The revised EU Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (CLP) entered into force on 10 December 2024, introducing stricter requirements for online chemical sales, digital labeling, and refill stations. Overseas chemical exporters and distributors supplying the EU market should prepare for phased compliance deadlines starting July 2026, as the update aims to enhance supply-chain transparency and consumer safety.
Key regulatory changes
The revised CLP Regulation mandates that online stores clearly display hazardous properties of chemicals on their websites, ensuring consumer protection and a level playing field for industry. Labeling rules are simplified through flexible fold-out labels, digital labeling options, and improved legibility. Advertisements and online offers must now include hazard information, enabling informed consumer choices.
Refill stations and packaging waste
For the first time, the regulation clarifies safe sale rules for household chemicals via refill stations, contributing to reduced packaging waste. This provision aligns with the EU's circular economy goals and may affect formulators and distributors of cleaning products and other household chemicals.
Classification of complex substances
Explicit rules for classifying substances containing more than one constituent are introduced, while accounting for natural complex substances like essential oils. This change impacts manufacturers and importers of multi-component mixtures, requiring updated hazard assessments.
Compliance and logistics signals
Poison centres will receive more comprehensive information for medical emergencies, especially from cross-border distribution. A more user-friendly inventory of notified substances will benefit SMEs. General industry obligations apply from 1 July 2026, with label formatting rules effective from 1 January 2027. Products already on the market may remain in the supply chain until 1 July 2028 (substances) or 1 January 2029 (mixtures).
What buyers should watch
Overseas suppliers exporting chemicals to the EU should review their labeling and classification practices to align with the revised CLP by the applicable deadlines. Online sales platforms must update product displays to include hazard information. The new rules on refill stations and digital labeling may require adjustments in packaging and supply-chain documentation.
Source: Read the original report | Published: December 10, 2024