GB CLP: HSE Chemical Classification and Labelling Rules

Regulatory citation: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, as it applies in Great Britain (GB CLP), as amended including by the Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/484)

What Is the GB CLP Regulation?

The GB CLP Regulation sets the rules for classifying, labelling and packaging hazardous chemicals placed on the market in Great Britain. It applies the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS). After the UK left the EU, the EU CLP Regulation was kept in GB law and amended so it works in Great Britain. HSE is the GB CLP Agency.

GB CLP applies to manufacturers, importers, downstream users and distributors supplying the GB market. Placing on the market includes importing.

Why GB CLP Matters

Classification identifies a chemical's hazards. Labels and safety data sheets pass that information down the supply chain, so employers can carry out COSHH and DSEAR assessments and workers can see the hazards at a glance.

Core Requirements

1. Classify Before Supplying (Article 4)

Manufacturers, importers and downstream users must classify substances and mixtures before placing them on the market. Distributors in Great Britain may use a classification derived by another supplier in the chain, and downstream users may do the same if they do not change the composition. Everyone in the supply chain must co-operate to meet the requirements.

2. Apply GB Mandatory Classifications (Article 4(3))

Where a substance has an entry on the GB mandatory classification and labelling (GB MCL) list, it must be classified in line with that entry. Hazard classes not covered by the entry must still be self-classified. All EU harmonised classifications in force on 31 December 2020 were carried into the GB MCL list, which HSE publishes.

3. Label Hazardous Products Correctly (Article 17)

A hazardous substance or mixture in packaging must carry a label showing the supplier's name, address and telephone number, the nominal quantity for packages sold to the public, product identifiers, and, where applicable, hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements and supplemental information. The label must be in English. Other languages may be added if the same details appear in each.

4. Keep Labels Up to Date (Article 30)

If a classification change brings a more severe hazard class or new supplemental labelling, the supplier must update the label promptly. Other labelling changes must be made within 18 months.

5. Use Safe Packaging (Article 35)

Packaging must stop the contents escaping, be made of materials the contents will not damage and be strong enough for normal handling. Packaging for the general public must not attract children or look like food, cosmetics or medicines. Some products need child-resistant fastenings or tactile warnings under Annex II.

6. Keep Classification Records for 10 Years (Article 49)

Suppliers must keep the information used for classification and labelling for at least 10 years after they last supplied the substance or mixture, and provide it to enforcing authorities on request.

7. Know the 2026 Changes (SI 2026/484)

From 21 May 2026, GB manufacturers and importers no longer need to notify HSE of the classification and labelling of substances they place on the GB market, and the GB notification database provisions were removed. The same Regulations replaced the process for adopting new GB mandatory classifications with a new Article 37, including a fast-track route for classification proposals from territories, including the EU, that HSE considers have adopted the GHS in a similar way to the UK. HSE says the current GB MCL system continues under a transition period while the new system is introduced.

Common Compliance Approaches

Check the GB MCL List Regularly

HSE adds and revises entries, and GB classifications can differ from EU ones. Check the GB list rather than relying on EU data.

Align Labels and Safety Data Sheets

Review labels whenever a safety data sheet is updated, so the classification matches across both documents.

Submit Poison Centre Information

HSE says GB importers and downstream users should follow the arrangements for submitting information on hazardous mixtures to the UK National Poisons Information Service.

Example: GB CLP in Practice

A cleaning products manufacturer reformulates a degreaser for GB customers. Its regulatory team classifies the new mixture using ingredient data and checks each ingredient against the GB MCL list, finding one solvent has a GB entry that differs from its EU classification. The label is redesigned with the correct pictograms, signal word and hazard statements in English, the safety data sheet is updated to match, and the classification file is archived for at least 10 years after the last sale.

Related regulations: OSHA HazCom, COSHH hazardous substances, WHS Hazardous Chemicals.

Note: This summary reflects the GB CLP Regulation as it applies in Great Britain, where HSE is the GB CLP Agency. Substances and mixtures placed on the market in Northern Ireland are subject to the EU CLP Regulation. Always check the current legislation and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EU CLP still apply in Great Britain?

No. Great Britain has its own version of the CLP Regulation, enforced with HSE as the GB CLP Agency. Northern Ireland continues to follow the EU CLP Regulation.

Do I still need to notify HSE of substance classifications?

No. From 21 May 2026, the duty for GB manufacturers and importers to notify HSE of the classification and labelling of substances they place on the GB market was removed by SI 2026/484.

What is the GB MCL list?

The GB mandatory classification and labelling list sets legally binding classifications for certain substances in Great Britain. Suppliers must follow these entries and self-classify any hazard classes the entry does not cover.