The European Union has recently updated its Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, introducing significant changes to chemical hazard classification and communication. These revisions aim to enhance consumer safety and environmental protection. Below, we address five common questions regarding these updates:

The updated CLP Regulation has added several hazard classes to better identify and manage chemical risks:

• Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals that can interfere with hormonal systems, potentially causing adverse health effects.
• Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT): Substances that remain in the environment, accumulate in living organisms, and are toxic.
• Very Persistent and Very Bioaccumulative (vPvB): Chemicals with high persistence and bioaccumulation potential, posing long-term environmental risks.
• Persistent, Mobile, and Toxic (PMT): Substances that are persistent, can move through the environment, and are toxic.
• Very Persistent and Very Mobile (vPvM): Chemicals with high persistence and mobility, leading to widespread environmental distribution.

These additions aim to improve the identification and regulation of chemicals posing significant health and environmental hazards.

The revision introduces several changes to labelling:

• Enhanced Clarity: Labels must be more readable and understandable to ensure consumers can easily identify hazards.
• Digital Labelling: Provisions for digital labels have been codified, allowing for electronic access to hazard information, through a QR code (or similar) that allows a consumer to scan it to access detailed information.
• Online Sales Compliance: Stricter requirements ensure that chemicals sold online adhere to the same labelling standards as those sold in physical stores.

These measures aim to improve hazard communication and ensure consistent safety information across all sales platforms.

The revised regulation is being phased in to allow businesses time to comply:

• Entry into Force: The regulation became effective on April 20, 2023.
• Transition Periods: Specific deadlines vary depending on the hazard class and substance, with some requirements becoming mandatory over the next two years.

Companies should consult the official regulation text to understand the exact timelines applicable to their products.

The CLP revision supports the European Green Deal’s goals by:

• Enhancing Chemical Safety: Improving the identification and regulation of hazardous chemicals to protect human health and the environment.
• Promoting Sustainability: Encouraging the use of safer and more sustainable chemicals in line with the EU’s zero pollution ambition

This alignment ensures that chemical regulation contributes to broader environmental and public health objectives.

Resources:

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): Provides guidance documents and support materials on the new hazard classes and labelling requirements.
• Impact Labelling: Talk to us, our labelling experts will be glad to assist you if you have a query.

Engaging with these resources can facilitate a smoother transition to compliance with the revised CLP Regulation. Staying informed and proactive is crucial for businesses to navigate these regulatory changes effectively.