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Energy, Climate change, Environment
Environment

Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemicals (CLP Regulation)

Ensuring that hazards posed by chemicals are clearly communicated when placed on the market

Overview

Since 2008, the EU has had legislation in place called the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, which requires companies to classify, label and package their chemicals before placing them on the market according to legally binding rules.

It sets out common rules for consumers and workers to enable them to make informed decisions when purchasing or using dangerous products and incorporates the classification criteria and labelling rules agreed at UN level - the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

Before the adoption of the CLP Regulation, similar requirements were in place under the Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) and the Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC).

The newly revised CLP Regulation improves the protection of human health and the environment by ensuring more comprehensive information about the risks posed by chemical hazards.

See how the revised CLP Regulation works

Objectives

The revised CLP Regulation, which entered into force on 10 December 2024, further protects EU workers, consumers and the environment from hazardous substances, mixtures and articles. It also strengthens the internal market of chemicals, paving the way for a more competitive and sustainable chemical industry.   

Law

The 2024 revision of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation 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, which will facilitate informed choices by consumers and the development of a market for sustainable consumer chemical products. 
  • For the first time, there will be clarity on the safe sale of household chemicals via the refill stations. 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.

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Contact

For questions about EU environmental policy, please contact Europe Direct.

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