Classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals: MEPs agree to delay rules
- Most parts of the revised regulation will instead apply from 1 January 2028
- Postponement is part of EU simplification efforts
- Parliament used the urgency procedure to speed up the process
On Thursday, the European Parliament voted to postpone the application dates for new EU law on the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemicals.
With 441 votes for, 108 against and 11 abstentions, MEPs supported the Commission proposal, part of wider simplification efforts aimed at strengthening the EU’s competitiveness.
This ‘stop-the-clock’ mechanism postpones application of most parts of the revised regulation on the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemicals to 1 January 2028. It also amends the timelines for relabelling and mandatory formatting requirements, and rules on advertising, distance sales and fuel pump labelling.
Next steps
To speed up adoption of the measures, the Parliament agreed on Tuesday to deal with the file under its urgent procedure. To enter into force, the draft law now requires formal approval by the Council, which endorsed the same text on 24 September 2025.
Background
The European Commission presented the ‘Omnibus VI’ package in July to simplify EU legislation in the field of chemicals. The objective was to reduce compliance costs and ease the administrative burden for the chemical industry while ensuring strong protection for human health and the environment. The package also simplifies hazardous chemical labelling rules, clarifies EU cosmetics regulations, and streamlines registration for EU fertilising products by aligning information requirements with standard REACH rules for chemicals. According to the Commission, these measures should save the industry at least €363 million a year.
Contacts:
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Thomas HAAHR
Press Officer