The CLP Regulation entered into force on 20 January 2009 and replaced the former European Directives on the classification and labelling of dangerous substances (67/548/EEC) and dangerous preparations (1999/45/EC), which were officially repealed on 1 June 2015.

This regulation harmonises classification criteria across the European Union and is closely linked to the REACH Regulation, which governs the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemical substances in the European market.

Together, the CLP Regulation represents a key pillar to ensure the safe use of chemical substances and mixtures in the EU, protecting human health, the environment, and facilitating the safe trade of chemical products.

On 31 March 2023, the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/707, dated 19 December 2022, was published, introducing amendments to the CLP Regulation. This change affects the hazard classes and the criteria used for the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures in the European Union.

Four new hazard classes are included:

Endocrine disruption for human health (category 1 and 2).

Endocrine disruption for the environment (category 1 and 2).

Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) properties or very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative (vPvB).

Persistent, Mobile and Toxic (PMT) properties, or very Persistent and very Mobile (vPvM).