Two European regulations REACH and CLP have caused and will continue to cause tremendous changes within the entire chemical industry:
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) stipulates that almost all chemical substances that are either imported into or manufactured within the EU must be registered.
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures) aims to raise and harmonise global standards protecting the health and safety of consumers, the safety of workers and the environment in general.
These regulations are paving the way for a much greater understanding of the impact of chemical substances on human health and the environment. This impact will be communicated along the supply chain. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will play a key role in this information transfer. In addition to their current content, these SDS will also outline identified uses, exposure scenarios and provide advice on safe handling.
CLP redefines the classification criteria for the physical, toxicological and environmental properties of substances and mixtures. It also regulates labelling and harmonises hazards-related communication (e.g. through consistent pictograms).