Classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Vivienne Halleux (1st edition).

In December 2022, the European Commission proposed a revision of the Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, one of the two cornerstones of the EU’s framework regulating chemicals. The revision, announced in the EU chemicals strategy for sustainability, notably seeks to identify and classify hazardous chemicals more comprehensively; improve communication on chemical hazards and the notification of relevant information to poison centres for emergency health response; and address online sales more effectively.

Industry has expressed particular concern about the proposed rules for classifying multi-constituent substances, grouping substances for harmonised classification and labelling, and label formatting. Non-governmental organisations, mainly supportive of the revision, stress the need to set deadlines, cover further hazards and nanoforms of substances, and do more to limit animal testing.

The co-legislators are considering the text. Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, responsible for the file, is planning to vote on its legislative report in September 2023. The Council adopted its general approach on 30 June 2023.

Versions

• July 2023: Classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures (1st edition)