Chemicals information and packaging

Suppliers must classify and label substances and mixtures according to the European Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures, known as the CLP Regulation.

This implements the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System, which replaced different laws across the world controlling how the hazardous properties of chemicals are described and how this information is given to those using them. CLP is directly acting, meaning that it did not need to be enacted in UK regulations to become law and is part of EU-retained law (see Chapter 1).

CLP uses black symbols on a white background with a red diamond-shaped border. More information can be found on the Chemical Classification pages of the HSE website, along with further information on the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System.

HSE guidance on the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations (L64) can be downloaded from the HSE website.