Improved chemical safety with new hazard classes in the CLP regulations
In April 2023, updates to the EU CLP regulation (classification, labelling, and packaging) came into force. The update introduced new classifications of chemicals, with a focus on endocrine-disrupting properties and environmental risks, including bioaccumulative properties and potential water pollution.
Classification and labelling is a key tool for reducing risk in chemical use. Over time, it encourages the replacement of the most hazardous substances with safer alternatives.
The new hazard classes include:
- Endocrine disrupting properties: Chemicals that affect the endocrine system, potentially causing health issues such as birth defects and development disorders in humans and wildlife.
- Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties (PBT and vPvB): Substances that break down slowly in the environment and build up in organisms and food chains.
- Persistent, mobile and toxic properties (PMT and vPvM): Substances that combine high persistence with mobility, spreading rapidly in the environment, often through waterways.
| Code | H-phrases |
| EUH380 | May cause endocrine disruption in humans |
| EUH381 | Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in humans |
| EUH430 | Can cause endocrine disruption in the environment |
| EUH431 | Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in the environment |
| EUH440 | Accumulates in the environment and living organisms, including humans |
| EUH441 | Highly accumulates in the environment and living organisms, including humans |
| EUH450 | Can cause long-term and diffuse pollution of water resources |
| EUH451 | Can cause very long-term and diffuse pollution of water resources |
Significance of the changes
The new hazard classes strengthen the regulation of substances with these properties, ensuring that hazardous chemicals are handled in the same way as other serious hazards. This may results in stricter requirements for companies and limitations on how these substances can be used. The changes will also influence related legislation, including rules on biocides, pesticides, cosmetics, and occupational health and safety.
New obligations for companies
Chemical suppliers are now required to review their chemicals and determine whether they fall under the new hazard classes. If so, they must update their registrations with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and ensure that everyone in the supply chain receives up-to-date safety information. For new substances, the rules apply from May 1, 2025, while existing substances have until November 2026. There are also transition periods in place for mixtures.
Source: https: //echa.europa.eu/new-hazard-classes-2023
Guidance and support
The introduction of the new hazard classes is an important step in strengthening the protection of health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. ECHA is updating its guidance to reflect these changes, and companies can follow the process and access resources directly on the ECHA website.
What does this mean for your chemical management?
Your company should ensure it has a clear overview of whether any products fall under the new chemical classifications. Contact the suppliers of your chemical products for updated information, and keep track of changes to the safety data sheets, especially if your company uses automatic updates in the chemical inventory.
If products are covered by the new classifications, a new risk assessment must be carried out. This includes evaluating whether additional protective measures are required to ensure that the use and storage of the substances remain at an acceptable risk level, in line with your company’s safety criteria.
Written by Hans Kristian Brekken, chemist and product developer at Workplace Safety.
