Walk down any supermarket aisle or open a cupboard at home, and you’ll find a range of products bearing small but important symbols – hazard pictograms, warnings, and safety instructions. From cleaning sprays to paint tins, these labels are shaped by a crucial piece of legislation: CLP Guidance. But what exactly is CLP, and how does it affect the way products are labelled?
CLP, short for Classification, Labelling and Packaging, is a regulation introduced to ensure that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to workers, consumers, and the general public. Rooted in the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System (GHS), CLP brings consistency to the way chemical substances and mixtures are identified and labelled across Europe – and in the UK through GB CLP, the post-Brexit domestic version.
The impact of this guidance on labels is significant. Every product that contains hazardous chemicals must carry a label that complies with CLP requirements. This label must display specific elements, including hazard pictograms, signal words (like “Warning” or “Danger”), hazard and precautionary statements, and supplier contact details. The purpose is to make sure users understand the risks before they even open the container.
But it’s not just about slapping on a few symbols. CLP guidance is detailed and technical, requiring manufacturers and importers to classify their products based on physical, health, and environmental hazards. This classification process determines the exact wording and imagery that must appear on the product label. For instance, a substance that is flammable or corrosive will require specific pictograms and warnings to reflect the level of risk.
For businesses, this has a direct effect on how products are presented and marketed. Labels need to balance legal compliance with clear communication. There’s also the added challenge of space—especially for smaller containers—where all the required information must still be visible and legible. It often means redesigning labels or adopting multi-layer formats like peel and reveal labels to accommodate all the content.
CLP guidance also places strict limitations on what cannot be included on labels. Terms such as “non-toxic,” “eco-friendly,” or “safe” are not allowed on products that have been classified as hazardous, as they may contradict the required hazard information and mislead consumers. This ensures consistency and helps prevent greenwashing or underplaying of potential risks.
The importance of CLP labelling goes far beyond legal compliance. In workplaces, it’s essential for health and safety, enabling workers to handle substances correctly and use proper personal protective equipment. At home, it helps consumers make informed choices about which products to use and how to store or dispose of them safely.
As scientific knowledge evolves, so too does CLP guidance. Regular updates are issued—sometimes through Adaptations to Technical Progress (ATPs) – to include new substance classifications or revise existing ones. This means manufacturers must stay alert and be ready to revise their labels as regulations change. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees this process under the GB CLP regulation, often referring to guidance and opinions from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) when considering updates to the UK’s classification list.
For consumers, the effects of CLP are largely behind the scenes—but every carefully designed chemical label is a sign of the work that goes into ensuring safety, transparency, and trust. For businesses, compliance with CLP guidance is a legal and ethical obligation, shaping how they present their products and communicate their responsibilities to the public.
In a world where we interact with chemical products every day, clear and accurate labelling isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. CLP guidance ensures that the right information is always right where it’s needed: on the label, at a glance, before any risks arise.
