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(The classification, labelling and packaging
of chemical substances and mixtures)
(DIRECTIVE 2008/112/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND
OF THE COUNCIL of 16 December 2008 amending Council Directives
76/768/EEC, 88/378/EEC, 1999/13/EC and Directives 2000/53/EC,
2002/96/EC and 2004/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
in order to adapt them to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification,
labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures)
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The production and use of chemicals is fundamental to all
economies all over the world. However, it is also recognised that
chemicals pose risks that should be indicated throughout the
supply chain. Many countries have developed systems for
providing information on hazardous properties and control
measures of chemicals aimed at ensuring their safe production,
transport, use and disposal. Yet, those systems are currently not
always compatible with each other and often require multiple
labels and Safety Data Sheets for the same product.
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Consequently, companies involved in international trade
need to follow multiple regulations regarding hazard
classification and labelling depending on where they do
business and users may see inconsistent label warnings
and Safety Data Sheets for the same chemical.
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Processes
1. Classification
In most of the cases, suppliers need to decide on the
classification of a substance or mixture. This is called
self-classification.
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2. Labelling
Suppliers must label a substance or mixture contained in
packaging according to CLP before placing it on the
market either when:
A substance is classified as hazardous
A mixture contains one or more substances classified as
hazardous above a certain threshold.
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2. Labelling (cont.)
The Elements of CLP Compliant Label (GHS Label)
The CLP label should be firmly affixed to one or more
surfaces of the packaging immediately containing your
substance or mixture. They should be legible
horizontally when the package is set down normally. A
CLP compliant label shall contain the following
elements:
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2. Labelling (cont.)
Hazard pictograms
A hazard pictogram is a pictorial presentation of a
particular hazard. Accordingly, the classification of your
substance or mixture determines the hazard pictograms
that should be displayed on your label, for example:
Note: Hazard pictograms should be in the shape of a
square set at a point (diamond shape), and should have a
black symbol on a white background with a red border.
Each hazard pictogram should cover at least one
fifteenth of the surface area of the harmonised label, but
the minimum area shall not be less than 1 square
centimetres.
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2. Labelling (cont.)
Signal words
A signal word indicates to the reader if a hazard is
generally more severe or less severe. The label should
include the relevant signal word in accordance with the
classification of the hazardous substance or mixture. In
case your substance or mixture displays a more severe
hazard, the label should bear the signal word ‘danger’,
and in case of less severe hazards, it should bear the
signal word ‘warning’.
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Labelling (cont.)
Hazard statements
Your labels should also bear the relevant hazard
statements describing the nature and severity of the
hazards of your substance or mixture.
Hazard statement codes: H2physical hazards; H3 health
hazards; H4 environmental hazards
Hazard class:
H252: Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire
H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children
H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
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2. Labelling (cont.)
Precautionary statements
Your labels should bear the relevant precautionary statements,
giving advice on measures to prevent or minimize adverse effects
to human health or the environment arising from the hazards of
your substance or mixture. Furthermore, the precautionary
statements of one language should be grouped together with the
hazard statements on the label.
Precautionary statement codes: For example P1 General ; P2
Prevention; P3 Response; P4 Storage
Precautionary measurements:
P102: Keep out of reach of children;
P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/ hot surfaces.
P311: Call a poison center or doctor/physician
P403: Store in a well-ventilated place
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3. Safety Data Sheets
Safety data sheets are the main tool for ensuring that
manufacturers and importers communicate enough
information along the supply chain to allow safe use of
their substances and mixtures.
Note: There is a new format!
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4. Harmonised Classification and Labelling
Certain situations require that the classification of a
substance is harmonized and made obligatory at
Community level to ensure an adequate risk
management throughout the European Community.
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4. Harmonised Classification and Labelling (cont.)
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5. Alternative chemical name in mixtures
Suppliers who are concerned about disclosing the full
composition of a mixture, on the label or in the safety
data sheet, can request the use of an alternative chemical
name for a substance to protect the confidential nature
of their business, and in particular, their intellectual
property rights.
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6. C & L Inventory
The Classification & Labelling (C&L) Inventory is a
database that will contain basic classification and
labelling information on notified and registered
substances received from manufacturers and importers.