Implementation of GHS

The European Parliament and the Council have adopted a new regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (known as the CLP Regulations, found here). This new regulation aligns existing EU legislation to the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS).

The CLP Regulations entered into force on 20 January 2009 and will eventually replace the current EU legislation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances (Directive 67/548/EEC) and mixtures (Directive 1999/45/EC).

The following deadlines will apply:

• For substances: The deadline for substance classification and labelling according to the new rules will be 1 December 2010. Between 1 December 2010 and 1 June 2015, suppliers will be expected to classify their substances according to both CLP Regulations and current EU legislation (both classifications must appear on the substance's Safety Data Sheet). However, the labelling and packaging must be in accordance with CLP Regulations. From 1 June 2015 onwards, suppliers will have to classify and label their substances according to CLP Regulations.
  
• For mixtures: The deadline for mixture classification and labelling will be 1 June 2015.

If your substance or mixture has already been placed on the market prior to the relevant deadline, you will gain a 2 year extension (i.e. 2012 for substances and 2017 for mixtures).

To incorporate this new legislation, the Health and Safety Executive is currently consulting on a new set of CHIP Regulations known as CHIP 4. The consultation document can be found here.

What can we do for you?
The IOM has extensive experience supporting industry associations through the previous legislation that preceded the CLP Regulations. The IOM can assist you by classifying your substance and preparing your Safety Data Sheets according to the new requirement.