Chemicals legislation

REACH legal text

• European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (Corrigendum 29 May 2007).

Unofficial consolidations

• Unofficial consolidation of the REACH legal text
• Unofficial consolidation of the REACH Fee Regulation
• Unofficial consolidation of the Test Methods Regulation

Corrigendum

• Article 3(20)(c) on no-longer-polymers has been corrected - OJ L 36, 5.2.2009.

Amendments

• Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/477 of 24 March 2022 amending Annexes VI to X to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Amendments to Annex XIV – Authorisation (27 kB)
• Amendments to Annex XVII – Restrictions (756 kB)
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/979 of 17 June 2021 amending Annexes VII to XI to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878 of 18 June 2020 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/507 of 7 April 2020 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the percentage of registration dossiers to be selected for compliance checking (text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1691 of 9 October 2019 amending Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1881 of 3 December 2018 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards Annexes I, III,VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII to address nanoforms of substances (text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/706 of 19 April 2017 amending Annex VII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards skin sensitisation and repealing Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1688 (text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1688 of 20 September 2016 amending Annex VII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards skin sensitisation (text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/863 of 31 May 2016 amending Annexes VII and VIII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage/eye irritation and acute toxicity.
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/830 of 28 May 2015 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
  • 4 linguistic corrigenda published in the Official Journal of 17 January 2017 for the Danish, Portuguese, Polish and Swedish versions of the Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/830 of 28 May 2015 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/282 of 20 February 2015 amending Annexes VIII, IX and X to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards the Extended One-Generation Reproductive Toxicity Study (Text with EEA relevance).
• Council Regulation (EU) No 517/2013 of 13 May 2013 adapting certain regulations and decisions in the fields of free movement of goods,......, by reason of the accession of the Republic of Croatia. (the adaptations to REACH are on the page L 158/24).
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 253/2011 of 15 March 2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards Annex XIII.
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 252/2011 of 15 March 2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards Annex I.
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 453/2010 of 20 May 2010 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 134/2009 of 16 February 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards Annex XI.
• Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 987/2008 of 8 October 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards Annexes IV and V.
• The definition of "phase-in substance" contained in Article 3(20) of the REACH Regulation has been amended to take account of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU in January 2007 (Council Regulation (EC) No 1354/2007 of 15 November 2007). The amendment was adopted under the procedure foreseen in Article 56 of the Act of Accession of Bulgaria and Romania.

