ISO 3871:2000

Road vehicles - Labelling of containers for petroleum-based or non-petroleum-based brake fluid

This International Standard specifies the minimum labelling required for commercial containers of petroleum- and non-petroleum-based fluids used in the braking and hydraulic systems of road vehicles, including mopeds and motorcycles.

Véhicules routiers — Inscriptions sur les récipients de liquide de frein à base pétrolière ou non pétrolière

La présente Norme internationale spécifie les inscriptions minimales à porter sur les récipients commerciaux de liquide à base pétrolière ou non pétrolière pour utilisation dans les dispositifs de freinage ou les systèmes hydrauliques des véhicules routiers, y compris les cyclomoteurs et motocycles.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Mar-2000
• ICS: 43.040.40 - Braking systems
• ICS: 75.120 - Hydraulic fluids
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 22/SC 33 - Vehicle dynamics and chassis components
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 22/SC 33/WG 14 - Brake fluids
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 17-Jun-2021
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Revises: ISO 3871:1980 - Road vehicles - Labelling of containers for petroleum or non-petroleum base brake fluid
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2008

Overview

ISO 3871:2000 is an International Standard developed by ISO that specifies the minimum labelling requirements for commercial containers of brake fluids used in road vehicles, including mopeds and motorcycles. This standard covers both petroleum-based and non-petroleum-based brake fluids, which are essential for braking and hydraulic systems. The labelling guidelines ensure clear communication of safety information and product identification, supporting safety, regulatory compliance, and proper vehicle maintenance.

Key Topics

• Labelling Requirements
  Containers must be clearly labelled with the type of brake fluid inside, using designations in capital letters such as:

  • BRAKE FLUID, PETROLEUM-BASED ISO 7308
  • BRAKE FLUID, NON-PETROLEUM-BASED ISO 4925

• Label Placement and Visibility
  The labelling, including all required information, must appear prominently on the main panel of the container. Letter height must be at least 3.2 mm, printed legibly in a contrasting color for high visibility and durability.

• Identification and Traceability
  Each container is required to include a serial number detailing the pack date and lot number. Additionally, the packer’s name or code and the distributor’s full postal address must be visible to ensure traceability.

• Brake Fluid Type Symbols
  For petroleum-based fluids, corresponding graphical symbols as per ISO 9128 must be displayed for fast recognition of the brake fluid type.

• Minimum Wet Boiling Point
  Containers of non-petroleum-based brake fluids should list the minimum wet boiling point (in degrees Celsius), measured according to ISO 4925, important for performance and safety validation.

• Safety Warnings
  Mandatory safety statements on the container include:

  • Following the vehicle manufacturer’s brake fluid recommendations.
  • Keeping brake fluid clean to prevent contamination that may cause brake failure or damage.
  • Storing brake fluid only in its original container, keeping it tightly closed and uncontaminated.
  • A specific compatibility warning for petroleum-based fluids highlighting incompatibility with rubber components designed for non-petroleum brake fluid systems.

• Additional Safety Information
  If necessary, further details such as toxicity or flammability warnings may be added to enhance user safety.

Applications

ISO 3871:2000 is crucial for manufacturers, distributors, and users of brake fluids in the automotive sector, particularly:

• Brake Fluid Producers need to comply with labelling to meet international market regulations.
• Automotive Workshops and Mechanics rely on proper labelling to select compatible brake fluids for servicing various vehicle types.
• Consumers and Vehicle Owners benefit from safety and product use information to avoid misuse and ensure brake system reliability.
• Regulatory Authorities use this standard to enforce consistent packaging and labelling practices to enhance road safety and environmental protection.

The standard applies to a broad range of road vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, reinforcing universal safety standards across vehicle categories.

Related Standards

• ISO 4925:1978 – Specifies requirements and classification for non-petroleum-based brake fluids, referenced for testing and boiling point determination.
• ISO 9128:1987 – Defines graphical symbols used to designate brake fluid types on containers for easy identification.
• ISO 7308:1987 – Details petroleum-based brake fluids used in stored-energy hydraulic brake systems, referenced for proper labelling of petroleum-based products.

Compliance with ISO 3871 complements these related standards, creating a robust framework for brake fluid safety, identification, and standardization in the automotive industry.

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By adhering to ISO 3871:2000 labelling requirements, manufacturers and distributors ensure that petroleum-based and non-petroleum-based brake fluids are correctly identified and safely handled, enhancing vehicle safety and maintenance operations worldwide.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 3871
Fourth edition
2000-03-15
Road vehicles — Labelling of containers for
petroleum-based or non-petroleum-based
brake fluid
Véhicules routiers — Inscriptions sur les récipients de liquide de frein à
base pétrolière ou non pétrolière
Reference number
©
ISO 2000
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Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
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Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO 3871 was prepared by Technical Committee TC 22, Road vehicles, Subcommittee
SC 2, Braking systems and equipment.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 3871:1980), which has been technically revised.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 3871:2000(E)
Road vehicles — Labelling of containers for petroleum-based or
non-petroleum-based brake fluid
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the minimum labelling required for commercial containers of petroleum- and
non-petroleum-based fluids used in the braking and hydraulic systems of road vehicles, including mopeds and
motorcycles.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents co
...

NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 3871
Quatrième édition
2000-03-15
Véhicules routiers — Inscriptions sur les
récipients de liquide de frein à base
pétrolière ou non pétrolière
Road vehicles — Labelling of containers for petroleum-based or non-
petroleum-based brake fluid
Numéro de référence
©
ISO 2000
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Avant-propos
L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d'organismes nationaux de
normalisation (comités membres de l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est en général confiée aux
comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude a le droit de faire partie du comité
technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non gouvernementales, en
liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux. L'ISO collabore étroitement avec la Commission
électrotechnique internationale (CEI) en ce qui concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les Normes internationales sont rédigées conformément aux règles données dans les Directives ISO/CEI, Partie 3.
Les projets de Normes internationales adoptés par les comités techniques sont soumis aux comités membres pour
vote. Leur publication comme Normes internationales requiert l'approbation de 75 % au moins des comités
membres votants.
L’attention est appelée sur le fait que certains des éléments de la présente/du présent Norme internationale
peuvent faire l’objet de droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L’ISO ne saurait être tenue pour
responsable de ne pas avoir identifié de tels droits de propriété et averti de leur existence.
La Norme internationale ISO 3871 a été élaborée par le comité technique ISO/TC 22, Véhicules routiers,
sous-comité SC 2, Systèmes de freinage et équipements.
Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition (ISO 3871:1980), dont elle constitue une révision
technique.
NORME INTERNATIONALE ISO 3871:2000(F)
Véhicules routiers — Inscriptions sur les récipients de liquide de
frein à base pétrolière ou non pétrolière
1 Domaine d'application
La présente Norme internationale spécifie les inscriptions minimales à porter sur les récipients commerciaux de
liquide à base pétrolière ou non pétrolière pour utilisation dans les dispositifs de freinage ou les systèmes
hydrauliques des véhicules routiers, y compris les cyclomoteurs et motocycles.
2 Références normatives
Les documents normatifs suivants contiennent
...