Understanding the EU CLP Regulation: Key Takeaways for Compliance

According to Wen, beyond the primary compliance deadlines, specific label updates must be made within shorter transition periods depending on the type of classification change.

For example, Wen notes, “If a substance or mixture is classified under a new hazard class or a more severe one, the label must be updated within six months.”

To stay compliant, Wen recommends that “brand owners assess whether their products fall under newly adopted hazard classes and ensure prompt label updates in line with the revised regulation.”

One of the most significant challenges the new CLP regulation poses is related to packaging size. This results from increased font size, new spacing requirements, and additional labeling elements. Brands may need to undertake substantial packaging redesigns to accommodate these changes.

This especially affects industries where packaging size impacts shipping costs, shelf space requirements, and production efficiency.

However, while the CLP updates have strict deadlines, businesses are not required to wait until the last moment to implement changes.

Businesses might consider:

• Conducting early artwork assessments to determine how their packaging will be affected.
• Implementing alternative label formats such as fold-out labels or QR codes for digital labeling.
• Collaborating with regulatory teams to ensure compliance without compromising brand identity or consumer usability.

The revised CLP allows for more flexible use of fold-out labels, simplifying labeling and improving legibility—particularly for products that require multilingual information or have limited packaging space. These multi-page labels efficiently expand space without altering container size, making them ideal for including additional hazard information, safety instructions, and multilingual content.

Regardless of size or shape, labels can be directly adopted in the form of fold-out labels. The front page of such labels should include the following label elements:

Front Page:

• Name, address and phone number
• Nominal quantity of the substance or mixture
• Product identifiers in all languages used in the inside pages
• Hazard pictograms
• Signal words in all languages used in the inside pages
• Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)
• Reference to the full safety information inside
• Abbreviation of the language for all the languages used in the inside pages

Inner Pages:

• The inner pages of the fold-out label shall contain all label elements except for pictograms and supplier information, using the language abbreviations mentioned on the front page.

Back Page:

• The back page of the fold-out label shall contain all the label elements listed on the front page, except for the abbreviations of the languages that are used in the inside pages.

 

Additionally, the updated regulation now permits digital labels alongside physical ones. While labeling elements previously had to be physically attached to the product, brands can now use data carriers—such as QR codes—linked directly to digital labels. These must be firmly affixed or printed on the packaging, with free access provided. Digital labeling offers brands a modern solution for managing compliance and artwork, saving space while enhancing accessibility and user experience.

By adopting these strategies, brands can plan for a smooth transition and avoid costly last-minute redesigns.

Increasing regulatory demands require a scalable solution to help companies update and manage their labeling efficiently. By digitizing workflows, brands can ensure version control, audit trails, and achieve seamless collaboration across teams.

Esko WebCenter provides a streamlined approach for implementing the EU CLP updates.

More specifically:

Challenge: Frequent Label Updates & Increased Packaging Sizes

Solution: With WebCenter’s automated workflows, brands can efficiently update labels across multiple SKUs and packaging formats, ensuring that all content—including hazard statements, pictograms, and supplier details—remains accurate and compliant. This eliminates manual bottlenecks, reducing the risk of mislabeling and costly reworks.

Challenge: Managing Compliance Across Global Regulations

Solution: WebCenter ensures full traceability with audit trails, validation tools, and electronic signatures, helping companies meet ECHA, FDA, EMA, and other regulatory standards. The system automatically tracks revisions, approvals, and compliance deadlines—making audits and regulatory submissions easier and error-free.

Challenge: Ensuring Accurate and Up-to-Date Artwork & Labeling

Solution: With WebCenter’s centralized content management, businesses can efficiently manage and update labeling elements to ensure consistency across all packaging materials.

WebCenter also supports barcode verification, helping companies maintain accurate and compliant labeling for regulatory submissions and production. This ensures that all packaging artwork is audit-ready and aligned with compliance requirements without disrupting workflows.

The latest updates to the EU CLP Regulation are a substantial step forward in chemical safety and consumer protection.

Simply put, the time is now.

Companies must not only achieve compliance, but they must also do so efficiently, accurately, and cost effectively, with as minimal an interruption in business operations as possible.

If you’re interested in learning more about WebCenter, book a discovery call!

[1] Wen’s insights from ChemLinked are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.