Implementing legislation

• COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2024/2492 of 23 September 2024 amending Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 as regards the test methods, to adapt them to technical progress
• COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2023/464 of 3 March 2023 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/326 of 24 February 2022 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/961 authorising a provisional measure taken by the French Republic in accordance with Article 129 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) to restrict the use and the placing on the market of certain wood treated with creosote and other creosote-related substances (notified under document C(2022) 1074) (Only the French text is authentic) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/876 of 31 May 2021 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 as regards applications for authorisation and review reports for the uses of substances in the production of legacy spare parts and in the repair of articles and complex products no longer produced and amending Regulation (EC) No 340/2008 (Text with EEA relevance)
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1435 of 9 October 2020 on the duties placed on registrants to update their registrations under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1692 of 9 October 2019 on the application of certain registration and data-sharing provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council after the expiry of the final registration deadline for phase-in substances.
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1390 of 31 July 2019 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1194 of 5 July 2019 on the identification of 4-tert-butylphenol (PTBP) as a substance of very high concern pursuant to Article 57(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2019) 4987) (Text with EEA relevance.)
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/961 of 7 June 2019 authorising a provisional measure taken by the French Republic in accordance with Article 129 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) to restrict the use and the placing on the market of certain wood treated with creosote and other creosote-related substances (notified under document C(2019) 4122) (Text with EEA relevance.)
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/2013 of 14 December 2018 on the identification of 1,7,7-trimethyl-3-(phenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one (3-benzylidene camphor) as a substance of very high concern pursuant to Article 57(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/895 of 22 June 2018 amending Regulation (EC) No 340/2008 on the fees and charges payable to the European Chemicals Agency (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/636 of 17 April 2018 on the identification of dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) as a substance of very high concern according to Article 57(c) and (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2018) 2167) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/594 of 13 April 2018 on the identification of benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2 anhydride (trimellitic anhydride) (TMA) as a substance of very high concern according to Article 57(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2018) 2112) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1210 of 4 July 2017 on the identification of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) as substances of very high concern according to Article 57(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2017) 4462) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/735 of 14 February 2017 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/2091 of 28 November 2016 not to identify hexamethylene diacrylate (hexane-1,6-diol diacrylate) (HDDA) as a substance of very high concern pursuant to Article 57(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (notified under document C(2016) 7524) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/823 of 25 May 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 771/2008 laying down the rules of organisation and procedure of the Board of Appeal of the European Chemicals Agency (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/9 of 5 January 2016 on joint submission of data and data-sharing in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/266 of 7 December 2015 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1131 of 10 July 2015 amending Implementing Decision 2013/505/EU authorising the provisional measure taken by the French Republic in accordance with Article 129 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) to restrict the use of ammonium salts in cellulose wadding insulation materials (notified under document C(2015) 4470) (Text with EEA relevance).
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/864 of 4 June 2015 amending Regulation (EC) No 340/2008 on the fees and charges payable to the European Chemicals Agency pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 900/2014 of 15 July 2014 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Text with EEA relevance.
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 260/2014 of 24 January 2014 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 254/2013 of 20 March 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 340/2008 on the fees and charges payable to the European Chemicals Agency pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 640/2012 of 6 July 2012 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EU) No 1152/2010 of 8 December 2010 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Decision 2010/226/EU of 20 April 2010 on the re-examination of the restriction concerning short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) listed in Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 761/2009 of 23 July 2009 amending, for the purpose of its adaptation to technical progress, Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 laying down test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 771/2008 of 1 August 2008 laying down the rules on the organisation and procedure of the Board of Appeal of the European Chemicals Agency.
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 of 3 June 2008.
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 340/2008 of 16 April 2008 on the fees and charges payable to the European Chemicals Agency pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
• Commission Regulation (EC) No 1238/2007 of 23 October 2007 on laying down rules on the qualifications of the members of the Board of Appeal of the European Chemicals Agency

REACH archives

• REACH historical archive (46 kB)

CLP-Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

Since 20 January 2009, the Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (the CLP Regulation) aligns the EU with the United Nations' Globally Harmonised System (GHS).

• Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, OJ L 353
• Unofficial consolidated version

The CLP Regulation ensures that businesses can describe and label the same hazards in the same way across the EU. These internationally agreed classification criteria and labelling elements facilitate trade and support global efforts to protect people and nature from the hazardous effects of chemicals. The CLP Regulation complements the REACH Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.

• The CLP Regulation replaces previous rules on classification, labelling and packaging of substances (Directive 67/548/EEC) and mixtures (Directive 1999/45/EC).

Poison centres

The CLP Regulation also requires suppliers of hazardous chemical products to inform national poison centres for emergency health responses.
All EU countries have poison centres. They receive information on the composition of hazardous mixtures (detergents, paints, adhesives etc.) from importers and downstream users placing the mixtures on the EU market. Physicians, professional users and consumers can contact poison centres for recommendations on medical treatment in cases of poisoning.

• More information on the poison centres page.

Legal acts related to poison centres

• Regulation (EU) No 2017/542 of 22 March 2017 amended Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures by adding an Annex on harmonised information relating to emergency health response (Annex VIII).
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2020/11 of 29 October 2019 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures as regards information relating to emergency health response
  • This Regulation postponed the compliance date for submitting information on mixtures for consumer use from 1 January 2020 to 1 January 2021. This allowed appointed bodies as well as industry duty holders sufficient time to properly prepare for their duties under Annex VIII.
• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1677 of 31 August 2020 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures in order to improve the workability of information requirements related to emergency health response; Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1676 of 31 August 2020 amending Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures as regards bespoke paints. The two Regulations address a number of identified workability concerns and propose one generic solution as well as sector-specific solutions for the gypsum, ready mixed concrete, cement and fuels industry, and bespoke paints. The two Regulations entered into force on 14 November 2020.

Adaptations to Technical Progress (ATP) to the CLP Regulation

The Commission has the empowerment to amend certain articles and the annexes of the CLP Regulation via delegated acts to adapt them to technical and scientific progress.

