CLP Regulation in Europe: Classification, Labelling and Packaging
The CLP Regulation is one of the core pillars of chemical hazard communication in the European Union.
SHAPYPRO provides technical and regulatory support for the application of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, including classification review, labelling consistency, Safety Data Sheet alignment and analysis of requirements related to chemical substances and mixtures.
CLP Compliance with a Practical Technical and Regulatory Approach
Compliance with the CLP Regulation requires correct interpretation of the available information on a substance or mixture, application of the appropriate classification criteria and clear communication of hazards through labelling and packaging.
It is not only a matter of assigning pictograms. Correct CLP application requires review of physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological data, consistency with the Safety Data Sheet, assessment of applicable restrictions and alignment of documentation with the European regulatory framework.
SHAPYPRO supports companies and laboratories in the technical review of CLP compliance, helping identify risks, inconsistencies or possible areas for improvement before product marketing or update.
What the CLP Regulation Is
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, known as CLP, establishes the criteria for the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures in the European Union.
Its main purpose is to ensure that hazards are clearly identified and communicated throughout the supply chain, protecting human health, the environment and professional users or consumers who may be exposed to chemical products.
CLP is based on the United Nations Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), supporting greater international consistency in hazard communication.
How CLP Fits Within the European Regulatory Framework
CLP does not operate in isolation. It works together with other European regulatory frameworks, especially REACH, Safety Data Sheets and sector-specific legislation applicable to certain products.
CLP and REACH
While REACH regulates the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemical substances, CLP defines how their hazards must be classified and communicated.
Both frameworks are complementary and must be applied consistently, especially for substances, mixtures, Safety Data Sheets, labelling and technical documentation.
CLP and Safety Data Sheets
CLP classification must be correctly reflected in the Safety Data Sheet. Consistency between classification, pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements and SDS sections is essential to avoid regulatory errors.
CLP and Cosmetics
Finished cosmetic products are exempt from CLP labelling, but raw materials and mixtures used in their formulation may still be subject to CLP requirements.
This affects ingredient evaluation, identification of CMR substances, toxicological review within the CPSR and compliance with restrictions under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
CLP and Biocidal Products
For biocidal products, CLP classification and labelling may directly affect regulatory documentation, labelling, Safety Data Sheets, risk communication and authorisation strategy.
Main Hazard Classes under CLP
One of the central elements of the CLP Regulation is hazard classification. This classification makes it possible to identify the risks associated with a substance or mixture and define how they must be communicated through labels, Safety Data Sheets and regulatory documentation.
Physical Hazards
Include risks related to the physical or chemical properties of the product, such as flammability, explosiveness, oxidising properties, gases under pressure, corrosivity to metals or other hazards arising from the physical behaviour of the substance or mixture.
Health Hazards
Include potential effects on human health, such as acute toxicity, skin or eye irritation, sensitisation, specific target organ toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity.
Environmental Hazards
Include risks to the environment, especially acute or chronic aquatic toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation or other effects relevant to environmental assessment.
Labelling under the CLP Regulation
Labelling is the most visible element of CLP compliance. A compliant label must communicate hazards clearly, immediately and understandably so that users can identify the risks associated with a substance or mixture.
A CLP label must be aligned with the product classification and with the information included in the Safety Data Sheet.
Hazard Pictograms
Standardised graphic symbols that visually communicate the types of hazard associated with the product.
Signal Word
Indication of hazard severity using terms such as “Danger” or “Warning”, as applicable.
Hazard Statements · H
Statements describing the nature and severity of the hazards associated with the substance or mixture.
Precautionary Statements · P
Statements indicating recommended measures for prevention, response, storage or disposal.
Supplier Identification
Information required to identify the supplier responsible for the product in the relevant market.
Supplemental Information
Where applicable, additional elements required by CLP or other applicable legislation may be included.
Safe Packaging Requirements
The CLP Regulation also establishes obligations related to the packaging of hazardous substances and mixtures.
Packaging must be suitable to prevent leakage, withstand normal handling and storage conditions, and avoid misleading users about the nature or hazards of the contents.
In certain cases, child-resistant fastenings, tactile warnings of danger or other specific requirements may be necessary to reduce risks for users.
Impact of CLP on the Cosmetics Industry
Although CLP does not directly apply to the labelling of finished cosmetic products, it has a significant impact on earlier formulation, evaluation and documentation stages.
The classification of raw materials or mixtures may influence ingredient selection, identification of CMR substances, toxicological assessment in the CPSR, restriction review and justification of cosmetic product safety.
In practice, a specific classification may limit or prevent the use of certain substances in cosmetic products, so CLP analysis should be integrated within the cosmetic regulatory strategy.
Common Errors in CLP Application
Many CLP-related non-compliances arise from lack of updating, incomplete data review or inconsistency between regulatory documents.
Incorrect or Outdated Classifications
Use of old, incomplete or non-aligned classifications with applicable technical and scientific updates.
Incomplete Pictograms or H/P Statements
Labels that do not include all pictograms, hazard statements or precautionary statements required according to product classification.
Lack of Consistency between SDS and Labelling
Differences between the classification included in the Safety Data Sheet and the information communicated on the label.
Failure to Consider ATP Updates
Lack of review of adaptations to technical and scientific progress that may modify harmonised classifications or applicable criteria.
Insufficient Hazard Communication
Use of ambiguous, incomplete or unclear information to communicate risks associated with the product.
SHAPYPRO’s Technical Approach to CLP Compliance
Correct CLP application requires technical interpretation, regulatory review and documentary consistency.
SHAPYPRO integrates CLP analysis into a broader regulatory strategy so that potential risks can be identified earlier and technical documentation can be strengthened with a more robust compliance approach.
Classification Review
Analysis of the classification applicable to substances or mixtures according to the criteria of the CLP Regulation.
Labelling Consistency
Review of pictograms, signal word, H statements, P statements, supplier information and other mandatory elements.
SDS Alignment
Verification of consistency between CLP classification, Safety Data Sheet and labelling information.
Ingredient and Raw Material Review
Evaluation of the impact of CLP classifications on raw materials, ingredients, mixtures or products used in regulated sectors.
Regulatory Support
Technical support to interpret CLP requirements, identify deficiencies and prepare stronger documentation.
Need Support with CLP Classification or Labelling?
If the company needs technical support with CLP classification, hazard communication, label review or consistency with Safety Data Sheets and regulatory documentation, SHAPYPRO can support the process with a stronger technical basis.
