ECHA

The classification and labelling of certain hazardous chemicals must be harmonised to ensure adequate risk management throughout the European Community.

Member States, manufacturers, importers and downstream users may propose a harmonised classification and labelling of a substance. Member States can also propose a revision of an existing harmonisation.

Harmonised classifications and labelling are mandatory for the suppliers of the respective substance so that users are better informed about their potential hazardous effects and how best to make use of it safely.

Public consultation

The harmonised classification and labelling process includes a period of public consultation.

Anyone can comment on a proposed harmonisation. Those most likely to be interested are companies, organisations representing industry or civil society, as well as individual experts.

The public consultation lasts for 45 days.

Provide your comments

Write your comments in English.

Comments are welcomed from the EU or beyond.

RAC opinion

After the consultation period the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) will prepare a scientific opinion on the proposal taking into account the received comments.

For active substances in biocidal or plant protection products, RAC will examine the available evidence for all hazard classes and may propose classification for additional hazard classes as appropriate.

For all other substances, RAC will limit its assessment to the hazard classes for which classification was proposed. However, RAC may consider another category more appropriate for the classification of the substance after having examined the available information.