On Monday 19 December, the European Commission proposed to revise Regulation 1272/2008/EC on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures (CLP Regulation), to adapt it to the latest scientific knowledge, to better protect human health and the environment and to make life easier for economic operators.
The proposal introduces new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors and PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic), vPvB (very persistent and very bioaccumulative), PMT (persistent, mobile and toxic) and vPvM (very persistent and very mobile) substances and mixtures (see EUROPE 13027/4, 12953/11). These hazard classes were adopted on the same day, by Commission Delegated Act, as part of the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
They could allow for additional measures to be taken to address and mitigate the risks of substances and mixtures under other EU downstream legislation - for example, the REACH regulation - after assessing the socio-economic impacts of such measures, according to the Commission. The delegated act is expected to enter into force in early 2023, after consideration by the European Parliament and the EU Council.
In addition, the Commission proposes to clarify the rules on labelling of chemicals, to make it easier for SMEs in particular, and to facilitate the free movement of substances and mixtures within the EU. Its proposal therefore provides for: - faster processes for all actors to inform about the hazards of chemicals placed on the EU market; - better communication of chemical risks, including online, through simpler and clearer labelling and advertising requirements - for example, a minimum font size for chemical labels; - the right for the Commission, in addition to Member States and industry, to develop proposals for the classification of potentially dangerous substances, in order to speed up the rate of identification of dangerous substances. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)