CLP - Classification, Labelling and Packaging
EU CLP
Classification, Labelling and Packaging (EU CLP) is a European Union regulation. EU CLP continues to apply in Northern Ireland.
EU CLP applies if you are based in NI and purchase goods from outside the EU, eg from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). You must ensure that all hazardous chemicals products you place in the NI and / or EU markets are complaint with EU CLP.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has more information on EU CLP and your role and responsibilities.
Your role under EU CLP
Your obligations under EU CLP depends 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 the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) Regulations.
For more information on your role and responsibilities see Section 2 of the Introductory Guidance on CLP.
Submitting information to the National Poison Information Service
Importers and downstream users placing hazardous mixtures on the NI market are required to provide specific information on their products to the National Poison Information Service (NPIS) in accordance with Annex VIII of EU CLP Regulation.
NI-based downstream users and distributors that are supplied with mixtures from GB-based businesses are defined as importers under the EU CLP Regulation. You must comply with the duties of an importer, including providing specific information on your products to the NPIS in accordance with Annex VIII.
For more information, see guidance on submitting chemicals information to the NPIS.
Information on chemicals under EU CLP
You should regularly check the following annexes and lists to keep up to date with information on chemicals relevant to your business:
- Classification and Labelling Inventory
- Registry of classification and labelling (CLH) intentions until outcome
EU CLP Calls for Evidence and consultations
ECHA organises consultations to get feedback and scientific information for the regulatory process. You can contribute to the following types of consultation:
- Harmonised classification and labelling consultations
- Harmonised classification and labelling targeted consultations
- Consultations on ECHA Executive Director’s requests related to the CLH process
Northern Ireland Chemical Stakeholder Forum
Planning has started on setting up a Northern Ireland Chemicals Stakeholder Forum If you would be interested in participating in the forum, please register your interest by emailing chemicals.team@economy-ni.gov.uk.
Further support for EU CLP
In the first instance if you have any queries relating to CLP, you can contact the CLP Helpdesk by email at ukreach.clp@hse.gov.uk.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has a role in EU CLP enforcement. If you have any queries relating to compliance, send an email to chemicals@hseni.gov.uk.
ECHA also provides a directory of contact points for specific queries on chemicals regulations.
If you need further assistance or have any queries on the guidance on this page email the Department for the Economy Chemicals Team at chemicals.team@economy-ni.gov.uk.