Classification and Labelling (C&L) Definitions

The C&L Inventory is a public database managed by ECHA that records how chemical substances are classified and labelled across the EU. Manufacturers and importers must report the classification and hazard information for any substances they place on the market. The inventory promotes transparency and consistency in how chemical hazards are communicated.

The CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 sets the rules for identifying and communicating chemical hazards in the EU. It aligns European requirements with the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS), ensuring that hazard symbols, warnings, and statements are consistent and easily understood across all EU Member States. Its goal is to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.

Under Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation, companies placing hazardous mixtures on the EU market must submit a Poison Centre Notification (PCN). This provides health authorities with key information about the product’s composition and hazards, helping them give medical advice quickly in emergencies. Notifications are submitted through ECHA’s online PCN portal and linked to a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) on the product label.

Read our guide on Poison Centre Notifications (PCN)

The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) is an online system where Responsible Persons must register cosmetic products before they are sold in the EU. The notification includes ingredient lists, labelling details, and contact information to support market surveillance and consumer safety. It’s required under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

Read our guide on Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP)

The EPREL database stores detailed information on products that carry an EU energy label, such as household appliances, lighting, and electronics. Before being sold, these products must be registered by manufacturers or importers, including their energy efficiency data and supporting documentation. EPREL helps market surveillance authorities verify labels and allows consumers to compare product performance.

Read our guide on Understanding EPREL – The European Product Registry for Energy Labelling

ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) is the regulatory authority responsible for implementing the EU’s chemical legislation, including REACH, CLP, and the Biocidal Products Regulation.

Based in Helsinki, ECHA manages the safe use of chemicals across the EU by evaluating substances, maintaining public databases, and providing technical and scientific guidance. Through systems like the Classification and Labelling (C&L) Inventory and the ECHA Submission Portal, it ensures that chemical products placed on the market comply with safety and notification requirements.

An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is a detailed document that provides information about the properties, hazards, safe handling, and emergency measures for a chemical product.

SDSs are required under the CLP and REACH Regulations for any hazardous substances or mixtures. They give suppliers, employers, and emergency responders the essential safety information needed to store, transport, and use products safely. A well-prepared SDS also forms the basis for related compliance tasks such as Poison Centre Notifications (PCN).

If you need to produce a Safety Data Sheet for your Authorised Representative in the EU read our page on How to Prepare an SDS (Safety Data Sheet).

The CPSR is the mandatory safety assessment required under EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 and is part of a CPNP submission. It evaluates the safety of a cosmetic product before it is placed on the market. The report includes toxicological profiles of ingredients, product formulation, exposure assessment, and scientific justification confirming the product is safe for its intended use.

Read our guide on Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP)