Chemicals: Parliament adopts new rules to improve classification and information
- Significant increase in the level of consumer and environment protection
- All hazardous chemicals must be classified adequately and uniformly in the EU
- Labels to be more accessible and understandable, including for products sold online
The updated rules regulate how to classify, label and package chemical substances and mixtures.
The European Parliament has adopted, with 533 votes in favour, 11 against and 65 abstentions, a provisional political agreement with EU countries to update the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of hazardous chemicals Regulation.
The updated regulation aims to better identify and classify hazardous chemicals, improve communication on chemical hazards and address legal gaps and high levels of non-compliance.
You can read more about the new rules in the press release after the deal with EU countries.
Quote
Rapporteur Maria Spyraki (EPP, Greece) said: “With this deal, we made a significant step towards protecting our citizens and the environment. CLP is one of the two key pillars of EU’s chemical legislation and an essential component of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. Its revision significantly increases the level of consumer and environment protection, specifically enhancing the protection of children and consumer rights. With the introduction of new hazard classes, it provides better information for all products containing chemicals. We also address risks raising from online sales and introduce specific provisions for refill stations to minimise human exposure. Providing a derogation on some substances containing more than one constituent extracted from plants or plant parts we support agriculture and SMEs and secure the sustainability and competitiveness of the essential oil sector. Finally, we provide an adequate period for industry to adapt to the new requirements.”
Next steps
The law now also has to be adopted by Council, before being published in the EU Official Journal and entering into force 20 days later.
Background
This revision of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation ((EC) No 1272/2008) is part of the European Green Deal for the strengthening and simplification of the legal framework for chemicals to ensure a toxic-free environment and the implementation of the Chemicals Strategy adopted in October 2020. New hazard classes for chemicals and criteria for classifying substances and mixtures entered into force on 20 April 2023.
Contacts:
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Thomas HAAHR
Press Officer