CLP - An Overview
The CLP Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures aims to protect workers, consumers and the environment by means of labelling which reflects possible hazardous effects of a particular chemical. It incorporates the GHS classification criteria and labelling rules agreed at UN level. It introduces new classification criteria, hazard symbols (pictograms) and labelling phrases ( statements) , while taking account of elements which are part of the current EU legislation. It complements the REACH Regulation and is set to replace the existing system contained in the Dangerous Substances Directive and the Dangerous Preparations Directive by 1st June 2015.
It also includes the provisions regarding the notification of classifications, the establishment of a list of harmonised classifications and the creation of a classification and labelling inventory. CLP requires companies to appropriately classify, label and package their substances and mixtures before placing them on the market. It also requires companies to notify substances on their own or in a mixture to the Classification and Labelling Inventory.