• First ATP - Commission Regulation (EC) No 790/2009
• Second ATP - Commission Regulation (EU) No 286/2011
  • incorporates into the CLP the changes introduced by the 3rd revision of the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS)
  • contains, inter alia, new sub-categories for respiratory and skin sensitisation, the revision of the classification criteria for long-term hazards (chronic toxicity) to the aquatic environment, and a new hazard class for substances and mixtures hazardous to the ozone layer and labelling provisions to protect individuals already sensitised to a specific chemical that may elicit a response at very low concentration
• Third ATP - Commission Regulation (EU) No 618/2012
• Fourth ATP - Commission Regulation (EU) No 487/2013
  • incorporates into the CLP the changes introduced by the 4th revision of the GHS
  • contains, inter alia, new hazard categories for chemically unstable gases and non-flammable aerosols and a further rationalisation of precautionary statements
  • implements some labelling derogations
• Working document on the main text and Annex I of the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 consolidated version with Regulation (EC) No 487/2013 (4th ATP to CLP)(2 MB) - pictogram/icons are not provided
  Disclaimer: This working document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents. Only European Union legislation printed in the paper edition of the Official Journal of the European Union is deemed authentic.
• Fifth ATP - Commission Regulation (EU) No 944/2013
  • includes, in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation, new or updated harmonised classification and labelling in respect to a number of substances
  • amends the Precautionary Statement P210 to fully align it to the changes under the 5th Revision of the UN GHS
• Sixth ATP - Commission Regulation (EU) No 605/2014
  • includes new or updated harmonised classification and labelling in respect to a number of substances in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation
  • following the accession of Croatia to the European Union on 1 July 2013, Croatian translations of all hazard and precautionary statements are introduced in Annexes III and IV to the CLP Regulation (as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 487/2013, listed above).
• ATP on requirements for labelling and packaging of liquid laundry detergents in soluble packaging for single-use - Commission Regulation (EU) No 1297/2014
  • introduces additional safety measures for liquid laundry detergents in soluble capsules
    • minimum resistance of the soluble capsule
    • the inclusion of a bittering agent in the soluble film in order to deter children from putting the capsule into their mouth
    • requires less attractive and more difficult to open packaging for children
    • the packaging is to contain a precautionary statement to keep such products out of reach of children
• Seventh ATP -Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/1221
  • updates the list of substances with harmonised classification and labelling in Part 3 of Annex VI
• Eighth ATP -Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/918
  • implements the changes introduced by the fifth revised edition of the UN GHS
  • contains clarifications to the classification criteria for skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage/eye irritation and aerosols, references to a new test method for the classification of oxidising solids, as well as a revision of the list of precautionary statements
  • applies from 1 February 2018
• Ninth ATP -Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1179
  • updates the list of substances with harmonised classification and labelling in Part 3 of Annex VI
  • applies for substances and mixtures from 1 March 2018
• Tenth ATP - Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/776
  • updates the list of substances with harmonised classification and labelling in Part 3 of Annex VI
  • applies for substances and mixtures from 1 December 2018
• Eleventh ATP -Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/669
  • replaces certain entries in Annex VI
  • applies from 1 December 2019
• Twelfth ATP -Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/521
  • implements the changes introduced by the sixth and seventh revision of the UN GHS
  • applies from 17 October 2020
• Thirteenth ATP -Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1480
  • amends Annex VI
  • amends some applicability dates of the 11th ATP (Regulation (EU) 2017/776)
  • some of the new rules apply from 1 December 2019, others from 1 May 2020
• Fourteenth ATP - Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/217
  • amends Annexes II, III and VI
  • corrects Annex VI
  • the 14th ATP entered into force on 9 March 2020. Certain new rules apply from 1 December 2019, others from 1 October 2021 (the new rules may be applied voluntarily before 1 October 2021)
• Fifteenth ATP -Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/1182
  • amends Annex VI
  • enters into force on 31 August 2020. The new rules apply from 1 March 2022, but may be voluntarily applied before 1 March 2022
• Sixteenth ATP - Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/643
  • amends Annex VI by correcting some notes
  • enters into force on 10 May 2021. The new rules apply from 10 May 2021
• Seventeenth ATP - Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/849
  • amends Annex VI
  • enters into force on 17 June 2021. The new rules apply from 17 December 2022, but may be voluntarily applied before 17 December 2022
• Eighteenth ATP – Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/692
  • Amends Annex VI
  • enters into force on 23 May 2022 The new rules apply from 1 December 2023, but may be voluntarily applied before 1 December 2023

Fees regulation

• Commission Regulation (EU) No 440/2010 of 21 May 2010 on the fees payable to the European Chemicals Agency pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
• More on fees and charges.

