EU-Wide Audit on Hazardous Mixtures in Products" />
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced a significant new project that has many suppliers of consumer goods feeling the heat. The EU is set to conduct an audit on products containing hazardous mixtures regulated by the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations. This move is expected to ensure that consumer goods, ranging from air fresheners to electronic cigarettes, comply with stringent safety standards, protecting consumers and children from chemical hazards in products.
A Sweeping Initiative for Consumer Protection: Hazardous Material Audit & Compliance
The REF-14 project, spearheaded by ECHA’s Enforcement Forum, aims to enforce the correct classification and labelling of hazardous mixtures in widely available consumer products. These checks are crucial as some products, such as nicotine items and certain air fresheners, often contain substances that are acutely toxic, sensitizing, or irritant. Despite these risks, some suppliers have been found to neglect proper hazard classification and labelling, potentially endangering users and especially children.
Inspectors will examine whether suppliers meet their obligations under the CLP regulation. This includes checking that products are correctly classified and labelled, appropriately packaged, and equipped with child-resistant fastenings. Additionally, notifications to poison centers and the accuracy of safety data sheets (SDSs) will be reviewed. This thorough inspection process is scheduled for 2026, following a preparation phase in 2025.
HazCom Standards: Addressing Non-Compliance and Enhancing Safety
This initiative is not just a routine check but a critical enforcement measure to uphold consumer safety standards. Suppliers who have been lax in their compliance practices will need to tighten their operations to avoid penalties. The focus will be on ensuring that all hazardous mixtures are clearly identified and that consumers are well-informed about the risks and safe usage of these products.
Ensuring a Fair Competitive Environment
In addition to the REF-14 project, the Forum has also launched a pilot enforcement project targeting only representatives who register imported substances, including those in mixtures. This project aims to identify and address fraudulent practices and ensure a fair competitive environment for companies across different countries. Inspectors of hazardous materials will verify that the tonnage of substances is correctly registered, preventing under-reporting that could compromise safety data and risk management.
Increasing Transparency and Awareness
In a move to increase transparency, the Forum will test the practice of publicly broadcasting its stakeholder workshops. These workshops will present the results and recommendations of enforcement projects, raising awareness about compliance issues and the work of enforcement authorities. This initiative aims to foster greater understanding and adherence to safety regulations among stakeholders.
History for Compliance for Hazardous Materials in Products
The Enforcement Forum has conducted several enforcement projects. The last enforcement project to check the classification and labelling of products (REF-6) was completed in 2019. The following was found in the 3,134 total number of SDSs checked:
- In 1,026 cases, the checked SDSs contained errors/deficiencies in the content of:
| SDS Section | # of SDSs with non-compliances |
| Section 2.1 (hazard classification) | 426 |
| Section 2.2 (label elements) | 494 |
| Section 3.2 (composition/information on ingredients) | 467 |
| Section 9 (physical and chemical properties) | 371 |
| Section 11 (toxicological information) | 319 |
| Section 12 (ecological information) | 204 |
| Section 16 (other information) | 399 |
- Non-compliance rate: 33 %
Securing Health and Environmental Safety
The Enforcement Forum, along with its biocides subgroup, continues to coordinate the enforcement of several key regulations, including REACH, CLP, PIC, POPs, and the Biocidal Product regulations. Their efforts are crucial in protecting health and the environment while ensuring a level playing field for companies within the EU market.
Navigating these regulatory updates and ensuring compliance can be a daunting task for suppliers. TotalSDS can help. We specialize in authoring and managing Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for the EU market, ensuring that your products meet all regulatory requirements. With our expert guidance, you can stay ahead of the compliance curve, avoid penalties, and ensure the safety of your consumers. Our comprehensive services include accurate hazard classification, precise labelling, and thorough documentation, all tailored to the latest regulatory standards through our software platforms and professional services.
As this ambitious project unfolds, suppliers must brace themselves for rigorous checks and heightened scrutiny. For consumers, this means enhanced safety and greater transparency about the products they use daily. This proactive approach by the EU marks a significant step forward in safeguarding public health and maintaining trust in consumer goods. And with TotalSDS by your side, navigating these changes will be smoother and more efficient, giving you the confidence to focus on what you do best – delivering quality products to the market.
