On December 10, 2024, the EU Commission enacted the latest CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Legislative Act, released on November 20, 2024. This act introduces significant changes to align with globalisation, technological advancements, and evolving sales methods, particularly in online commerce. The goal is to ensure clearer and more transparent chemical labelling while enabling the free movement of chemicals across the EU.

Key Changes in the CLP Legislative Act

The 2024 update to the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging Regulation introduces crucial changes to improve chemical safety, enhance transparency, and support sustainable practices.

Some of the changes include:

• Online stores will have to display hazardous properties clearly on their websites. This will protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for the industry.
• Labelling will be made simpler by allowing more flexible use of fold-out labels, introducing digital labelling and improving the legibility of labels.
• Advertisements and online offers will have to contain information on chemical hazards, which will facilitate informed choices by consumers and the development of a market for sustainable consumer chemical products.
• For the first time, there will be clarity on the safe sale of household chemicals via the refill stations. This will contribute to reducing packaging and packaging waste.
• There will be a more user-friendly inventory of substances notified by industry, benefiting SMEs.
• Explicit rules for classifying complex substances (those containing more than one constituent) will be introduced, while taking account of the specificities of natural complex substances, such as essential oils.
• Poison centres will receive more comprehensive information for medical emergencies, especially from cross-border distribution.

Timeline for Implementation

• General obligations for the industry will apply from 1 July 2026.
• Label formatting rules will take effect from 1 January 2027.
• Substances and mixtures already placed on the market by these dates do not require re-labelling or re-packaging. However, they may remain in the supply chain until:
  • 1 July 2028 for substances.
  • 1 January 2029 for mixtures.

Why These Changes Matter

These updates aim to improve chemical safety and clarity across the EU, particularly in online sales. By introducing simpler labelling, digital tools, and clearer hazard communication, the legislative act seeks to protect public health while streamlining compliance for businesses.

For full details, please refer to the original legislative act provided by the EU Commission.

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