incorporating layouts, formats, and material specifications that accommodate both standard and small-container labels. This approach helps ensure regulatory compliance, facilitates clear hazard communication, and supports safe product distribution across the European Union. Through consistent application of CLP standards, Evergreen contributes to safer handling and streamlined market access for its customers. Learn more about the EU’s CLP regulation here.

Canada (WHMIS)

Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is the national standard for communicating chemical hazards, aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). It ensures clear, consistent labeling and classification to support the safe use and handling of hazardous products across Canadian workplaces:

• Labels must be bilingual (English and French) and include GHS elements such as pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary instructions. This ensures accessibility for Canada’s workforce and compliance with federal regulations.
• Evergreen designs its packaging to accommodate WHMIS-compliant bilingual labels, ensuring that label space, print quality, and formatting support clear hazard communication. This allows clients to meet regulatory standards while maintaining packaging clarity and functionality.

Clear and standardized labeling under WHMIS plays a critical role in protecting workers, reducing risk, and supporting legal compliance throughout Canada’s supply chain. By aligning with WHMIS requirements, companies help promote a safer working environment and ensure readiness for inspections, audits, and market distribution. Learn more about WHMIS here.

PFAS-Free Packaging

Regulatory agencies worldwide are increasingly targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to their persistence in the environment and associated health risks. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are now facing growing restrictions and bans across both state and international levels. These measures impact their use in food packaging, industrial materials, and consumer products:

• Evergreen proactively offers PFAS-free packaging materials to support customers in meeting current and emerging regulatory requirements. This includes alternatives to PFAS-based coatings or treatments commonly used in barrier packaging.
• Staying ahead of these regulations helps prevent supply chain disruptions, mitigates compliance risks, and positions businesses to meet growing consumer and regulatory demand for safer, more sustainable packaging solutions.

By prioritizing PFAS-free solutions, Evergreen helps ensure that packaging materials meet evolving global standards while supporting broader environmental and corporate responsibility goals. This forward-thinking approach reflects the industry's shift toward safer materials and more transparent supply chains. Learn more about PFAS regulations here.

Conflict Minerals and Responsible Sourcing

Responsible sourcing is now a core expectation for manufacturers and suppliers. Conflict minerals—tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold (3TG) — are linked to human rights abuses and armed conflict. To address this, the U.S. Dodd-Frank Act and EU Regulation 2017/821 require companies to perform due diligence and disclose the origins of these materials in their supply chains:

• Evergreen sources tinplate metals responsibly, taking proactive measures to ensure that materials are verified as conflict-free. This includes working closely with suppliers that follow OECD due diligence guidance and participating in transparency initiatives when appropriate.
• Maintaining transparent and traceable supply chains not only supports legal compliance but also reinforces Evergreen’s commitment to ethical sourcing practices. This helps customers meet their own corporate responsibility goals while aligning with regulatory frameworks in both the U.S. and European Union.

Evergreen places a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing and maintaining transparency throughout its supply chain. Through these efforts, the company actively contributes to global initiatives focused on eliminating the use of conflict minerals and promoting responsible, sustainable manufacturing practices within the packaging industry. Learn more about responsible sourcing regulations here.

Consider these key strategies to ensure global compliance:

• Certifications and Ongoing Audits: Maintain essential certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, DOT (U.S.), and Transport Canada. Regular audits and renewals demonstrate continuous adherence to stringent safety and quality standards.
• Design for Global Standards: Develop packaging that meets or exceeds the strictest international standards from inception. By designing universally compliant packaging, brands reduce complexity and facilitate easier market entry worldwide.
• UN-Certified Packaging: Utilize UN-rated packaging options to ensure acceptance across multiple regulatory jurisdictions. UN standards are widely recognized, simplifying international logistics and mitigating compliance risks.
• Clear Documentation and Labeling: Provide thorough, compliant labeling and comprehensive documentation. Clear documentation streamlines inspections, reduces delays, and helps avoid regulatory penalties.
• Prioritize Sustainability: Stay ahead of global environmental regulations by emphasizing recyclable, eco-friendly, and PFAS-free materials. Sustainable packaging choices demonstrate proactive environmental responsibility, aligning with emerging regulatory trends.
• Expert Regional Coordination: Leverage suppliers with regional regulatory expertise to navigate local nuances effectively. Working with specialists who understand diverse regulatory landscapes ensures smoother market entries and continuous compliance.

Collaborating with a global supplier like Evergreen Resources, which maintains deep knowledge of regional compliance requirements, can significantly reduce risks associated with regulatory changes. By choosing a supplier committed to staying current with evolving global standards, your brand can confidently achieve sustained compliance and competitive advantage.