CLP Regulation

CLP( Harmonised Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulation for substances and mixtures (1272/2008/EC) entered into force on 20 January 2009. The deadline for substance classification under CLP was 1 December 2010. The new CLP Regulation will ultimately replace the previous rules on CLP (Directive 67/548/EEC and Directive 1999/45/EC) on 1 June 2015.

Its stated goals are:

• To provide a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the use of substances.
• Facilitating international trade and the free movement of substances within the EU, enhancing competitiveness and innovation in the European Chemicals Industry

Formaldehyde and CLP

Formaldehyde is one of the most thoroughly evaluated substances. Formaldehyde is classified as a Carcinogen Category 3, which means that there are concerns about potential carcinogenic effects but, the scientific data is not sufficient to affirm it.

When evaluating the carcinogenicity of substances, European regulators take into account evidence from studies on both animals and humans. Since 1980 there have been over 100 studies investigating the potential link between formaldehyde and cancer.

On 30 September 2010, France submitted a dossier for the classification and labelling of formaldehyde to the European Chemicals Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee. The Risk Assessment Committee will assess the dossier after a 45 day public consultation. Formacare will at this point have the opportunity to submit comments on the dossier. The Risk Assessment Committee will then deliver a purely scientific opinion within 18 months based on the data submitted by France.

Learn more:
The European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) on CLP
CLP Regulation 1272/2008/EC