Introduction to classification and labelling for plant protection products

Legislation

Since 1 June 2015, plant protection products (PPPs) which are placed on the Great Britain and Northern Ireland markets must comply with legislation on classification and labelling of chemicals.

Harmonised rules are laid down in the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures, 1272/2008, which came into force on 20 January 2009 (known as 'the CLP Regulation' or 'CLP').

CLP implements in the UK the United Nations' Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for classification and labelling.

CLP superseded EU Council Directives 67/548/EEC (the 'Dangerous Substances Directive') and 1999/45/EC (the 'Dangerous Preparations Directive') which had been implemented in the UK by the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 ('CHIP 4').

The provisions of the CLP regulation were gradually phased in and came fully into force on 1 June 2015 by which point all PPPs being placed on the market had to be classified and labelled in line with CLP. Until then a transitional period applied to allow gradual migration from CHIP 4 to CLP.

• More about CLP.
• More about CHIP and the implementation of CLP (National Archives website).

Definitions

Classification

‘Classification’ refers to the supplier, of a substance or a preparation or mixture evaluating the information identified in CLP and applying it to the specified criteria for classification to ascertain the hazards associated with the substance or preparation/mixture. Under CLP this consists of the:

• hazard class or category
• hazard statement

Labelling

‘Labelling’ refers to the supplier communicating the hazards of substances and mixtures via a label, the elements of which are set out in CLP, to ensure appropriate protection of human health and the environment.

Under CLP this includes the:

• signal word
• pictogram
• hazard statements
• precautionary statements
• supplementary statements

Packaging

Packaging’ refers to the supplier packaging a dangerous or hazardous product in line with the requirements of CLP, to ensure appropriate protection of human health and the environment.