By adopting digital technologies and giving companies greater freedom in labelling and compliance, the proposal seeks to improve chemical safety and communication.  
To optimize specific criteria and procedures within Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemicals and mixtures (CLP Regulation), the European Commission has issued COM (2025) 531, an important proposal.  

The CLP Regulation was largely updated in November 2024 by Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, which added new guidelines for label layout, relabelling deadlines, and other matters. This amendment’s disproportionate administrative burden and expenditures have been highlighted by a detailed analysis.   

To improve communication with authorities and end users, increase flexibility for economic operators, and adjust to contemporary digital practices, the proposal proposes a number of significant adjustments. 

1. ‘Digital Contact’ is introduced 

The CLP Regulation will define “digital contact” in accordance with the “digital by default” premise. The customary rule that economic operators only include their physical address and phone number on product labels has been superseded by this change. Rather, companies will now need to supply an address and a digital contact, which is any current and easily available online communication method. Additionally, the plan mentions that this “digital contact” might be the digital address that the European Business Wallet provides whenever it becomes accessible. 

2. Streamlined Exclusions for Compact Packaging

Economic operators will be permitted to restrict the amount of information required on labels for smaller quantities (less than 10ml) of chemical substances or mixes without having to prove that the size, shape, or form of the packaging precludes complete labelling. It also describes exclusions for 10 ml containers, which Regulation 2024/2865 initially made feasible, especially for containers that hold less hazardous mixtures or ingredients. 

3. Deadlines for Flexible Label Updates

Previously outlined in Article 30(1), the set 6-month period for label updates has been eliminated. This modification recognizes the intricacy of supply chains and the impracticability of strict timeline adherence.  
The amendment will now mandate that labels be updated as soon as new information is acquired by or conveyed to a supplier, giving suppliers more flexibility, especially SMEs who frequently outsource label printing. The longer production and preparation times for fold-out labels in comparison to conventional 2D labels are also considered.  

4. Relaxed Guidelines for Label Formatting

The proposal eliminates the mandatory label formatting requirements that were implemented under Regulation 2024/2865. Economic operators regarded these regulations to be expensive and constrictive. Instead of imposing strict formatting, the new standards relax these criteria and place more emphasis on making sure labels stay readable and clear. 

5. Regulations for Online Sales and Targeted Advertising

The scope of Articles 48 and 48a, which deal with online sales and advertisements, has been limited to chemicals that are marketed to the general public. Additionally, it streamlines the requirements for information in ads by limiting them to notices urging consumers to study product information and labels before using them. The advertisement does not have to include the hazard information (warning, symbol). 

6. Fuelling Station Labelling Made Simpler

To streamline the labelling requirements for fuelling stations, Part 5 of Annex II has been modified. Fuel pumps will no longer need to have certain label components, such as the Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) and notional quantity. 

7. Transitional Periods

After July 1, 2026, all vendors must adhere to the revised rules. Beginning on January 1, 2027, the new PCN requirement will be in effect. Starting on January 1, 2028, some clauses, such as the modified label formatting guidelines, will be implemented.  

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