GB classification and labelling

On this page, you will find information on:

  • classifying and labelling substances and mixtures placed on the GB market
  • using the GB mandatory classification and labelling list (GB MCL List)
  • how to stay up to date with changes to GB mandatory classification and labelling

More information is available on the steps involved in ‘submitting a new or revised GB mandatory classification and labelling proposal’ webpage.

Classifying and labelling substances and mixtures placed on the GB market

Substances and mixtures placed on the GB market must be classified and labelled in line with the GB CLP Regulation.

There are two kinds of classification:

  • Mandatory classification is a classification that has been made legally binding within Great Britain. It is equivalent to the 'harmonised classifications' that exist under EU CLP. The mandatory classifications and the accompanying hazard labelling (MCL) are listed in the GB mandatory classification and labelling list (GB MCL list). Where a substance has an MCL for some or all hazard classes, suppliers to the GB market must apply it
  • The GB mandatory classification and labelling system will be hosted, managed and operated by HSE (as the GB CLP Agency)
  • Self-classification is where the supplier gathers and evaluates all of the available information, then compares it to the classification criteria
  • Self-classification applies to all mixtures, and to substances which do not have a mandatory classification. Substances which do have a mandatory classification must be self-classified for any hazard classes not covered by that mandatory classification

Using the GB mandatory classification and labelling list (GB MCL List)

The GB MCL List gives information on the classification and hazard labelling of the substance and is legally binding in GB.

If you are classifying a substance that appears in the GB MCL List, then you must use the mandatory classification and labelling that appears in the GB MCL List. Similarly, if you are classifying a mixture that contains a substance on the GB MCL List, you must use the mandatory classification in your calculations. The exception is where you have robust scientific data on the mixture itself which you can use to classify the mixture, rather than using information on the component substances.

The GB MCL List is amended annually to keep the entries up to date with scientific and technical developments (see Get involved).

How to stay up to date with changes to GB mandatory classification and labelling

You can stay up to date with changes to GB mandatory classification and labelling in two ways:

  • GB CLP e-Bulletin
  • Table of Publications supporting decisions on new or revised GB mandatory classification and labelling (GB MCL)

GB CLP e-Bulletin

The GB CLP e-Bulletin alerts stakeholders about upcoming publications and public consultations for GB MCL and any important developments in the GB CLP Regulation.

Stakeholders should sign up to the GB CLP e-Bulletin on HSE's web site.

Table of publications supporting ministerial decisions on new or revised GB mandatory classification and labelling (GB MCL)

Please visit the table to see publications supporting ministerial decisions on new or revised GB MCL, including uploaded documents, such as the GB MCL Technical Reports, Agency Opinions and Decisions.

For documents or information stored on external websites, links are provided. This includes links to GB MCL proposals (and supporting information) that are stored on Citizen Space.

CLP publication template

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Updated: 2023-01-17