New rules enter into force to ensure safer use of chemicals on EU market

Today, new rules on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP) enter into force to better protect consumers, workers and the environment, while also improving the functioning of the EU single market regarding products containing hazardous chemicals.

The revised regulation will enhance chemical safety and information transparency. Among other measures, websites will have to clearly display the hazardous properties of the products, while advertisements and online offers will have to contain information on chemical hazards.

The new rules will also introduce simpler and clearer requirements so that chemicals can move freely across the EU. For instance, by introducing digital labelling and making labels more legible.

The revised text will also accelerate the identification of hazardous substances and mixtures at EU level. Notably, more comprehensive information will be sent to poison centres for medical emergencies, especially from cross-border distribution.

The new rules will become applicable according to different dates. Obligations on industry will generally apply from 1 July 2026. However, some rules, like those on label formatting, will be applicable as of 1 January 2027. Substances and mixtures which have been placed on the market within these periods do not need to be re-labelled and re-packaged based on the new rules, and can continue to be in the supply chain until 1 July 2028 and 1 January 2029 respectively.

You can find more information on the safer use of chemicals online.