The CLP Regulation decides how substances and mixtures are classified, labelled and packaged in the EU. Its classification is the basis of section 2 of every safety data sheet. What it covers, how it relates to the UN GHS and which changes are under way.
General information, not legal or professional advice. CLP is amended often – always check the current consolidated text on EUR-Lex.The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) is a set of UN recommendations for classifying chemicals and communicating their hazards through labels and safety data sheets. It is not binding on its own: each country decides how to adopt it.
In the EU, the GHS was adopted through Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). Suppliers have to classify substances and mixtures before placing them on the market, label and package them accordingly, and use the same classification in section 2 of the safety data sheet. The SDS itself is governed by REACH, the label by CLP.
Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 · UNECE – GHSAnnex I to CLP sets the criteria for each hazard class. They fall into three main groups:
A hazardous substance or mixture carries a label with these elements, in the official language of the country where it is sold.
Source: CLP, Art. 17Three recent acts change how products are classified and labelled. Dates differ for substances, mixtures and products already on the market.
A new classification means the SDS has to be updated without delay. We reclassify your mixtures under the current CLP and revise the safety data sheets.
