Chemicals Omnibus: Key CLP Changes for Industry

Chemicals Omnibus: Key CLP Changes for Industry

The EU Chemicals Omnibus package proposes a series of targeted changes to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation aimed at reducing regulatory burden while maintaining a high level of protection for human health and the environment.

A key change is the introduction of a mandatory digital contact on hazardous chemical labels. Alongside the supplier’s name and address, companies will need to provide a direct digital communication channel, such as an email address or web contact form, to improve communication with both authorities and users. The proposal also provides greater flexibility for small packaging and expands the use of digital labels. Certain information, including supplier telephone numbers and details of additional suppliers, may be provided digitally, helping to ease space constraints on labels.

To address implementation challenges, it is proposed that the deadline for updating labels following classification changes would be extended from 6 months to 15 months, giving suppliers more time to manage packaging updates and existing stock.

The Omnibus also simplifies recent label formatting requirements. While minimum font sizes for consumer products remain, the focus shifts towards ensuring overall readability rather than complying with highly prescriptive design rules. Advertising requirements would also be streamlined. Consumer advertisements for hazardous chemicals would only need to include the statement “Always read the label and product information before use” together with the relevant hazard pictogram(s) or signal word, removing the need to reproduce extensive hazard information.

Overall, the proposed CLP changes focus on digitalisation, simplified labelling and more practical compliance requirements, offering potential cost and administrative savings for industry while preserving effective hazard communication.

If you need support with CLP classification of substances/mixtures, please contact the regulatory team at Kerona Scientific at info@kerona.ie or call the office at +353 1 8495284