CLP Overview
CLP is the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation, 2009, as amended. CLP is a directly-acting EU regulation, which means that it comes into effect across the EU without the need for national laws, like the REACH regulation.
It is a new system for Classifying Labelling and Packaging chemicals for supply that is labelling for the end user, rather than for transport. (Transport classification and labelling is covered by different sets of regulations, ADR, IATA, IMDG and RID).
Supply classification of chemicals is the primary language of hazard communication, so this is a major change. It has downstream impacts on many other chemical regulations, such as COSHH, COMAH, DSEAR, hazardous waste classification, etc.
CLP is based on the Global Harmonised System (GHS), but there are significant differences between the two systems, one does not cover all the requirements of the other.
As well as changing how chemicals are classified for supply, CLP also introduces a new duty to report the CLP classification of any substance which is manufactured or imported into the EU. The classifications need to be reported to a database called the Classification and Labelling Inventory (CLI) which is held online by the European Chemicals Agency, ECHA.
CLI notification applies to any hazardous substance, on its own or in a mixture, and to any quantity, which means that even tiny amounts of novel R&D chemicals are included. Non-hazardous substances made or imported at > 1 tonne per annum also require notification.
The existing EU system of chemical classification for supply, CHIP, is being phased out gradually. All substances have been classified for CLP since 2010, and all mixtures should have been classified by 1st June 2015, although it is likely to take a couple of years for the changes to work through the supply chain and all products to be CLP classified.
If you are familiar with CHIP, CLP may come as a big change due to the many structural differences between the two systems. Some of the classification thresholds have changed, so that a substance or mixture may hold different classifications under the different systems.
There are many misconceptions about CLP, and we have summarised the main ones in this infographic, Top 5 Myths of CLP, see right.
We provide help with:
- CLP classification training and consultancy
- CLP notification
- CLP peer support through the Chemical Regulations Self Help Group
- CLP Poster to help your staff understand the changes
- We also provide in-house training for your staff to help them understand CLP, or to help them classify for CLP
If you need help with CLP, contact Janet on 01422 24 22 22, or email Janet.