Classification, Labelling and Packaging

CLP logo European Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (The CLP Regulation), aims to protect workers, consumers and the environment by communicating physical, human health and environmental hazards.

Information on hazards shall be provided via a label on the packaging, including a pictogram(s), signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, and the provision of safety data sheets (SDS). The label and SDS are important sources of information for the safe supply, use and management of chemical products. Exemptions to the CLP Regulation are included in Article 1.

The CLP Regulation adopts the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System on the classification and labelling of chemicals (UN GHS) across all European Union countries, including Ireland. GHS provides a basis for communicating information on hazards in a uniform way, overcoming differing labelling information requirements for the same chemicals around the world. It also aims to lower barriers to trade caused by the need for re-labelling chemicals exported to different countries and continents.

The CLP Regulation replaces existing EU legislation, namely the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD) (Directive 67/548/EEC) and the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD) (Directive 1999/45/EC). There is a transitional period to allow for changeover from the existing rules, and an allowance for the confidentiality of chemical names under existing legislation which will be taken over by Article 24 of CLP from 1st June 2015. For more information please see our information sheets on the transitional period and on confidentiality claims.

The Chemicals (Amendment) Act 2010 assigns the HSA as the competent authority for the CLP Regulation, with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine responsible with respect to pesticides and Beaumont Hospital Board (National Poisons Information Centre) for the purposes of receiving information related to emergency health response.

NEW: CLP full implementation arrives – 1st June 2015

The full implementation of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on the 1st June 2015 heralds a new beginning for global hazard communication for chemicals. From this date, the Irish Statutory Instruments which transposed the Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC and Dangerous Preparations Directive 1999/45/EC into Ireland have been revoked through the CPL ( Revocation) Regulations 2015 ( S.I No 196 of 2015 ).  While CLP is  a ‘direct acting’ Regulation within the EU,  it still requires enforcement and administrative provisions and these are set out in the Chemicals (Amendment) Act 2010.

Even though the laws transposing the DPD have been revoked in Ireland and can no longer be used, it will still be possible to see chemical products with DPD labels until 2017 due to a derogation  set out in CLP, which means that mixtures labelled under DPD and already placed on the market on 1st June 2015 do not have to be relabelled and repackaged in accordance with CLP until 1st June 2017.

ECHA publish five new CLP FAQs

The national CLP helpdesks, ECHA and the Commission have agreed on five new CLP FAQs which have recently been published on ECHA’s website. They are with the unique IDs 1049, 1050, 1051, 1052, and 1053. These FAQs touch upon harmonised classification and labelling requirements, mixture classification, CLP pictogram requirements, and the classification, labelling and packaging requirements for biocidal products.

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ATP to CLP published

The European Commission published on 5th December 2014 an amendment to CLP (EC) No 1297/2014 to impose further requirements on industry relating to consumer liquid laundry detergent in soluble packaging.

Contacts for Irish Agencies involved in CLP

Chemical Handling Directive amends 5 OSH Directives with CLP

  • Chemical Handling Directive 2014/27/EU published in February 2014 amends 5 OSH Directives with CLP. These are Safety and/or health signs (92/58/EEC); Pregnant workers (92/85/EEC); Young people at work (94/33/EEC); Chemical agents (98/24/EC) and Carcinogens or mutagens at work (2004/37/EC). The statutory instruments transposing these Directives will be amended by 1st June 2015.
  • The European Commission have published guidance and support on the CHD including CLP leaflets, posters, guidance, pocket cards which are free to download and purchase.

– See more at: http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Chemicals/Classification_and_Labelling/#sthash.jQaYaAoH.dpuf