Classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures

CLP is the Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
This Regulation aligns previous EU legislation on classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals to the GHS (Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals).

The European Union (EU) is adapting its system for the classification of chemical substances and mixtures to the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS). Under this international system, chemical substances and mixtures are classified according to their hazardous properties, and the pictogram and other notices which must appear on the label are determined.

Any dangerous chemical should have proper description and label.

This law obligate manufacturer, importer, downstream user or distributor shall label any chemical substance or mixture which is classified as hazardous and is contained in packaging.

Non-EU companies might also be required to provide such CLP compliant labels.

Hazard pictograms shall be in the shape of a square set at a point. They shall have a black symbol on a white background with a red frame sufficiently wide to be clearly visible.

Each hazard pictogram shall cover at least one fifteenth of the surface area of the harmonised label and the minimum area shall not be less than 1 cm².

Label of the chemical need to be in proper size with type of safety symbols. Hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements and precautionary statements shall be located together on the label in an order established by the supplier. Futher information about size of the package and other obligation could be find on Ordinance of the Minister of Health webpage (Journal of Laws No 140).

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NEWS:

On 1st December 2010, the following regulations will enter into force:

• The substances have to be classified according to DSD and CLP as well.

• The substances have to be labelled and packaged according to the CLP regulation, but the products which have already classified, labelled and packaged according to DSD and which are already on the market can be sold till 1st December 2012.

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The elements of CLP Label (GHS label)

Compliant CLP label shall contain the following elements:

• the name, address and telephone number of the supplier/s of the substance or mixture;
• the nominal quantity of the substance or mixture in the packages
• product identifiers
• hazard pictograms
• signal word
• hazard statements
• appropriate precautionary statements
• supplemental information.

GHS labels replaced the orange labelling system. That means that the pictogram on an orange square, the R + S phrases will disappear. They will be replaced by new symbols with a diamond shape.