ISO 1043-4-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 1043-4:2021 — Plastics — Symbols and abbreviated terms — Part 4: Flame retardants. This International Standard specifies the uniform abbreviated symbols (codes) used to identify flame retardants added to plastics materials for recognition, labelling and documentation purposes.

Abstract

Provides a concise list of standardized symbols and two‑digit code numbers for flame retardants used in plastics. The 2021 (second) edition consolidates previous amendments and defines the symbol format (FR followed by a two‑digit code) and code groupings by chemical class to ensure consistent identification of flame retardant additives.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 27 July 2021.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 83.040.30 (Auxiliary materials and additives for plastics); 83.080.01 (Plastics in general).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2021).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Information above is from the ISO bibliographic record and national standards catalogues.

Scope

Specifies uniform symbols for flame retardants added to plastics materials. It defines the symbol format (the letters FR immediately followed by a two‑digit code in parentheses, e.g. FR(23)), groups code ranges by chemical class (halogenated, nitrogen, organic and inorganic phosphorus, metal oxides/hydroxides, boron/zinc, silicon compounds, graphite, etc.) and sets practical identification rules for labelling and documentation of plastics containing flame retardant additives.

Key topics and requirements

• Standard symbol format: "FR" (capital letters) followed by a two‑digit code in parentheses, for example FR(23).
• Code grouping by chemical class (examples: halogenated compounds codes 10–29; nitrogen compounds code 30; organic phosphorus 40–42; inorganic phosphorus 50–55; metal oxides/hydroxides 60–66; boron/zinc 70–73; silicon and graphite ranges).
• Identification threshold and practical application: the standard is used to mark and document flame retardants present at significant levels in plastics formulations (industry guidance commonly identifies additives above about 1% mass fraction for identification, see national guidance summaries).
• Updates in the 2021 edition: consolidation of earlier amendments and addition of new code numbers to cover new or previously unallocated flame retardant classes.
• Intended outputs: concise labelling symbols for product marking, technical datasheets and regulatory or supply‑chain declarations.

Typical use and users

Used by plastics compounders, additive suppliers, product designers, regulatory compliance teams, quality managers and recyclers to label and document the presence and type of flame retardant additives in plastic materials and components. The standard supports consistent communication across suppliers, manufacturers and testing/inspection bodies.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 1043 series of standards on symbols and abbreviated terms for plastics. Key related documents include ISO 1043‑1 (Basic polymers and their special characteristics) and other parts of ISO 1043 covering plastic additives and characteristics, plus complementary standards such as ISO 11469 (generic identification and marking of plastics products). Users often consult these documents together for comprehensive marking and identification schemes.

Keywords

Flame retardant; FR code; plastics marking; additive identification; ISO 1043; symbols; labelling; polymer additives; documentation.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 1043-4:2021 is the part of the ISO 1043 series that defines abbreviated symbols and two‑digit code numbers used to identify flame retardant additives in plastics. It is intended for marking, datasheets and technical documentation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the format of the symbol (FR(##)), the classification of code ranges by chemical class of flame retardants, and the codes to be used for common flame retardant types. The 2021 edition consolidated prior amendments and added new codes where needed.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers and compounders of plastics, additive suppliers, product designers, compliance and quality teams, testing laboratories and recyclers — any party that needs clear, standardised identification of flame retardants in plastic products and materials.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The second edition published on 27 July 2021 is the current published edition of ISO 1043‑4; it replaced the 1998 edition and earlier amendment(s). Subsequent amendments (drafts) have been prepared to add or revise code numbers, so users should check for any published amendment or corrigendum applicable to the 2021 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 1043‑4 is Part 4 of the ISO 1043 series (Symbols and abbreviated terms). Other parts (for example ISO 1043‑1) cover basic polymers and special characteristics and are commonly referenced together for product marking and documentation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: FR code, flame retardant, plastics marking, additive identification, ISO 1043, labelling, polymer additives.