The European Chemicals Agency has announced a conference related to EU Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures based on the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS). The conference will take place in Brussels on the 17 June 2009.

Getting ready for CLP-Regulation based on the GHS

The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers adopted the new Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures ("CLP") which aligns existing EU legislation to the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS) on December 2008.

Objectives of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

The aim of the UN level agreed, Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) system is to enable a judgment on a substance or mixture with respect to its hazardous properties (physical hazards and toxicity) and to provide a hazardous chemical with pertinent hazard labelling and information on safety measures (for example via labels, hazard pictograms and signal words ("danger" , "warning").  As with the current legislation, the proposed regulation is intended to be primarily a self-classification system for enterprises. The system aims at enhancing the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport and use of these chemicals. It is in line with REACH.

This new Regulation contributes to the GHS aim that the same hazards will be described and labelled in the same way all around the world. Using internationally agreed classification criteria and labelling elements, will facilitate trade and contribute towards global efforts to protect humans and the environment from hazardous effects of chemicals. The new act will complement the REACH Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.

Target audience

This conference is aimed at people with a key role in the implementation of the CLP Regulation, especially in raising awareness and informing or assisting stakeholders regarding CLP; for example, public authorities, industry associations, consumer organisations, trade unions or public bodies.

Registration

Registration must be done by online registration form. The closing date for registration is 1 May 2009. Participation in the conference is free of charge.