UK Revises GB CLP, Abolishing Classification and Labelling Notification

On 21 May 2026, the UK brought into force the Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Regulations (UK SI 2026/484), amending the GB CLP Regulation. The core amendments involve the abolition of classification and labelling notification, simplification of the mandatory classification procedure, among other changes. This initiative is expected to streamline administrative procedures, reduce the burden on enterprises, and ensure the effective implementation of the GHS system in the UK.

Abolition of Classification and Labelling Notification

The Regulations explicitly remove the provisions on classification and labelling notification under Title V, Chapter 2 of the GB CLP Regulation, cancelling the requirement for suppliers to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and eliminating the obligation to establish a public database. All content related to the notification database has also been deleted, such as the provisions in Article 1, paragraph 1, concerning the establishment of an inventory of substance classifications and labels.

As a result of the abolition of classification and labelling notification requirements, the Regulations also amend the UK REACH Regulation accordingly, deleting references to the GB notification database in Article 3(43), and Annex II, Section 3.2.1, points (iv) and (vi).

Simplification of the Mandatory Classification Procedure

In Article 36 (mandatory classification and labelling of substances), paragraphs 1, 2, and 3, the phrase "or Article 37A" is deleted. Articles 37 and 37A are replaced with new provisions. The revised Article 37 clarifies that the mandatory classification and labelling procedure comprises two types of proposals: the fast-track proposal and the ordinary proposal. A "fast-track proposal" refers to a proposal from a regional (including the EU) or national competent authority that the HSE considers to have—(a) adopted the GHS in a manner similar to the United Kingdom; and (b) a transparent classification proposal system based on public consultation. If a proposal does not qualify as a "fast-track proposal," it will be subject to a longer process.

Transitional Provisions

Proposals already published by the European Chemicals Agency's Risk Assessment Committee before the entry into force of these Regulations are not subject to this amendment; nor are proposals received by the Agency or initiated by the Agency itself prior to the entry into force date. These transitional provisions prevent the new amendments from affecting ongoing proposals.

The new amendments do not alter the core elements of the GB CLP Regulation, such as GHS classification criteria and labelling elements. The removal of notification requirements will, to a certain extent, simplify the compliance process for suppliers.

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