Source: SPECIALIST PRINTING WORLDWIDE: ISSUE 1: 2015
Elaine Campling explains the ramifications of the new CLP regulation
Suppliers of mixtures, such as printing inks, now only have months to implement the new classification and labelling requirements of the CLP Regulation. The Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation (1272/2008 (EC)) entered into force on the 20 January 2009 aligning EU legislation with the UN Globally Harmonised System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
GHS was developed because there were global differences in classification and hazard communication systems for chemicals in use and in transport. GHS therefore represents the goal of a single world-wide system for classification and hazard communication for the supply and use of chemicals.
The CLP Regulation repeals the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD), 67/548/EEC and the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD), 1999/45/EC, which set out the classification and labelling rules for substances and mixtures respectively, prior to the introduction of CLP in Europe. The CLP regulation entered into force in Europe with transitionary measures. Suppliers of substances are now very familiar with the system, since they were required to comply with the requirements as early as December 2010. However, mixture manufacturers were given a longer transition period until 1 June 2015 to classify and label to the new system.