Source: SPECIALIST PRINTING WORLDWIDE : ISSUE 3: 2009
Elaine Campling explains The Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation (1272/2008 (EC))
The Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation (1272/2008 (EC)) came into force on 20 January 2009 and aligns European Union (EU) legislation with the UN Globally Harmonised System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
GHS was developed because there were global differences in classification and hazard communication systems, both for chemicals in use and for the transport of chemicals. GHS therefore represents the goal of a single worldwide system for classification and hazard communication for the transport, supply and use of chemicals.
Put simply, the CLP Regulation is the EU’s version of GHS and will eventually completely replace the Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC (DSD) and Dangerous Preparations Directive 1999/45/EC (DPD), the EU classification and labelling systems for chemicals in use. Provision has been made within the individual transport modes to adopt the GHS criteria.
The CLP Regulation applies directly within EU member states, that is, member states do not need to transpose the legislation into national legislation and alongside the REACH Regulation, the CLP Regulation is being managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
