Jan. 21 UK: Implementation of the “CLP Regulation”

This guidance material is brought to you by the HSE.

This Regulatory Update provides advice on how to implement the requirements of the EC Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (known as the CLP Regulation – EC 1272/2008) for plant protection products (PPPs). In the UK the CLP Regulation is replacing the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations (CHIP).

CHIP implemented Directives 67/548/EEC (the ‘Dangerous Substances Directive) and 1999/45/EC (the ‘Dangerous Preparations Directive’), which require that those responsible for the supply of substances and preparations (including PPPs ) to classify and label the product with respect to physico-chemical properties, human health and environmental effects. The latest amendment is known as CHIP 4 and came into force on 6 April 2009.

CHIP is being gradually replaced by the CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008) which came into force on 20 January 2009. This regulation implements in all EU Member States the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for classification and labelling. It introduces new classification criteria, hazard symbols (called ‘Hazard Pictograms’) and labelling phrases (known as ‘Hazard Statements’ and ‘Precautionary Statements’). Under the CLP Regulation the term ‘substances’ retains its meaning but ‘mixtures’ is used in place of ‘preparations’.

The CLP Regulation applies directly in all EU Member States. Its provisions are being phased in over a number of years and it will come fully into force on 1 June 2015 by which point preparations/mixtures (that is, most PPP ) must be classified and labelled in line with the CLP Regulation. The only exception will be such PPPalready in the supply chain for which the re-labelling and re-packaging date may be postponed until 1 June 2017).

For more information on how the CLP affects the PPP authorization and the full article please refer to the link above.