EU CLP stands for the Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on the Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures. CLP introduces the United Nations globally harmonized system (UN GHS) for classification and labeling of chemicals into Europe. CLP entered into force on 20th January 2009.
There are many different systems for classifying and labeling chemicals in the world, which causes confusion, potential errors and misunderstandings among workers and consumers alike. This was primarily due to exposure to differing forms of labeling and safety data sheets in different countries. Thus, the United Nations developed a Globally Harmonized System for the classification and labeling of chemicals, known as GHS. As an international agreement GHS is non-legally binding in Europe, therefore the GHS criteria was introduced into Europe via CLP.
The Transitional Period of CLP Regulation
The CLP Regulation has replace Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC (DSD) and Dangerous Preparations Directive 1999/45/EC (DPD) in a stepwise approach during a transitional period. After 1 June 2015, both substance and mixture shall only be classified according to CLP.
Key dates | For substance | For mixtures | ||
Classification | Labeling and Packaging | Classification | Labeling and Packaging | |
From 20 Jan. 2009 until 1 Dec. 2010 | In accordance with DSD; CLP is optional | In accordance with DSD; if substance is classified under CLP, it shall be labeled ad packaged under CLP | In accordance with DPD; CLP is optional | In accordance with DPD; if mixture is classified under CLP, it shall be labeled and packaged under CLP |
From 1 Dec. 2010 until 1 Jun. 2015 | In accordance with both DSD and CLP | In accordance with CLP only | In accordance with DPD; CLP is optional | In accordance with DPD; if mixture is classified under CLP, it shall be labeled and packaged under CLP |
From 1 Jun. 2015 | In accordance with CLP only | In accordance with CLP only | In accordance with CLP only | In accordance with CLP only |
How to Comply with CLP Regulation
The CLP Regulation, Article 46, on Enforcement and Reporting, states that “Member States shall take all necessary measures, including maintaining a system of official controls, to ensure that substances and mixtures are not placed on the market, unless they have been classified, labelled, notified and packaged in accordance with this Regulation”.
Generally speaking, companies shall classify substances or mixtures, submit C&L notifications to ECHA, and label and package their products in accordance with the CLP regulation. CLP compliant Safety Data Sheet containing the CLP classification and labelling shall also be prepared and communicated to downstream users.
- Classification
- C&L Notification
- Labelling and Packaging
- Safety Data Sheet
How can we assist you in complying with CLP
We provide end-to-end solutions to CLP compliance. We can help you classify your substances and mixtures according to CLP, notify the classification and labeling of your products to the C&L Inventory, prepare CLP compliant labels and the latest safety data sheet.
Even though there are many guidance documents on how to prepare CLP compliant label, it is much easier and less time-consuming for you to outsource this job to us.
- Regulatory advice on the implications of CLP and REACH for your company;
- Re-classification and re-labeling of your substances or mixtures;
- Preparation of CLP compliant labels;
- Notification to the Classification & Labeling Inventory (C&L notification);
- New Safety Data Sheets in accordance with CLP & REACH;
For more information, please contact us at service@cirs-group.com.