EU: Changes to harmonized classification and labelling of certain substances (CLP Regulation)

 

The EU Commission has informed about its intention to change the harmonized classification and labelling of certain substances under the CLP Regulation.

The proposed draft Commission Delegated Regulation introduces 38 new and modifies 10 existing harmonised classifications of substances or substance groups in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation. The proposed changes are based on scientific opinions by the RAC that were published in 2024. The justification for adopting this initiative is the legal obligation, under Article 37 (5) of the CLP Regulation, for the Commission to include, without undue delay, new classifications in Annex VI on the basis of the scientific assessment done by the RAC.

The Commission adoption is planned for the fourth quarter of 2025.

The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation – Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 – is the EU’s framework for classifying and communicating chemical hazards. It aligns the European system with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System (GHS), ensuring that the same criteria and hazard symbols are used worldwide.

Under CLP, companies must:

• Classify chemicals and mixtures according to their physical, health, and environmental hazards.
• Label them with standardised hazard pictograms, signal words, and precautionary statements so that workers, consumers, and transport operators can easily recognise the risks.
• Package substances safely to prevent leakage, accidents, or misuse.

CLP applies to manufacturers, importers, and downstream users placing substances or mixtures on the EU market. It also requires notification of hazardous substances to the Classification and Labelling Inventory maintained by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

By harmonising hazard communication across the EU, CLP helps protect human health and the environment, while supporting the safe trade of chemicals within the internal market and internationally.

To find out more about compliance for chemicals in the EU, do not hesitate to contact the Product Compliance Institute.