Industry groups revolt against new labeling requirements
Several industry groups have come together to request modifications regarding the new labeling requirements, due to their major impact on both the industry and the environment.
The groups recognize the relevance and importance of providing clear and concise information on product labels. However, they believe that the Commission's impact assessment underestimates the impact of the changes proposed in the revision of the CLP Regulation, particularly with regard to minimum labeling requirements.
According to the industry groups, several points are problematic, for example:
- The amendment submitted in the European Parliament to ban environmental claims on mixtures classified as hazardous or carrying additional labeling. According to them, the scope of CLP should "remain solely focused on the hazard identification of chemicals and the associated classification, labeling and packaging".
- The proposal to increase the font size on labels to 1.4mm. This new size could lead to an increase in the space required to display information on packaging, and a reduction in the number of languages on packaging. This could potentially hamper the fluidity of trade within the European Union, and lead to the probable elimination of products reaching their expiry date.
- The 6-month timetable for label updates. This timeframe seems short to industry groups, who claim that it is not possible to meet this deadline throughout the supply chain.
The groups are composed of :
- AISE – Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products
- AmCham UE - American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union
- ATIEL – Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry
- CEPE – European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink and Artists‘ Colours Industry
- DUCC - Downstream Users of Chemicals Co-ordination Group
- EDRA – European DIY Retail Association
- EFCC – European Federation for Construction Chemicals
- EuroCommerce
- FEA – European Aerosol Federation
- FEICA – Association of the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry
- UEIL - Union of the European Lubricants Industry
Revision of the CLP Regulation
In December 2022, the European Commission (EC) proposed a revision of European Regulation No. 1272/2008, known as CLP, for the classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures. The Commission has also suggested changes to the minimum requirements for the labeling of hazardous chemicals.
This revision will significantly modify chemical safety management within the European Union (EU), by introducing new hazard classes and criteria into the EU's classification, labeling and packaging rules.
The amended regulations provide for :
- Specific guidelines for refillable chemicals, enabling consumers to safely purchase and use bulk chemicals such as cleaning products, while ensuring their safety.
- Improved communication of chemical hazards, including online, through simpler and better-defined labeling and advertising rules. For example, the proposal establishes a minimum font size for labels.
- Delegating the Commission the authority to propose the classification of potentially hazardous substances, a task previously reserved for Member States and companies.
- Improving existing processes for faster, more effective notification by all stakeholders of the hazards of chemicals placed on the European market.
For more information on the proposed CLP transition periods or the new CLP hazard classes and classification criteria (PE, PBT, PMT), please consult our various articles.
Anticipating the revision of the CLP regulation
EcoMundo offers you the opportunity to carry out an in-depth assessment of your chemicals portfolio, with the aim of understanding the consequences of current changes on these substances. We will then draw up an action plan to anticipate these new developments.
We also offer expert software solutions to support you throughout the regulatory process:
- MAT Factory software provides expert, automated regulatory monitoring
- SDS Factory software generates compliant SDSs in less than 5 minutes, while complying with CLP regulatory changes.
Would you like to find out more about the CLP regulation?
For more information, don't hesitate to contact us!