Studies

• 'LiquiCaps study' - Study on hazardous detergents mixtures contained in soluble packaging for single-use

The use of liquid laundry detergents capsules (LLDCs) in water-soluble packaging intended for single use has been associated with an increase in the number of accidental exposure and poisonings compared to traditional detergents. Regulatory measures for consumer protection were adopted in 2014 at the EU level (Regulation (EU) No 1297/2014).

The purpose of this study was, among others, to assess whether the proposed safety measures as part of the 2014 Regulation were effective for reducing the number of incidents and severity and identify and assess possible additional safety measures to prevent such exposure.

Reports

• Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Findings of the Fitness Check of the most relevant chemicals legislation (excluding REACH) and identified challenges, gaps and weaknesses. See the report.
• The Commission report to the European Parliament and the Council on communication on the safe use of chemicals according to article 34(2) of CLP Regulation is available. View the report.
• The Commission report on CLP enforcement will be included in the REACH review in accordance with Article 46(2) of the CLP Regulation is available. View further details of the report (197 kB).

Related downstream legislation

• Directive 2008/112/EC, OJ L 345 of the European Parliament and of the Council - amending Council Directives 76/768/EEC, 88/378/EEC, 1999/13/EC and Directives 2000/53/EC, 2002/96/EC and 2004/42/EC in order to adapt them to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
• Regulation (EC) No 1336/2008, OJ L 354 of the European Parliament and of the Council - amending Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 in order to adapt it to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
• Directive 2014/27/EU, OJ L 65 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 amending Council Directives 92/58/EEC, 92/85/EEC, 94/33/EC, 98/24/EC and Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, in order to align them to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixture

Transport legislation

• Information on transport legislation can be found on the Transport website of the European Commission.

CLP archives

• Impact assessment and introduction of the draft CLP Regulation in 2008 (689 kB)
• Summary of the public consultation on the draft CLP Regulation in 2006 (223 kB)
• Commission review for the harmonisation of information relating to emergency health response (Art. 45 CLP Poison Centres)
• Use of the CLP safeguard clause to maintain Dutch national measures on the packaging and labelling of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes and their refills

The Fertilising Products Regulation

• The Fertilising Products Regulation applicable as of 16 July 2022.
• Unofficial consolidated version 
• Commission delegated regulation on agronomic efficiency and safety criteria for by-products in EU fertilising products

Digital labelling for EU fertilising products

• Regulation (EU) 2024/2516 sets out the new rules for the voluntary digital labelling of EU fertilising products, applicable as of 1 May 2027

Derogations from the cadmium limit value in phosphate fertilisers

The Regulation introduces a harmonised limit value for cadmium in phosphate fertilisers of 60 mg/kg phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5).

The following EU countries may prohibit the placing on the market of fertilisers exceeding their national limit values which are lower than the EU limit value:

Denmark: Commission Decision (EU) 2020/1178

Finland: Commission Decision 2006/348/EC

Hungary: Commission Decision (EU) 2020/1184

Slovak Republic: Commission Decision (EU) 2020/1205 (national measure suspended)

Sweden: Commission Decision 2006/347/EC

Guidance documents

• Guidance document on the labelling of EU fertilising products
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conformity assessment

The list of notified bodies under the Fertilising Products Regulation may be found in the NANDO database.

These notified bodies exchange their experiences in the Cooperation Group of Notified Bodies for EU fertilising products.

The documents endorsed by this group can be downloaded. 

• List of national market surveillance authorities for EU fertilising products
• List of the national competent authorities responsible for the Fertilising Products Regulation

The Commission Expert Group on fertilising products

The Commission expert group on fertilising products provides expertise to the Commission in relation to the implementation of the Fertilising Products Regulation, as well as on policy orientation. It meets 2 to 3 times per year.

All documents discussed in the meetings are available on the dedicated communication and information resource centre for administrations, businesses and citizens (CIRCABC) website called ‘Commission Expert Group on Fertilising Products'. This CIRCABC page is directly accessible and open to the public.

