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The updated Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation starts to apply on 10 December 2024. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) encourages companies to review their substance portfolios and update classifications as needed. 

The updated CLP regulation aims to better identify and classify hazardous chemicals, as well as improve the communication on chemical hazards. 

Among the changes, it:

• clarifies rules for classification of mixtures and also for substances with more than one constituent;

• emphasises the role of grouping in harmonised classification;

• provides rules for clearer labelling of hazardous chemicals (including digital labels); 

• foresees certain changes to the information submitted to and published on the Classification and labelling inventory;

• gives the European Commission the right to ask ECHA or the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to prepare proposals for harmonised classification and labelling;

• introduces rules for sale of chemicals at refill stations; and

• clarifies the role of distributors as potential duty holders for poison centre notifications.

New hazard classes for substances were already adopted last year. The regulation now considers these as hazards of highest concern, normally subject to harmonised classification. Companies should assess and review their portfolio of substances and mixtures and inform ECHA about any new classifications. Companies can do this, for example, by updating their REACH registration dossier or CLP notification.

ECHA has published the following advice for companies to help them with their CLP obligations:  

• guidance on classifying endocrine disrupters, persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances, very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances, persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substances and very persistent and very mobile (vPvM) substances;

• guide for enforcement of mixture classification, based on bridging principles; and

• webinar on the new CLP hazard classes. 

 

Upcoming guidance in 2025: 

• guidance on labelling; 
• guidance on Annex VIII (poison centres) ;
• practical guide on read across and grouping under CLH; and
• stakeholder workshops on new hazard classes.

Further information

• New CLP hazard classes 
• Revised Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP) 
• CLP revision defines new role for distributors in poison centre notifications
• Revised Regulation on  Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals enters into force (European Commission) 
• Classification, labelling and packaging on chemicals (European Commission)

 

Press contact:
Tiiu Bräutigam, press@~@echa.europa.eu, +358 40 506 9006
Telakkakatu 6, P.O. Box 400
FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland