The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 governs the classification and labelling of chemical substances and mixtures, including household detergents and cleaning products.

It aligns EU legislation with the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and has replaced the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD) and Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD).

CLP is a dynamic regulation, regularly updated through Adaptations to Technical Progress (ATP) to reflect scientific developments and revisions to the GHS. The most recent updates include:

• New hazard classes for endocrine disruptors (EDs) and persistent, mobile, and toxic substances (PMTs) 
• Expanded harmonised classifications under Annex VI, with new substances added and existing entries revised
• Mandatory compliance dates for recent ATPs: e.g., the 23rd ATP (Regulation (EU) 2025/1222) will apply from 1 February 2027, with voluntary early adoption encouraged 

The scope of CLP includes all substances and mixtures placed on the EU market, except those explicitly excluded under Article 1, such as:

• Radioactive substances,
• Non-isolated intermediates,
• Substances for scientific research not placed on the market,
• Finished products like cosmetics, medicinal products, and foodstuffs.

A key principle of CLP remains self-classification, unless a substance is listed in Annex VI with a harmonised classification. Classification must be based on all available data, including toxicological and ecotoxicological information.