The EU advances chemical regulatory reform with the agreement on the Chemicals Omnibus VI package

The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have reached a provisional political agreement to amend the EU chemical regulatory framework. This agreement simplifies the applicable requirements without compromising the protection of human health and the environment.

The reform introduces a balanced approach between regulatory simplification and technical safety. The changes focus on labelling and hazard communication. At the same time, the extension of these requirements to other sectoral legislation is avoided.

The legislative package covers simultaneous amendments to three key regulations: the CLP Regulation, the Cosmetics Regulation and the Biocidal Products Regulation.

Key changes introduced by the agreement

• Proportionate formats: Requirements limited to CLP information for consumers.
• Simplified advertising: Requirement for relevant pictograms and general warnings.
• Digital labelling: Voluntary use of digital formats for small packaging.
• Pictogram optimisation: Greater flexibility to avoid regulatory duplication.
• Cosmetics restrictions: Ban on CMR substances with justified derogations.
• Biocidal procedures: Simplification of authorisations for identical products.
• Extended timeline: Postponement of the application date to 2030.

This political agreement must be formally adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ) before entering into force.

The reform will directly impact manufacturers, importers and distributors across the supply chain. Organisations will face short-term transition costs related to packaging redesign and process updates.

From Siam, we closely monitor the evolution of this reform of the CLP Regulation in the European Union, given its direct impact on the classification, labelling and marketing of chemical substances and mixtures within the EU market. This development within the Chemicals Omnibus package reflects a trend towards regulatory simplification and the integration of digital solutions, key aspects for companies operating in the European Union that will need to adapt to the new requirements and timelines established under the CLP framework.

More information in the official press release of the Council of the European Union.