CLP Regulation Revision: A Step Forward in Protecting Health and the Environment

On April 23, the European Parliament took a crucial step towards protecting human health and the environment with the approval of the revision of the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures). This update of the 2008 regulation aims to harmonize the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals throughout Europe, aligning with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

What does the revision of the CLP Regulation entail?

The revision of the CLP Regulation brings with it a series of significant changes that will impact the regulation of chemicals in the European Union. Among the most notable aspects are:

1. Global harmonization: The adoption of the GHS as the basis for the classification and labelling of chemicals will allow for smoother international trade by establishing a common language for communicating the hazards associated with these substances. This translates into greater transparency and understanding of risks for all actors involved in the supply chain, from manufacturers to consumers.
2. New classification criteria: More detailed and updated classification criteria are introduced for the assessment of chemical hazards. This will allow for better identification and classification of hazardous substances, ensuring more accurate communication of the risks associated with their use.
3. Label changes: Chemical labels will be revamped to incorporate standardized pictograms and hazard statements, making them easier for end-users to understand. In addition, minimum label sizes are established, which for the time being must remain physical.
4. Information on mixtures: Manufacturers and suppliers will be required to provide more detailed information on the composition and risks of chemical mixtures. This will facilitate the safe management of these substances in all areas.
5. Shared responsibility: The responsibility for classifying and labelling chemicals is distributed among manufacturers, importers and downstream users. This measure seeks to ensure that all actors in the supply chain comply with their obligations.

New hazard classes:

The CLP Regulation introduces new hazard classes to address chemicals that pose specific risks to human health and the environment:

• Endocrine disruptors: Substances that alter the human hormonal system.
• PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic) substances: Substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and have toxic effects.
• vPvB (very persistent and very bioaccumulative) substances: Substances with a high degree of persistence and bioaccumulation.
• PMT (persistent, mobile and toxic) substances: Substances that persist in the environment, are mobile and have toxic effects.
• vPvM (very persistent and very mobile) substances: Substances with a high degree of persistence and mobility, as well as being toxic.

Exceptions:

In the case of chemicals with multiple components, the provisional agreement includes a five-year exception for MOCS (complex materials of plant origin) from plants or parts of plants that have not been chemically modified. This measure has been welcomed by the fragrance and food flavoring industry as it guarantees the competitiveness and sustainability of companies that work with essential oils.

Implementation deadlines:

The European Union has established deadlines for adapting to the new CLP Regulation. However, it is important to note that the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must already contain information on the endocrine-disrupting properties of chemicals in order to market a product. The labelling deadlines are until 2025 for substances and until 2026 for mixtures. ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) is expected to publish guidance materials throughout 2024.

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Source: European Parliament

You can find the approved text here: CLP_758103_EN

Image: Freepik