The revised Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (CLP) entered into force which marks a significant milestone in the protection of human health and the environment.
It will also strengthen the internal chemicals market, paving the way for a more competitive and sustainable chemical industry.
The revised CLP Regulation ensures clear chemical labelling, particularly for online sales, and introduces simpler and clearer requirements so that chemicals can move freely across the EU.
The revision enhances chemical safety and information transparency:
- Online stores will have to display hazardous properties clearly on their websites. This will protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for the industry.
- Labelling will be made simpler by allowing more flexible use of fold-out labels, introducing digital labelling and improving the legibility of labels.
- Advertisements and online offers will have to contain information on chemical hazards, facilitating informed consumer choices and the development of a market for sustainable consumer chemical products.
- For the first time, the safe sale of household chemicals via refill stations will be clarified. This will contribute to reducing packaging and packaging waste.
- There will be a more user-friendly inventory of substances notified by industry, benefiting SMEs.
- Explicit rules for classifying complex substances (those containing more than one constituent) will be introduced, while taking account of the specificities of natural complex substances, such as essential oils.
- Poison centres will receive more comprehensive information for medical emergencies, especially from cross-border distribution.
More information
European Commission – Classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals page
European Commission – Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability page
EUR-Lex – Revised Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP)
Source: European Commission | Energy, Climate Change, Environment | Environment | News (https://shorturl.at/MJ4PD)