CLP - Classification, Labelling and Packaging
GB CLP
Great Britain Classification, Labelling and Packaging (GB CLP) came into effect on 1 January 2021. If you are placing goods in the Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) market, you must comply with GB CLP.
GB CLP is retained European Union (EU) law, which has been amended to allow it to operate fully and effectively in GB - find out more about the changes.
Your role under GB CLP
Your obligations under CLP will depend on your role and where you sit in the supply chain. Everyone in the supply chain has a responsibility to ensure that they have identified the hazards of substances and mixtures, and that they communicate this information using labelling and safety data sheets in accordance with CLP and registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) Regulations.
For more information on your role and responsibilities under GB CLP see guidance on what do I need to do?
Supplying chemicals to GB market
Northern Ireland businesses supplying substances or mixtures directly to the GB market as Qualifying Northern Ireland Goods (QNIG) have a legal duty to comply with the GB CLP Regulation.
The legal duties of NI-based suppliers ,such as manufacturers, downstream users and distributors directly supplying QNIG to the GB market, differ from those specified for GB-based suppliers supplying the GB market - find out more about the difference.
You may also be required to submit a notification to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) within one month of placing new substances on the GB market - see how to submit a GB CLP substance notification.
Submitting information to the National Poison Information Service
GB-based importers and downstream users, and NI-based downstream users directly supplying the GB market with qualifying NI goods (QNIGs), are encouraged to voluntarily submit information relating to emergency health response, and preventative measures on hazardous mixtures placed on the GB market, to the National Poison Information Service (NPIS) using a safety data sheet (SDS).
For more information, see guidance on submitting chemicals information to the NPIS.
Information on chemicals under CLP
The GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling List gives information on the classification and hazard labelling of substances and is legally binding in GB. This list should be used to classify and label chemicals you place on the GB market.
GB CLP Calls for Evidence and consultations
HSE regularly organises consultations to obtain feedback and gather scientific information for the regulatory process. You can contribute to these consultations on HSE‘s Citizen Space.
HSE also encourages businesses and other interested parties to respond to ECHA CLP public consultations.
Further Support for GB CLP
If you have any queries relating to CLP, contact the CLP Helpdesk by email at ukreach.clp@hse.gov.uk.
For general enquiries relating to GB CLP please contact the UK Chemicals Helpline on Tel. 0330 159 1985. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
HSE has a role in CLP enforcement. If you have any queries relating to compliance, please send an email to CRDEnforcement@hse.gov.uk.