Norms and classification

SUSTAINABILITY

Norms and classification

REGULATION (EC) 1272/2008 CLP (CLASSIFICATION, LABELLING & PACKAGING) CLP is the European Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures; it entered into force in the European Union on 20 January 2009; it is addressed to all those who manufacture, import, use or distribute chemical substances or mixtures, including biocides and agrochemicals, regardless of their quantity; it gradually replaces the current reference regulations for the classification and labelling of substances and mixtures, repealing them completely from June 1, 2015. CLP implements in the European Union what is provided for by the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), wanted by the United Nations with the aim of harmonizing classification and labelling criteria, thus promoting the free movement of goods and ensuring, at the same time, a high level of protection for man and the environment. Apart from some exceptions (medicines, medical devices, food, cosmetics, etc.) for which there are specific regulations, CLP applies to all chemical substances and mixtures; biocides and agro-pharmaceuticals, in their commercial form (sales packaging) also belong to the latter. The application of CLP has led to significant changes for the classification and labelling of agrochemicals and has introduced important changes different classification criteria for physical, health and environmental hazards; warnings indicating the relative degree of the hazard (‘Danger’ or ‘Caution’); different Pictograms (diamond or rhombus shaped squared symbols);

codification with hazard statements (H-Phrases) and precautionary statements (P-Phrases) which replaced the old R-Phrases and S-Phrases;
introduction of additional information (EUH-Phrases).

THE SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS) The application of CLP has not changed the obligations to provide the safety data sheet (SDS), which have remained unchanged; as of June 1, 2015, the SDS must be completed with the references and classifications required by CLP.

IMPACT ON OTHER RELATED REGULATIONS The new provisions introduced by CLP see a fallout on other related regulations that refer to the criteria for classification and labeling, and in particular: Seveso (D. Lgs. 334/199 and s.m.i.), Health and Safety in the Workplace (D. Lgs. 81/2008), Waste (Annexes D and I to Part Four of D. Lgs. 152/2006 and s.m.i.), Contribution for food safety (Circular Ministry of Agriculture Food and Forestry of 6 February 2001, n. 1), Archive Dangerous Preparations (art. 45 CLP and D. Lgs. 65/2003).

AGROFARMA PUBLICATION In order to ensure adequate support to the supply chain and to make available an easy-to-read tool on the main features and obligations arising from the application of the CLP Regulation and the impact on related regulations, Agrofarma has published the booklet “The classification and labeling of pesticides. The new rules”, addressed to retailers and distributors of agrochemicals, technicians and consultants, various stakeholders in the supply chain. The document is available at www.agrofarma.it