EU CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation
Introduction
The EU CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008) governs the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures in the European Union. Aligned with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), this regulation plays a critical role in ensuring chemical safety across the supply chain—protecting human health and the environment through consistent hazard communication.
What Is the EU CLP Regulation?
Implemented on January 20, 2009, the CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Regulation replaced the older EU directives DSD (67/548/EEC) and DPD (1999/45/EC). It introduced a harmonized system for classifying and labeling hazardous substances and mixtures based on GHS principles.
Key transitional deadlines include:
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Since December 1, 2010 – Substances must be classified, labeled, and packaged according to CLP.
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Since June 1, 2015 – Mixtures must comply with CLP requirements.
Even if products were placed on the market before these dates, transitional periods allowed continued supply until December 1, 2012 (for substances) and June 1, 2017 (for mixtures).
Moreover, companies must notify classification and labeling information to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for inclusion in the Classification and Labelling Inventory (C&L Inventory).
Who Is Affected by CLP?
Substances and Mixtures:
Nearly all substances and mixtures placed on the EU market are subject to CLP compliance, including:
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Imported substances (regardless of tonnage),
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REACH-registered substances,
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Hazardous polymers and formulations,
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Biocides and pesticides.
Companies and Roles:
CLP compliance affects every actor in the supply chain:
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Manufacturers and importers placing substances/mixtures on the EU market,
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Downstream users (e.g., formulators, re-importers),
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Distributors and retailers,
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Producers and importers of articles containing hazardous substances requiring registration or notification under REACH or matching the criteria of Annex I, section 2.1 of CLP (e.g., explosive articles).
What Are Your Compliance Obligations?
Under the EU CLP Regulation, businesses must:
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Classify substances and mixtures based on physical, health, and environmental hazards (Articles 5–14),
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Label products with GHS-compliant elements (Articles 17–33),
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Package materials to prevent leakage or risk (Article 35),
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Notify the classification and labelling elements to the C&L Inventory if placing hazardous substances on the market (Article 40).
CLP Hazard Classes and Categories
| Physical hazards
• Explosives (Unstable explosives, Divisions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6) • Flammable gases (Categories 1A (including chemically unstable gases (Categories A and B) and pyrophoric gases) 1B and 2 • Aerosols (Categories 1, 2 and 3) • Oxidising gases (Category 1) • Gases under pressure (Compressed gas, liquefied gas, refrigerated liquefied gas, dissolved gas) • Flammable liquids (Categories 1, 2 and 3) • Flammable solids (Categories 1 and 2) • Self-reactive substances and mixtures (Types A, B, C, D, E, F, & G) • Pyrophoric liquids (Category 1) • Pyrophoric solids (Category 1) • Self-heating substances and mixtures (Categories 1 and 2) • Substances and mixtures which in contact with water emit flammable gases (Categories 1, 2 and 3) • Oxidising liquids (Categories 1, 2 and 3) • Oxidising solids (Categories 1, 2 and 3) • Organic peroxides (Types A, B, C, D, E, F & G) • Corrosive to metals (Category 1) •Desensitised explosives (Categories 1, 2, 3 and 4) |
| Health hazards
• Acute toxicity (Categories 1, 2, 3 and 4) • Skin corrosion/irritation (Categories 1, 1A, 1B, 1C and 2) • Serious eye damage/eye irritation (Categories 1 and 2) • Respiratory or skin sensitisation (Category 1, Sub-categories 1A and 1B) • Germ cell mutagenicity (Categories 1A, 1B and 2) • Carcinogenicity (Categories 1A, 1B and 2) • Reproductive toxicity (Categories 1A, 1B and 2) plus additional category for effects on or via lactation • Specific target organ toxicity (STOT) – single exposure ((Categories 1, 2) and Category 3 for narcotic effects and respiratory tract irritation, only) • Specific target organ toxicity (STOT) – repeated exposure (Categories 1 and 2) • Aspiration hazard (Category 1) |
| Environmental hazards
• Acute hazards to aquatic environment (Category 1) • Long-term hazards to the aquatic environment (Categories 1, 2, 3, and 4) • Hazardous to the ozone layer (Category 1) • Endocrine disruption for human health (Category 1 and 2) • Endocrine disruptors for the environment (Category 1 and 2) • Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) • Very Persistent, very Bioaccumulative (vPvB) • Persistent, Mobile and Toxic (PMT) • Very Persistent, very Mobile (vPvM) |
Required Label Elements
According to Article 17 of CLP, if your substance or mixture is classified as hazardous, the label must include:
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Supplier name, address, and telephone number,
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Nominal quantity (unless already stated on packaging),
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Product identifiers and relevant hazard communication elements:
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GHS pictograms,
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Signal words (e.g., Danger, Warning),
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Hazard statements (H-statements),
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Precautionary statements (P-statements),
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Supplemental information, if applicable.
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Our CLP Compliance Services
REACH24H Consulting Group offers tailored CLP compliance support to chemical companies globally:
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Regulatory Consultation: Free initial consultation and compliance assessment.
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Hazard Classification: Reclassification of substances and mixtures under CLP rules.
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Label Design: Creation or revision of GHS-compliant product labels.
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SDS Update: Updating Safety Data Sheets to align with new CLP classifications.
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C&L Notification: Submission of classification and labelling data to ECHA.
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Customized Training: On-site or virtual training programs for CLP awareness and implementation.
