On August 9, 2021, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the revision of the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemical substances). This revision is one of the 85 actions planned in the framework of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, adopted by the Commission in October 2020 in connection with the “zero pollution” ambition. Creation of an “Endocrine Disruptor” classification, extension of the scope of CLP to cosmetics, necessity of animal testing… this consultation is open until November 15, 2021.
Regulation 1272/2008, known as the CLP Regulation, is the main legislative text used in the European Union to identify and communicate the hazardous properties of chemicals. It is derived from the United Nations global standard (GHS) and transposed into European regulations. It defines the classification of hazardous chemicals (e.g., carcinogenic or hazardous to the aquatic environment) and how to communicate these hazards throughout the supply chain to workers and consumers.
“As one of the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy, this revision will help to achieve a legitimate higher level of protection of citizens and of the environment against hazardous chemicals. It is also an opportunity to foster substitution of hazardous chemicals by safer ones and to promote EU industry as a global frontrunner in the production and use of safe and sustainable chemicals,” the Commission states.
On the agenda of this revision, in particular:
• The creation of new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors, PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic) and PMT (persistent, mobile and toxic) substances
• The acceptability of using animal testing when alternative methods are not available to assess certain hazard classes
• The extension of the scope of the CLP Regulation to …
