The classification, labelling and packaging
of chemical substances and mixtures
Introduction
The production and use of chemicals is fundamental to all
economies all over the world. However, it is also recognised
that chemicals pose risks that should be indicated throughout
the supply chain. Many countries have developed systems for
providing information on hazardous properties and control
measures of chemicals aimed at ensuring their safe production,
transport, use and disposal. Yet, those systems are currently
not always compatible with each other and often require multiple
labels and Safety Data Sheets for the same product.
Consequently, companies involved in international trade need
to follow multiple regulations regarding hazard classification
and labelling depending on where they do business and users
may see inconsistent label warnings and Safety Data Sheets
for the same chemical. The current system is also time-consuming
and can result in barriers to international trade in chemicals.
Therefore, the European Parliament and Council adopted a new
Regulation on the Classification, Labelling
and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures
which will replace after a transitional period certain provisions
of the current directives related to the classification, packaging
and labelling of dangerous substances (Directive
67/548/EEC) and preparations (Directive
1999/45/EC).
The new Regulation incorporates the classification criteria
and labelling rules agreed at UN level, the so called Globally
Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
(GHS). It introduces new classification criteria,
hazard symbols (pictograms) and labelling phrases, while taking
account of elements which are part of the earlier EU legislation.
The Regulation requires companies to classify, label
and package appropriately their hazardous chemicals before
placing them on the market. It aims to protect workers, consumers
and the environment by means of labelling which reflects possible
hazardous effects of dangerous substances.
The labelling provisions take on board the red-framed hazard
pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements
provided for in the UN GHS, for example:
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Danger
Extremely flammable (liquid and vapour)
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The Regulation also takes over certain provisions
of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
regarding the notification of classifications, the establishment
of a list of harmonised classifications and the creation of
a classification and labelling inventory.
Background
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