This news update focusing on child resistant packaging is brought to you by Packaging Europe.
In June 2015, only a year hence, the new Classification and Labelling of Chemical Substances Regulations: CLP (GHS) 1272/2008/EC, known as CLP, will become fully effective. These pan European regulations will supersede the UK only: Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009, commonly known as CHIP 4.
The new regulations will increase the range of consumer products which will need to be packed in child resistant containers and will bring the child resistant packaging standards up to date. CLP became mandatory for substances, mainly discrete chemicals, in 2010 and will include mixtures; and every consumer product can be considered a mixture, in 2015.
The regulatory impact need not be particularly onerous. All the standards are type tests and all consist of two tests a child test and an adult test. Any pack that complied with an earlier standard and has remained unchanged in shape, material, componentry or range characteristics, need only repeat the adult test. Only in the event of change must both tests be repeated.
The extension of scope, including for the first time products that present an aspiration hazard, will mean that brand owners and packer/fillers will need to consider their product ranges carefully to ensure they comply with CLP.
For more information on child resistant packaging, please visit the Packaging Europe link above. Contact Nexreg to learn more about our Regulatory Services.