Studies

Disclaimer The views expressed in these documents are purely those of the authors and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. The Commission does not take any responsibility for errors or omissions in these documents.

These documents are not intended for distribution. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that might be made of the information in these documents.

• On going - Study to assess biodegradability criteria for polymers used in EU fertilising products as coating agents or to increase the water retention capacity or wettability and of mulch films.
• 2022 -Technical proposals for by-products and high purity materials as component materials for EU fertilising products by-products. ISBN 978-92-76-50116-9, doi:10.2760/185544, JRC128459.
• 2019 - Technical proposals for selected new fertilising materials under the Fertilising Products Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1009). Process and quality criteria, and assessment of environmental and market impacts for precipitated phosphate salts & derivates, thermal oxidation materials & derivates and pyrolysis & gasification materials STRUBIAS; ISBN 978-92-76-09888-1, doi:10.2760/186684, JRC117856.
• 2014- End-of-waste criteria for biodegradable waste subjected to biological treatment (compost & digestate): Technical proposals; ISBN 978-92-79-35062-7, doi:10.2791/6295, JRC87124.
• 2014 - Study on fully harmonising EU legislation on fertilising materials (including technical feasibility, environmental, economic and social impacts) and its annexes
• 2014 - The science of plant biostimulants
• 2014 - Competitiveness proofing fertilising materials: Ex-ante on Regulation (EC) 2003/2003
• 2014 - Report - A legal framework for plant biostimulants and agronomic fertilisers additives in the EU

Events

* 2021 Info session: How and why to become a notified body?

* 2022 Info session: How to CE mark your products?

Current legislation on detergents

• Unofficial consolidation of the Regulation (EC) No 648/2004
• List of the 26 allergenic substances (11 kB) which must be labelled on the packaging of detergents if added at concentrations exceeding 0.01% w/w - see Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on the Cosmetics webpage on legislation
• List of the EU countries (55 kB) having confirmed that they intend to keep existing national restrictions on the content of phosphates and of other phosphorus compounds in line with Article 14.3 of Regulation (EU) No 259/2012

Guidance on the implementation of the detergents legislation

These guidance documents are not legally binding. They have been drafted by trade associations. The Commission is not responsible for the content.

• AISE has produced a guideline to help industry with the implementation of the provisions on the biodegradability of surfactants and on the labelling of detergents under Regulation (EC) No 648/2004
• CESIO guideline (164 kB) which gives standardised declarations on biodegradability for use on safety data sheets (SDS) to enable surfactant manufacturers to fulfil their responsibilities under Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004
• AISE/CESIO/ECOSOL/FECC guidelines (381 kB) on the transmission of information for surfactants biodegradability as indicated by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004
• AISE's multi-lingual cleanright campaign

Reports of the Commission on the implementation of the detergents legislation

• Commission report concerning the biodegradability of the main non-surfactant organic detergent ingredients (May 2009)
• Commission report concerning anaerobic biodegradation (May 2009)
• Commission report on phosphates in detergents (April 2007)
• Final report (79 kB) (1996-2001) on the results reached by the implementation of Commission
• Recommendation 98/480/EC of 22 July 1998, concerning good environmental practice for household laundry detergents

Studies

• Ex-post evaluation of Detergents Regulation 648/2004
• 2014 Evaluation of the use of phosphates in Consumer Automatic Dishwasher Detergents (CADD) - study report (1MB)
• 2009 laymans summary of the INIA report (155 kB)
• 2009 updated CEEP-INIA study report (3 MB) of the European Quantitative Eutrophication Risk Assessment of Polyphosphates in Detergents
• 2007 CEEP-INIA study report of the European quantitative eutrophication risk assessment of polyphosphates in detergents (2 MB) and the revised summary of the report (78 kB)
• Non-surfactant organic ingredients and zeolite-based detergents (845 kB), study carried out by RPA Ltd, June 2006
• Biodegradation of detergent surfactants in anaerobic conditions, study carried out by UMSICHT in July 2003
• Cationic & amphoteric surfactant primary biodegradability ring test, ETD/98/502063(193 kB)

Review of the Detergents Regulation 648/2004

• Evaluation of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 (4 MB)
• Executive summary of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 evaluation (460 kB)
• Support study to the evaluation of Reg. (EC) 648/2004 (11 MB)
• Flash report on the open public consultation: A detailed analysis of the results of the open public consultation will be published in due course
• Evaluation and fitness check roadmap
• Consultation strategy

Revision of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents

On 21 September 2021, the Commission published an inception impact assessment on the Revision of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 on detergents. The deadline for comments was 19 October 2021.

