The CLP Regulation: Time to Act on Labelling Compliance
The revised CLP Regulation (EU 2024/2865) entered into force on 10 December 2024. It applies to companies bringing substances or mixtures to the EU market that are classified as hazardous under the Regulation.
The updated CLP Regulation brings important changes that will have a major impact on chemical labelling requirements. Key deadlines are approaching quickly, and it is crucial for companies to take action now to ensure compliance. Avoid costly delays by preparing your labelling systems and processes today to align with the new regulatory changes.
Improving Label Legibility
Suppliers are aware of their obligation to ensure that product labelling is clear, comprehensible, and legible. Providing accurate information about hazardous substances is essential for protecting human health and the environment.
To achieve this, it is essential to ensure proper legibility of product labels. Therefore, the scope of mandatory information about hazardous substances, as well as the way it must be presented on the label, is strictly regulated by this regulation. This legibility must be achieved through a combination of factors such as minimum font size, letter and line spacing, font type, and label dimensions. Appropriate contrast between the text and the background is ensured by using black text on a white background. Where applicable, hazard pictograms in red frames must be used and conform to precise size specifications. All of these measures are intended to ensure that safety information is visually accessible to the general public.
Introducing Digital Labelling and Limited Label Space
Along with physical labels, additional information can now be provided digitally. Digital labelling is optional but must comply with strict criteria. Only non-essential elements—that is, those not directly tied to health, safety, or environmental protection—may be provided digitally. Upon request, a physical version of this information must still be made available.
The amount of mandatory label information increases, along with precise guidelines for its placement, means that brand owners must find extra real estate on their product labels—especially on small or irregularly shaped packaging, such as containers with curves, folds, or other surface limitations. In such cases, creative and alternative labelling solutions are necessary.
This is where the wide Beauty & Personal Care Expanded Content Labels range comes in. Multi-Ply ECL (Extended Content Labels) are not only permitted—they are a highly appropriate solution given the legibility requirements.
CCL Label has years of experience based on collaboration and continuous testing of user-friendly solutions, while ensuring the label's resistance to substrate exposure. As pioneers and innovators, our creative team will work with you to find the perfect solution for any packaging challenge.
Environmental Impact and the PPWR
Hazard communication is evolving to encompass a broader set of data related to environmental and health impacts. This is particularly visible in the context of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements and the emergence of sustainable labels. Sustainability is becoming a dominant theme across industries, and the chemical sector is no exception. New regulations increasingly integrate environmental sustainability into hazard communication frameworks.
CCL Label offers wash-off multi-ply labels that enable packaging recycling. This ensures that the addition of extra content, transition to multi-ply formats or adding an additional label, remains compliant with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Where applicable, we can also incorporate lower gauge materials and PCR (post-consumer recycled) content to stay in compliance with the new regulations and meet sustainability goals.
Take Action Today
Brand owners understand their duty to ensure labelling that is clear, understandable, and compliant. Now that the CLP Regulation has come into force, the time to act is now. Taking a proactive approach not only guarantees compliance with regulations but also enhances safety and helps prevent unnecessary expenses.
Contact us today to learn how CCL can support your company in navigating these new regulatory challenges!