Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation)
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
1. Issued by / date / date of implementation
EC / 16 December 2008 / Titles II, III, and IV applies for substances from 1 December 2010, for mixtures from 1 June 2015.
2. Type of legislation
Binding regulation directly applicable in all Member States.
3. General purpose
The general purpose of the Regulation is to harmonise the criteria for classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals and to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment and to ensure the free movement of chemical products on the EU-market.
4. Substitution relevant paragraphs
No paragraph in the Regulation refers directly to substitution.
5. Assessment of relevance for substitution
No paragraph in the Regulation refers directly to substitution. However, the classification can be used in risk assessment as one of the criteria for substitution. Classification may also be used in prioritizing substances that may need to be substituted, or to identify problem substances using information communicated via the hazard pictograms and hazard statements. Also, the classification system in substitution paragraphs in other legislation, e.g. the Directive on protection of workers from the risk related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (Directive 2004/37/EC). Also, tools for the management of chemicals, risk assessment and substitution are based on the classification system.
6. Link to the legal text
7. Further information
7.1 Studies or publications about the legislation or its impact
- Introductory Guidance on the CLP Regulation describing basic obligations and procedures of the new Regulation (German language)
- Guidance on the Application of the CLP Criteria
- GHS converter - a tool available in different languages to help SMEs familiarise with GHS/CLP
7.2 Other relevant legislation
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) of the United Nations
Last update: 12.09.2023