On 12 May 2022, we will hold a dedicated meeting of the Working Group on Detergents on the revision of the Detergents Regulation. The workshop will be a full day hybrid meeting open to interested stakeholders registered in the EU transparency register. To express interest in attending, please complete this form by 2 May 2022 (subject to selection). See draft agenda.

Fragrance allergens in detergents

The Detergents Regulation cross-refers to the Cosmetic Products Regulation for the labelling of fragrance allergens in detergents.

Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amends Annex III to the Cosmetic Products Regulation by laying down specific provisions and transitional periods for labelling 56 additional fragrance allergens. It also groups existing fragrance allergens into single entries to facilitate the communicating information on labelling.

In order to allow businesses to adapt, Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 provides a transition period of 3 years for placing products on the market. Businesses have a period of up to 5 years to withdraw cosmetic products from the market which do not comply with the new requirements, and which were placed on the market before the new labelling provisions become applicable. Correspondingly, the same transition periods also apply for labelling fragrance allergens in detergents.

Contact points

• Associations and federations (104 kB)
• GROW-D2ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (European Commission): Requests by manufacturers for derogations under Art. 5, and enquiries concerning the detergents legislation
  • List of approved laboratories (56 kB) in accordance with Art. 8 of Regulation 648/2004
  • National authorities (122 kB)

Frequently asked questions

• FAQ on the Detergent Regulation (302 kB)

Directive 2014/28/EU

• Directive 2014/28/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market and supervision of explosives for civil uses (recast) was adopted on 26 February 2014 and became applicable on 20 April 2016, replacing and repealing Directive 93/15/EEC.
• Commission Decision 2004/388/EC of 15 April 2004 on an Intra-Community transfer of explosives document, amended by Commission Decision 2010/347/EU of 19 June 2010.
• Questions and answers (345kB) regarding the implementation of Directive 2014/28/EU

Traceability of explosives for civil uses

• Commission Directive 2008/43/EC of 4 April 2008 setting up, pursuant to Council Directive 93/15/EEC, a system for the identification and traceability of explosives for civil uses, amended by Directive 2012/4/EU

Harmonised standards

• Explosives which are in conformity with harmonised standards, the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union, are presumed to be in conformity with the essential safety requirements set out in Annex II of Directive 2014/28/EU.
• Updated publication of references (OJ C 118 of 12/04/2017) of harmonised standards for the implementation of Directive 2014/28/EU.

Notified bodies

• NANDO database (click on 'Legislation' and then on '2014/28/EU Explosives for civil uses')
• Agreed interpretations (79 kB) adopted by the Forum of Notified Bodies for Explosives

Contact points and links

• European Commission email address: GROW-F2ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (GROW-F2[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
• National authorities (183 kB)
• Security of explosives: DG Migration and Home Affairs

Directive 2013/29/EU

• Directive 2013/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of pyrotechnic articles (recast) was adopted on 12 June 2013 and became fully applicable on 1 July 2015¹, replacing and repealing Directive 2007/23/EC.
  • ¹Except point 4 of Annex I (essential safety requirements), which had to be applied from 4 July 2013.
• Press release

Traceability of pyrotechnic articles

• On 16 April 2014, Commission Implementing Directive 2014/58/EU was adopted, setting up a system for the traceability of pyrotechnic articles at EU level. This Implementing Directive became applicable on 17 October 2016.
• List of web-pages published by the notified bodies containing their respective registers of issued certificates, pursuant to Article 2(1), third paragraph, of Implementing Directive 2014/58/EU.

