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CLP is the common name for The Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation EC (No) 1272/2008 which came into force on 20th January 2009 and will replace the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD) 67/548/EEC and the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD) 1999/45/EC.  Click here for a copy of the legislation.

 

CLP and GHS

CLP implements the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals into the European Union. GHS started with the UN Conference on the Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Its aim is to provide a harmonised system for identification and communication on hazards of chemicals. There have been several update with the latest in 2009. GHS can be implemented in different ways in countries across the globe. The EU has chosen to adopt a format that closely follows old legislation thereby making the transition from old to new easier.

 

The main elements of CLP are:

• Classification
• C&L notification
• Labelling and Packaging
• Safety Data Sheets (as far as the communication is concerned – SDSs are regulated in REACH)

 

CLP Requirements

CLP requires manufacturers and importers, and some distributors and downstream users (formulators who mix products are considered to be downstream users), to:

• Reclassify and re-label their substances by 1 December 2010. To help with products that are already in the supply chain, a further 2 years transition period, until 1 December 2012, is also available for substances that are already classified, packaged and labelled, and placed on the market (i.e. they are already “on the shelf”) before 1 December 2010
• Submit a notification to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) of the classification and labelling of their substances, unless this information has already been supplied as part of a valid registration under REACH.
• Reclassify and re-label their mixtures by 1 June 2015. Similarly to substances, a further 2 years transition period, until 1 June 2017, is also available for mixtures that are already classified, packaged and labelled, and placed on the market (i.e. they are already “on the shelf”) before 1 June 2015.

 

CLP applies to all substances and mixtures irrespective of the volume supplied. This means that notifications to ECHA will be required for substances manufactured or imported in small quantities, as well as those manufactured or imported in quantities greater than one tonne per year. This is very unlike REACH, which has a threshold of one tonne per year. The impact of CLP is therefore much wider than REACH.

 

The timeline for the implementation of REACH and CLP is shown below, but focus on CLP at the bottom part!

We use a tiered structure for classification of substances and mixtures, starting with the harmonised classification, and then self-classification which in turn is divided up in several steps if necessary

 

If you need support contact us and we’ll establish what to do, as well as any support you may want from us. Our support is from the beginning to the end covering.

• Advice on the implications of CLP and REACH for your company;
• Re-classification and re-labelling of your substances or mixtures;
• Support for printing new GHS labels;
• Notification to the Classification & Labelling Inventory (C&L notification);
• Safety Data Sheets in accordance with CLP & REACH as time progresses;

 

You select what you want.

CLP in more detail

Our approach