CLP Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging
European regulation that adopts the UN GHS system to classify, label and package hazardous chemical products. Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, published in OJEU L 353.
Context
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures) is the European regulation that adopts the UN GHS system to classify, label and package hazardous chemical products. Codified in Regulation (EC) 1272/2008.
Regulatory origin
Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 16 December 2008, published in OJEU L 353 on 31 Dec 2008. Regularly amended to incorporate revisions of the UN GHS.
The 28 CLP hazard classes (Annex I)
16 classes of physical hazards (part 2): explosives, flammable gases, oxidisers, etc.
10 classes of health hazards (part 3): acute toxicity, corrosion, sensitisation, CMR carcinogenicity/mutagenicity/reproduction.
1 aquatic environmental class (part 4): hazard to the aquatic environment.
1 ozone-layer class (part 5).
Application to textiles
CLP applies to chemical substances and mixtures (dyes, wetting agents, flame retardants) that the textile brand buys as an input. It does NOT apply to finished textile articles, which carry care symbols under ISO 3758 (a distinct visual system).
Timeline
CLP adopted
Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 published in OJEU L 353.
Application to substances
Chemical substances are reclassified under CLP.
Application to mixtures
Chemical mixtures are fully reclassified under CLP.
Regulation 2024/2865
New classes ED-HH, ED-ENV, PBT/vPvB, PMT/vPvM applicable progressively.
Applied case
A textile brand receives Safety Data Sheets from its 18 chemical suppliers for its in-house dyeing. It verifies the CLP labelling of each one.
Verifies that each SDS contains section 2 with the full CLP classification: hazard class + category + H and P statements + GHS pictograms.
3 colorants classified Carc. 1B with H350 (may cause cancer) · GHS08 pictogram · replaced by Carc. 2 or non-CMR alternatives.
2 wetting agents with H317 (skin sensitisation) · retained but with reinforced mandatory PPE for operators and an exposure register.
Internal reporting: matrix of chemical products with full CLP classification · reviewed annually with SDS renewal.
Common mistakes
CLP is not REACH.
They are parallel, complementary regulations. REACH covers the registration and authorisation of substances. CLP covers the classification, labelling and packaging of the same substance. They operate together but their obligations are distinct.
CLP does not apply only to chemical products sold as such.
It applies to substances and mixtures. A mixture of dye + water in an industrial drum is a mixture regulated by CLP.
CLP pictograms are not a safety mark.
They indicate a hazard identified with standardised criteria. Their presence does not mean the product is safe: it means a hazard is identified and communicated.
The SDS is not optional.
It is a legal obligation of the supplier to deliver it to the downstream recipient. The textile brand can reject materials without a compliant SDS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CLP Regulation?
Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP), published in OJEU L 353 (31.12.2008). It adopts into EU law the UN GHS system to classify and label hazardous chemical products.
Who must apply CLP?
Any manufacturer, importer, formulator or distributor of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures in the EU market — including the textile sector for dyes, wetting agents, flame retardants and DWR finishes. The CLP obligation lies with the supplier; the textile brand verifies that the technical data sheets (SDS) it receives are CLP-compliant.
What is the difference between CLP and REACH?
REACH is the general chemical control framework (registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction). CLP is the implementation of the GHS system for classification + labelling + packaging. REACH is the "what to control"; CLP is the "how to classify and label". They coexist — a chemical complies with both.
What penalty is there for breaching CLP?
Penalties are defined by each Member State. In Spain (Law 8/2010): fines of up to EUR 1,200,000 + an obligation to withdraw the product + possible criminal action for serious infringements (endangerment of human health or the environment).
Fuentes oficiales
- European Parliament and Council · OJEU16 dic 2008 (vigente)Regulation in force
- European Chemicals Agency2024Official information
- European Chemicals Agency2024Regulatory database
