EU Proposes Amendments to CLP Regulation for Streamlined Chemical Classification and Labelling

The European Commission recently announced a significant proposal, COM(2025) 531, aimed at optimizing certain requirements and procedures within Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP Regulation).

In November 2024, Regulation (EU) 2024/2865 partially amended CLP Regulation, which introduced specific rules on the formatting of labels, deadline for relabeling, etc. A details analysis has pointed out the excessive administrative burden and costs associated with this amendment.

The proposal introduce several key changes designed to enhance flexibility for economic operators, improve communication with authorities and end-users, and adapt to modern digital practices.

1. Introduction of 'Digital Contact'

In line with the "digital by default" principle, CLP Regulation will introduce the definition of "digital contact". This amendment moves beyond the traditional requirement for economic operators to solely provide their physical address and telephone number on product labels. Instead, businesses will now be required to provide an address and a digital contact, defined as any up-to-date and accessible online communication channel. The proposal also notes that the digital address provided by the European Business Wallet, once available, could serve as this "digital contact".

2. Simplified Derogations for Small Packaging

The proposal will allow economic operators to reduce the information required on labels for smaller quantities (less than 10ml) of chemical substances or mixtures without needing to prove that the packaging's shape, form, or size makes full labelling impossible. Furthermore, it also clarifies derogations for 10 ml packaging, initially introduced by Regulation 2024/2865, especially for those containing less hazardous substances or mixtures.

3. Flexible Label Update Deadlines

The fixed 6-month deadline for updating labels, previously stipulated in Article 30(1), has been removed. This change acknowledges the complexity of supply chains and the impracticality of adhering to a rigid timeline.

To provide greater flexibility for suppliers, particularly SMEs who often outsource label printing, the amendment will now require labels to be updated without undue delay once new data is obtained by or communicated to a supplier. This also considers the longer preparation and production times for fold-out labels compared to standard 2D labels.

4. Eased Label Formatting Rules

Mandatory label formatting rules, introduced by Regulation 2024/2865, have been removed under the proposal. These rules were found to be costly and restrictive for economic operators. The new provisions ease these requirements, shifting the focus to ensuring labels remain clear and readable rather than enforcing rigid formatting.

5. Targeted Advertising and Online Sales Regulations

Articles 48 and 48a, pertaining to advertisements and online sales, have been amended to narrow their scope to chemicals sold specifically to the general public. It also simplifies information requirements in advertisements to only contain notice that encourage customers to read the label and product information before use. The hazard information (pictogram, warning) is not required to be presented on the advertisement.

6. Simplified Labelling for Fuelling Stations

Part 5 of Annex II has been amended to simplify labelling requirements for fuelling stations. Certain label elements, such as nominal quantity and Unique Formula Identifier (UFI), will no longer be required on fuel pumps.

7. Transitional Periods

All suppliers shall comply with the requirements set out in the revision after July 1, 2026. The new PCN requirement shall apply from January 1, 2027. Certain provisions like adjusted label formatting rules will be enforced from January 1, 2028.

The proposal for amendments can be accessed here.