The European Council has officially adopted long-awaited updates to the CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Regulation, a critical component of the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. This development represents a major step forward in enhancing consumer safety, environmental protection, and the adaptability of industries while maintaining a seamless single market for hazardous chemicals.

Key highlights of the new regulation include stricter rules for the classification of hazardous chemicals, with specific provisions for substances such as essential oils. Businesses will benefit from more flexible labelling options, such as fold-out and digital labels, while still ensuring crucial safety information remains on packaging. Additionally, the regulation introduces the first-ever rules for refillable chemicals, promoting eco-friendly packaging and contributing to waste reduction efforts.

The updated regulation also accelerates the identification of hazardous substances and improves online sales labelling for better consumer awareness. Enhanced communication between poison centres and businesses will facilitate faster responses to medical emergencies.

These changes position European businesses, including SMEs, as global leaders in sustainable and responsible chemical practices, aligning with the European Green Deal's ambitious goals.

Next Steps for Implementation

The regulation’s formal adoption by the European Parliament and Council will be followed by its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will enter into force 20 days after publication, and businesses are advised to keep a close eye on the final transitional periods for compliance, which will be clarified at that time. These dates will define the timeline for adopting new labelling, classification, and packaging practices.

This highly anticipated update marks a significant milestone toward safer chemical management and more sustainable industry practices.

For further insights into the potential impacts on businesses, explore Yordas' previous article here.

Additionally, contact us today to ensure you keep up to date with changes. Contact our team today for more information and visit our website for insight into our Hazard Communication Services.

• Request a Free Consultation: Our experts can help you navigate the requirements and ensure compliance. Request a consultation today!

• Contact our Support Team: Have a specific question or need immediate assistance? Contact p.redshaw@yordasgroup.com now.

About our experts

Fiona Moir
Managing Hazard Communication Consultant

Fiona Moir is the Managing Consultant for Hazard Communication at Yordas Group, responsible for overseeing strategic, commercial, and operational aspects of services such as SDS Manager and Hazard Communication services. With a background in bioscience and over a decade of experience in hazard communication, Fiona excels in setting strategic direction aligned with market needs. She leads product development and commercial management efforts, focusing on revenue growth and expanding Yordas' presence in the EHS sector. Fiona's leadership extends to team development and financial oversight, ensuring robust performance and sustainable business practices. Her expertise in regulatory standards, coupled with strong analytical and communication skills, drives innovation and business success within Yordas Group.

Nathan Town-Field
Senior Hazard Communication Consultant

Nathan Town-Field is a Senior Regulatory Consultant at Yordas, with a focus on global hazard communication. With six years of expertise in GHS and CLP classification and labelling of substances and mixtures, Nathan is well-versed in navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding chemical safety. A key responsibility for Nathan leading the team responsible for authoring Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to global standards, ensuring that they accurately communicate the hazards associated with chemicals and provide essential safety information to downstream users. Additionally, he is proficient in poison centre notification obligations, and as Yordas' lead eSDS author, Nathan plays a crucial role in extracting exposure scenarios from various sources.