1. What is CLP?
2. Where will I find the new labels?
3. What does the new symbol with the exclamation mark mean?
4. What does the new symbol with the radiating chest mean?
5. Who can I contact regarding questions about biocides?
1. What is CLP?
CLP stands for "Classification, Labelling and Packaging" and is the new European Regulation regarding the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals and mixtures. The CLP regulation 1272/2008 came into effect on 20 January 2009. The new rules for classification and labelling apply since 1 December 2010 for (new) substances. The (new) mixtures must also be classified and labelled at the latest by 1 June 2015 according to CLP.
2. Where will I find the new labels?
The new rules regarding labelling and packaging apply for all chemicals and mixtures that are brought on the market with the exception of radioactive substances, waste materials, medicines, veterinary medicines, cosmetic products, medical devices, food articles and animal feed.
3. What does the new symbol with the exclamation mark mean?
The pictogram with the exclamation mark is used for substances and mixtures that can cause less severe health risks. The damage can arise after absorption by mouth, inhalation or contact with the skin.
Furthermore, the pictogram is used for substances and mixtures that can cause irritation of the eyes, the skin and the airways, which can cause hypersensitivity reactions after contact with the skin and which can cause certain temporary effects, such as a numbing effect, after one-time exposure.
4. What does the new symbol with the radiating chest mean?
This pictogram is used for substances and mixtures that can cause certain severe health risks. They can for instance be carcinogenic or cause reproduction problems.
In addition, the symbol is also used for substances and mixtures that can cause hypersensitivity and inflict specific organ
damage after inhalation and after being exposed one or more times. Finally, this pictogram also warns about substances and mixtures that can penetrate the airways as a fluid and can cause severe or fatal lung damage.
5. Who can I contact regarding questions about CLP?
If you still have questions, you can always reach the Service Center Health every day from 9 am to 5 pm at the number 02/524.97.97. You can also send an email to info@environment.belgium.be. You can find a useful overview of all details regarding CLP on the ECHA website.