European Classification and Labelling of Hazardous Products

By adopting the CLP Regulation, the European Union has aligned its classification and labelling system for hazardous substances with a globally accepted standard based on the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This article summarizes the key aspects of the current status of the CLP Regulation. It introduces the available labelling elements, such as hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. This is followed by an overview of physical hazard classes, health hazards, environmental hazards, and an additional hazard class. The communication elements for each hazard class are presented in a tabular overview. Subsequently, general and specific criteria for the classification of mixtures are listed. The discussion section examines current legislative trends.