New CLP provisions Improving classification, labelling and packaging of hazardous chemicals

What is the CLP Regulation revision?

The revision of the CLP Regulation welcomes an agreement on improving the classification, labelling and packaging of hazardous chemical substances reached in 2023. This agreement is formally reflected in Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, published on 23 October 2024, which amends the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. The consolidated version of the CLP dates from 23 December 2025.

The new measures will better protect consumers, workers and the environment. At the same time, they will improve communication about hazardous chemicals sold online and speed up the identification of hazardous substances and mixtures across the EU. They will also provide more flexibility in how labels can be used.

According to the European Commission, the following points describe the improvements brought by the CLP revision.

Improvements introduced by the CLP revision

• Updated rules for classifying complex substances (substances containing more than one constituent, known as “MOCS”). Plant extracts and essential oils have a specific exemption, subject to a five-yearly review of the scientific evidence.
• Greater protection for consumers buying hazardous chemicals online. Websites must state the hazardous properties of the products.
• Clearer labelling of hazardous chemical products, including in online sales.
• Foldable labels and digital labelling: companies will be able to use them, while key safety information and hazard pictograms will still appear on the packaging.
• New classification proposals: alongside Member States and industry, the Commission will also have the right to draw up classification proposals for potentially hazardous substances, which will speed up the identification of hazardous substances.
• Refillable chemical products: rules are set out for the first time to support the safe sale of bulk household chemicals, reducing packaging and the resulting waste.
• Better information for poison centres, which will receive faster, more accurate data for medical emergencies.

These measures are adopted with the aim of moving towards a more sustainable chemical industry. This revision is intended to set an example for chemical companies worldwide and to feed into the “Sustainability Strategy for the Chemical Industry”, a key element of the European Green Deal.

New CLP hazard classes

This amendment to the CLP Regulation,  whose new classes and criteria were introduced through Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/707, in force since 20 April 2023, establishes new hazard classes and new criteria for the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures placed on the EU market under REACH. It also applies to active substances in biocides and plant protection products. These are the new hazard classes:

• ED HH, categories 1 and 2 (endocrine disruptor for human health)
• ED ENV, categories 1 and 2 (endocrine disruptor for the environment)
• PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic) and vPvB (very persistent and very bioaccumulative)
• PMT (persistent, mobile and toxic) and vPvM (very persistent and very mobile)

Once all the agreed changes to the Regulation have been adopted, together with the new hazard criteria for endocrine disruptors and persistent, toxic chemicals in the environment, better communication and identification of chemical hazards will be ensured.

CLP compliance deadlines (status as of September 2026)

The new rules entered into force on 20 April 2023. During the transitional period, substances and mixtures may be classified on a voluntary basis.

For new substances on the market, companies have had to comply with the rules since 1 May 2025; substances already on the market have until 1 November 2026. For mixtures, there are different transition periods: the new hazard classes apply from 1 May 2026 for new mixtures, and for mixtures already on the market, companies have until 1 May 2028 to update their classification and labelling.

What this means for your company

• Check whether your products contain substances in the new categories (ED, PBT, PMT).
• Update pictograms, hazard statements and safety data sheets (SDS).
• Communicate the changes throughout the supply chain.

How Kaeltia can help you with CLP

Kaeltia Consulting provides specialised scientific and regulatory support to meet chemical compliance needs across Europe, in line with the criteria set by the institutions and the new regulatory frameworks. With more than 15 years of experience helping clients worldwide bring their products to market under specific regulations, our services include reviewing and updating CLP classifications, drafting and updating SDS, adapting labelling to the new regulation, and specialised training on CLP regulatory changes.

Find out more about our REACH and CLP service and our biocidal products service.

For more information about our services, get in touch with us at info@kaeltia.com. We will be happy to help.