On June 27, 2007, the European Commission adopted a proposed regulation concerning the classification, labeling, and packaging of substances and mixtures, aiming to align the EU system with the UN global harmonization system. If adopted, the regulation would eliminate current individual labeling requirements for products imported into the EU, benefiting manufacturers in Hong Kong and mainland China. Furthermore, the proposed regulation complements the new Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals Regulation (REACH). The current EU chemical classification and labelling system is set forth in three key directives, providing strong protections in terms of health, safety, environment, and consumers :
 • | Hazardous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC); |
| • | Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC); |
| • | Safety Data Sheet Directive (91/155/EEC – this directive was superseded by the REACH Regulation as of June 1, 2007). |
The first two directives outline the regulations concerning the classification, packaging, and labeling of hazardous substances and preparations, while the third directive ensures that suppliers of substances and preparations provide professional customers with information on the hazards and safe use of chemicals.
The proposed regulations aim to: 1) standardize the classification, labeling, and packaging rules for substances and mixtures; 2) require companies to classify their manufactured substances and mixtures and notify the relevant authorities; 3) establish a standardized list of substances; and 4) provide a labeling directory. Below is an example of a labeling change for an extremely flammable chemical:
For most chemicals, the proposed system is similar to the existing system. However, the classification criteria for some hazardous chemicals differ slightly, thus requiring the reclassification of certain substances and mixtures. Another objective of the proposal is to prevent environmental impacts from hazardous chemicals and to protect the health of workers and consumers. The proposal also adopts the REACH regulations regarding the use, classification, and labeling of chemical substances and establishes a unified classification list.
The proposed regulations will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for consideration, with the aim of reclassifying substances and mixtures by December 1, 2010, and June 1, 2015, respectively. It is anticipated that the European Commission will propose other bills to amend EU law to align with the new regulations. If adopted, the regulations will supersede the current EU classification and labelling directives (Directive 67/548/EEC on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances, and Directive 1999/45/EC on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations).
★ This information is sourced from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council website.http://www.tdctrade.com/alert/chi/ceu0717b.htm
