CLP Regulation: How Chemicals Are Classified and Labelled in the EU

Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation

Overview

The CLP Regulation, in force since 2008, harmonises the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals within the EU. It ensures that companies provide consistent and transparent safety information before substances or mixtures are placed on the market.

Based on the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System (GHS), CLP supports consumers and workers in making informed decisions and replaces earlier EU Directives on dangerous substances and preparations.

The 2024 revision strengthens the protection of human health and the environment by improving the availability and clarity of hazard information.

Objectives

The updated CLP Regulation aims to:

• Protect workers, consumers, and the environment from hazardous chemicals.

• Strengthen the internal market and support a competitive, sustainable chemical industry.

• Improve transparency and communication on chemical hazards across the EU.

Key Updates in the 2024 Revision

• Clear online information: Online shops must display hazard statements on their websites.

• Simplified labelling: Fold-out and digital labels are now permitted to enhance readability.

• Transparency in advertising: Ads and online offers must include relevant hazard information.

• Safety at refill stations: New rules ensure the safe sale of household chemicals via refill systems.

• Better data access for SMEs: A user-friendly substance inventory supports smaller companies.

• Classification of complex substances: New rules clarify how multi-component substances, including natural materials like essential oils, are classified.

• Improved data for poison centres: More complete information is now available for emergency medical responses.

Additional Key Points from the ECHA

• Legal framework: The CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008) is legally binding and directly applicable in all EU Member States. It requires manufacturers, importers and downstream users to classify, label and package hazardous chemicals before placing them on the market.

• Self-classification and harmonised classification: Companies must identify and classify hazards of substances and mixtures. Certain high-concern substances (e.g., carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction, or respiratory sensitisers) are subject to harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) across the EU, listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation.

• Alternative chemical names: Suppliers can request the use of an alternative chemical name for a substance in a mixture to protect business confidentiality and intellectual property. Approved names are valid across the EU.

• C&L Inventory: Manufacturers and importers must notify ECHA about the classification and labelling of substances they place on the market. This information is published in the Classification and Labelling Inventory (C&L Inventory).

• Poison Centres and the UFI code: Under Annex VIII, companies must provide harmonised information for emergency health responses. Each hazardous mixture must include a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) on its label, linking the product to its safety data.

• Testing and data quality: Classification is primarily based on existing data. New tests may only be conducted when no adequate information is available. Whenever possible, alternative, non-animal methods (in vitro tests, modelling, QSAR, or read-across) should be used in line with the EU’s principle of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal testing.

Legal Context and Updates

• The CLP Regulation replaced the Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) and the Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC) and amended REACH (Regulation EC No 1907/2006).

• The consolidated version includes all amendments up to the 16th Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP). Updates continue regularly to reflect new scientific and technical developments.

• Harmonised classifications listed in Annex VI are published in the C&L Inventory.

This summary is based on information from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the European Commission’s official pages: Classification, labelling and packagin of chemicals.