Since December 16, 2008, a new Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) is effective within the European Union. "Regulation" means that the legislation automatically applies all EU and EES (Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Switzerland) countries without implementation into national regulations. After a transition period CLP will replace the old classification and labelling directives.
CLP is based upon the UN Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), although small differences occurs. The aim of GHS is to improve the protection of human health and the environment and to facilitate international trade.
CLP introduces a completly new nomenclature with respect to classification and labelling compared with the earlier EU directives. CLP urgs companies and institutes to re-classify and re-label all chemical products. In the short run this means a considerable work, but once it is done it will facilitate the trade and last for several decennia.
This kind of work needs time and CLP contains transitional provisions. In KemRisk the re-classification is already done and therefore you can start using the CLP nomenclature immediately. From 1 December 2010, manufacturers and importers are obliged to follow CLP for substances, and from 1 June 2015 for mixtures. For more information, see the links section.
