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The European Union has introduced significant updates to its CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, which governs the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemicals. As of April 20, 2023, and formally published in the EU Official Journal (EU) 2024/2865 on November 20, 2024, new hazard classes were introduced to better protect human health and the environment. These updates target endocrine disruptors (EDs) and substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT), very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT), and very persistent, very mobile (vPvM).
The updated CLP Regulation introduces new hazard classes that focus on chemicals with long-term effects on human health and the environment. These include:
These new classifications will help improve chemical safety across the EU by better identifying substances that require special management and regulation due to their long-lasting and harmful effects.
To help businesses adjust, the EU has set transition periods for companies to update their chemical safety practices, including labelling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS):
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released updated guidance in November 2024 to help businesses understand how to classify chemicals under the new hazard categories. The guide includes practical examples, clarification on classification processes, and tips on staying compliant with the new CLP criteria.
Key sections in the ECHA guidance include:
For detailed information on how to interpret and implement the updated CLP hazard classes, visit ECHA’s Guidance on CLP page.
The inclusion of ED HH, ED ENV, PBT, vPvB, PMT, and vPvM in the CLP Regulation is a vital step toward enhancing chemical safety in the EU. These changes reflect growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other hazardous substances that persist in the environment.
For industries, these changes underscore the need for rigorous chemical safety management and compliance with new classification and labelling requirements. Manufacturers and distributors of chemicals should familiarize themselves with the new hazard classes and work closely with regulatory bodies and consultants to ensure that they meet the updated standards.
The recent changes to the CLP Regulation signal a key development in the EU’s approach to chemical safety. As deadlines approach, it’s essential for businesses to ensure compliance with the new hazard classes. Transition periods and updated ECHA guidance give companies the necessary time to make the required changes.
Need help navigating the new CLP hazard classes? Contact our experts today for guidance on compliance!
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