New Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation and Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification and labelling of chemicals

The new EU regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, the so called CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 entered into force on 20 January 2009.

GHS - Introduction of the Globally Harmonized System GHS

GHS - Hazard symbols, Hazard & Precautionary Statements

Simplified Comparison of GHS/CLP versus old directives

View the CLP powerpoint presentation

Purpose

• CLP implements GHS in all 27 EU countries
• Intended to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment
• Encourage free movement of chemical substances, mixtures and certain articles in the European Union (EU) and globally by using the same classification and labelling requirments.

The Principles

The CLP Regulation:

• applies the terminology, evaluation principles and criteria of the United Nations' Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (UN GHS),
• keeps the scope as close as possible to the existing EU system represented by the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD) 67/548/EEC and the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD) 1999/45/EC,
• ensures consistency with the legislation on the transport of dangerous goods,
• includes the current Annex I of Directive 67/548/EEC, listing the harmonized classification and labelling of substances,
• includes the provisions on the classification and labelling inventory from Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH Regulation),
• defines a transitional period during which companies need to update existing classifications and labels, see below,

Key Impacts of CLP / GHS New health, safety and environemtal classification criteria for chemicals Hence, reclassification of many chemical New SDS / MSDS New COSSH assessment Potentially, new transport classification and carriage requirements New labels

Important deadlines

As with the previous legislation, the CLP Regulation is intended to be primarily a self-classification system for enterprises. It stipulates that after entry into force the deadline for

• substance classification (according to the CLP rules) is 30 November 2010, and for
• mixture (formerly referred to as preparation) classification (according to the CLP rules) is 31 May 2015.

Until these dates, the Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) and the Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC) will still be applicable; they will only be repealed on 1 June 2015.

What is Fisher Scientific (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific) doing to ensure compliance with the CLP Regulation?

• All MSDS / SDS will be reviewed and revised within the deadline.
• Through regular seminars and presentations, customers will be kept informed
• We are also ensuring that our suppliers are compliant

Further information

The CLP Regulation as published in the Official Journal of the European Union is available at the EURLEX website or from the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) website, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) website.