Harmonised standards

• Pyrotechnic articles which are in conformity with harmonised standards, the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union, are presumed to be in conformity with the essential safety requirements set out in Annex I of Directive 2013/29/EU.
• Updated publication of references (OJ C 149 of 12.05.2017) of harmonised standards for the implementation of Directive 2013/29/EU

List of notified bodies

• NANDO database (click on 'Legislation' and then on '2013/29/EU Pyrotechnic articles')

Guidance documents and agreed interpretations of the Forum of Notified Bodies

• Pyrotechnic notified bodies
  • Clarification and resolution document (316 kB)
• Pyrotechnic families guidance
  • Theatrical pyrotechnic articles (558 kB)
  • Category 1-3 fireworks (449 kB)
  • Category 4 fireworks (818 kB)
  • Pyrotechnic articles for vehicles (358 kB)
  • Other pyrotechnic articles (112 kB)
  • Ignition devices (106 kB)
• Guidance on conformity assessment procedures
  • Guidance on conformity assessment procedures (393 kB) - modules B, C2, D, E, G and H
  • Clarifications and resolutions of the forum of notified bodies (220 kB)
  • Guidance for reporting of negative conformity assessment (292 kB)
  • Guidance for a practical conformity assessment (247 kB) according to module D in the automotive industry

Guidance documents of the group of experts

• Categorisation of pyrotechnic articles intended for entertainment purposes (available in 23 EU languages)
• Reporting of accidents with pyrotechnic articles
• Conclusion: determining classification of borderline pyrotechnic articles

Studies

• Final report: study on illegal sales of pyrotechnic articles destined for professional users
• Executive summary: study on illegal sales of pyrotechnic articles destined for professional users

European legislation

• In 2020 the Commission adopted the ‘Evaluation of the EU drug precursors regulations’ report, under Regulation (EC) No 273/2004 and Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005. The report assesses the implementation, effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence and EU added value of the regulations.
• Fighting against diversion of drug precursors contributes to the overall fight against the supply of illegal drugs. Reduction of drug precursor diversion and trafficking is therefore an important objective of the overall EU Drugs Strategy and its EU Action Plan on Drugs. Further information on the European Drug Control policy can be found on the DG Migration and Home Affairs website.
• At international level, the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and in particular Article 12 thereof, requires that countries implement measures to control and monitor the legitimate trade in drug precursors as an essential way to prevent at an early stage their diversion. Co-operation between authorities and industry is a key element to the success of this control and monitoring system.
• At EU level, Regulation (EC) No 273/2004 (managed by the Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) and Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 (managed by the Directorate General for Taxation and the Customs Union) constitute the legal framework in place implementing Article 12 of the 1988 UN Convention and aim at preventing diversion of drug precursors through close monitoring of their trade both within the EU and between the EU and the rest of the world.
• Regulation (EC) No 273/2004 lays down harmonised rules for monitoring the intra-Union trade on drug precursors. It strikes a balance between taking the necessary actions to prevent diversion of drug precursors while allowing the legitimate intra-Union trade in these chemical substances without creating unnecessary administrative burdens. Different degrees of control apply to operators depending on the sensitivity of the drug precursors they possess or handle, through a classification of the drug precursors into three categories.
• Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 lays down rules for the monitoring of trade in drug precursors between the EU and third countries outside the European Union. The purpose of this Regulation is to implement Article 12 of the 1988 UN Convention and to control imports and exports of trade in drug precursors. Further information can be found on the DG Taxation and Customs Union website.
• The rules for the implementation of the above-mentioned Regulations are contained in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2015/1011 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/1013.
• A guidance document (418 kB) contains consensual answers to questions of interpretation raised by authorities and/or operators.
• Please also see our FAQ about the EU rules on drug precursors. 

Links

• The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA)
• EUROPOL
• International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
• EU Drugs Strategy (2021 - 25)

• Directive 2004/9/EC lays down the obligation of the Member States to designate the authorities responsible for GLP inspections in their territory. It also comprises reporting and internal market (= mutual acceptance of data) requirements. The Directive requires that the OECD Revised Guides for Compliance Monitoring Procedures for GLP and the OECD Guidance for the Conduct of Test Facility Inspections and Study Audits must be followed during laboratory inspections and study audits. Directive 2004/9/EC has replaced Directive 88/320/EEC as of 11 March 2004;
• Directive 2004/10/EC requires Member States to take all measures necessary to ensure that laboratories carrying out safety studies on chemical products comply with the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice. Directive 2004/10/EC replaces Directive 87/18/EEC;
• EU sectoral legislation with GLP provisions (560 kB).