What symbols should be explained?

For consumer products, safety, hazard, and environmental symbols that require clear explanation or strict regulatory alignment include GHS chemical pictograms, electronic waste bins, and conformity marks, which vary significantly across the US, Canada, and the EU.

Chemical and Household Hazards:

• GHS / CLP Pictograms (EU & US/Canada): Red-bordered diamonds (EU CLP) or local variants depicting flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, and gas under pressure. The EU requires precise precautionary text and sometimes tactile warnings, whereas the US relies more on text phrases via the CPSC / FHSA.
• Consumer Chemical Symbols (Canada): Canada’s CCCR uses distinct shapes (octagons for danger, inverted triangles for caution) enclosing icons for toxic, corrosive, flammable, or explosive contents, which must be explicitly defined in both English and French.

Electronics and Environmental Marks:

• WEEE Crossed-Out Bin (EU): Indicates electrical and electronic equipment must not go into regular household trash and requires specialized recycling collection.
• Mobius Loop / Resin Codes (Global/Regional): Numbered triangle loops (1–7) identifying plastic polymer types and recyclability.
• The Green Dot (EU): Shows that the manufacturer has financially contributed to a national packaging recovery organization.

Regulatory Conformity Marks:

• CE Mark (EU): Mandatory conformity indicator proving a product meets EU health, safety, and environmental protection legislation.
• CSA / cUL (Canada/US): Certification marks showing products comply with Canadian and US national safety standards, often expected by local inspectors even if federal rules differ