Revised Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals enters into force

Today’s (10 Dec) entry into force of the revised Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (CLP) 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.

Speaking on the CLP's entry into force, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said:

“With the revised CLP Regulation, we take a big step forward to better protect human health and the environment. Introducing clearer rules and improved labelling empowers consumers to make informed choices while boosting a more competitive and sustainable chemical industry.

This demonstrates the EU's commitment to achieving higher safety standards, balancing innovation with environmental and public health protection, and paving the way for a more competitive and sustainable future." 

Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, said:

“We need a strong, sustainable EU chemicals industry. These updated rules will make it simpler for economic actors, big or small, to do business. They will make consumers better protected and they will enhance chemicals’ sustainability across Europe, for example, through provisions for the sale of chemicals in refillable packaging.

All in all, the revised regulation will make our EU single market for chemicals stronger and improve our leadership in this critical sector.”

Background

The objective of the CLP Regulation is to protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals. At the same time, it ensures the free movement of chemical substances, mixtures and articles within the EU.

It requires manufacturers, importers or downstream users of substances or mixtures to classify, label and package their hazardous chemicals appropriately before placing them on the market. The CLP Regulation establishes legally binding hazard identification and classification rules while setting out common rules on labelling for consumers and workers to enable them to make informed decisions when purchasing or using dangerous products. 

Several other legislative instruments use the CLP for the risk management of chemicals. The legislation determines whether a substance or mixture should be classified and labelled as hazardous. It implements the United Nations' Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). 

There are different dates of applicability for the new rules, but obligations on industry will generally apply from 1 July 2026. However, some rules, like those on the label formatting, are applicable from 1 January 2027. Substances and mixtures which have been placed on the market within these periods do not need to be re-labelled and re-packaged based on the new rules, but they can continue to be in the supply chain until 1 July 2028 and 1 January 2029 respectively. 

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) 

Q&A on Revision of CLP