Inorganic coagulants are obliged to comply with the European regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures (EC 1272/2008) which is enforced in parallel with REACH.

The CLP regulations established a self-classification system. The maker of a substance or mixture must create a safety data sheet and appropriate warning label which is attached to the product’s packaging. Once a substance is classified as hazardous, each actor in the supply chain is required to communicate the identified hazards to the next actor in the chain. Changes in the classification of a substance imply that all downstream safety data sheets and labels must be updated.

CLP also imposes new labelling which is in accordance with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). GHS introduces new pictograms, signal words and statements.

CLP came into force on 20 January 2009, and had not directly replaced existing directives covering classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals and substances.  Directives 67/548/EEC (substances) and 1999/45/EC (preparations)have been repealed until 1 June 2015.

INCOPA is closely monitoring developments and keeping members informed for potential new updates to the classification of substances.