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CLP Regulation: Classification, Labelling and Packaging

What is CLP?

The CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) is a European Union regulation that aligns the European system of classification, labelling, and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). The regulation entered into force on 20 January 2009 and applies to substances and mixtures placed on the EU market.

Purpose of CLP

The CLP Regulation ensures that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to workers and consumers in the European Union through classification and labelling of chemicals. Before placing chemicals on the market, manufacturers, importers, and downstream users must:

  • Identify the hazards of substances and mixtures
  • Classify them according to identified hazards
  • Label and package them appropriately before placing them on the market

Hazard Classes

CLP defines hazard classes that describe the nature of the hazard. These are grouped into three main categories:

Physical Hazards

Physical hazards include properties such as flammability, explosiveness, oxidising properties, and corrosivity to metals. There are 16 physical hazard classes, including:

  • Explosives
  • Flammable gases, liquids, solids, and aerosols
  • Oxidising gases, liquids, and solids
  • Gases under pressure
  • Self-reactive substances and mixtures
  • Pyrophoric liquids and solids
  • Corrosive to metals

Health Hazards

Health hazards describe the potential health effects of exposure to chemicals. There are 10 health hazard classes, including:

  • Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation)
  • Skin corrosion/irritation
  • Serious eye damage/eye irritation
  • Respiratory or skin sensitisation
  • Germ cell mutagenicity
  • Carcinogenicity
  • Reproductive toxicity
  • Specific target organ toxicity (single and repeated exposure)
  • Aspiration hazard

Environmental Hazards

Environmental hazards describe the potential harm to the aquatic environment. There are 2 environmental hazard classes:

  • Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute and chronic)
  • Hazardous to the ozone layer

Labelling Elements

CLP requires that labels on chemical products include the following elements where applicable:

  • Hazard pictograms: Standardised symbols on a red diamond-shaped border that indicate specific types of hazards.
  • Signal words: Either "Danger" (for more severe hazards) or "Warning" (for less severe hazards).
  • Hazard statements (H-statements): Standardised phrases describing the nature and degree of hazard (e.g., H301 - Toxic if swallowed).
  • Precautionary statements (P-statements): Standardised phrases describing recommended measures to minimise or prevent adverse effects (e.g., P280 - Wear protective gloves).
  • Supplemental information: Additional EU-specific labelling requirements (EUH statements).
  • Product identifier: Chemical name, identification number.
  • Supplier information: Name, address, and telephone number of the supplier.

Classification Process

The classification process involves several steps:

  1. Gather available data: Collect all available information on the substance or mixture.
  2. Evaluate the data: Assess the quality and relevance of the data.
  3. Apply classification criteria: Compare data against the CLP criteria for each hazard class and category.
  4. Determine classification: Assign appropriate hazard classes and categories.
  5. Assign labelling elements: Determine the appropriate pictograms, signal words, and hazard/precautionary statements.

Notification and Registration

Companies that manufacture or import substances must notify ECHA of the classification and labelling of their substances. This information is compiled in the Classification and Labelling Inventory maintained by ECHA. The notification must be made within one month of placing the substance on the market.

Relationship with REACH

CLP and REACH are complementary regulations. While REACH focuses on the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals, CLP focuses on the classification and communication of hazards. Information generated under REACH is used to support CLP classifications, and CLP classifications may trigger requirements under REACH.