News Brief
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has officially released the Seventh Edition GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling List (GB MCL List), introducing significant updates for chemical compliance in Great Britain.
This revised GB MCL List adds 30 new hazardous chemical substances with mandatory classification and labelling requirements, alongside revisions to existing entries. The new regulations will take effect on 23 September 2025, and enterprises must ensure compliance by 23 March 2027.
What is the GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling List?
Since 1 January 2021, following Brexit, Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) no longer adheres to the EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (CLP Regulation). To address this regulatory gap, the UK introduced the GB CLP Regulation and established the GB MCL List, managed by the HSE.
The GB MCL List serves as a unified legal framework for the classification and labelling of chemicals, ensuring the accurate transmission of hazard information to protect human health and environmental safety. Updates to the list are driven by scientific research, international regulatory changes, and domestic needs.
Key Updates of the UK GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling List
The Seventh Edition represents the fifth submission by the UK Chemical Safety Management Authority to the Minister, resulting in the addition and revision of 30 substances. Below are the highlights:
New Substances Added
Sodium Perborate and Disodium Perborate: Classified as Reproductive Toxicants (Repr. 1B), requiring mandatory hazard labelling.
Ozone: Newly classified as an Oxidizing Gas (Ox. Gas 1) and Acute Toxicant (Acute Tox. 1), with long-term hazards to the nervous system and respiratory system.
Pigment Red 83 and Solvent Violet 13: Commonly used in tattoo inks and cosmetics, now classified as Skin Sensitizers (Skin Sens. 1B).
Revisions and Optimizations
Corrections to earlier entries, addressing spelling errors and classification inconsistencies.
Removal of duplicate entries to enhance list accuracy and consistency.
Other Adjustments
Updates to Specific Concentration Limits (SCLs) and Acute Toxicity Estimates (ATEs) for certain substances to better reflect their hazard profiles.
What Do These Updates Mean for Chemical Enterprises?
Increased Compliance Pressure
The addition of 30 substances impacts industries such as cosmetics, chemicals, plant protection, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing. Enterprises must promptly review their product ingredients to ensure compliance with updated classification and labelling requirements.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Updates
Under the GB CLP Regulation, enterprises are required to update their Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to reflect the latest classification information. This is crucial for both compliance and supply chain safety.
Market Access Risks
Non-compliance with the new regulations could result in product recalls, market bans, or legal penalties. Enterprises should prioritize compliance adjustments to avoid disruptions.
Compliance Recommendations for Enterprises
To support enterprises in adapting to these updates, the following steps are recommended:
Review Product Ingredients: Check the Seventh Edition GB MCL List to identify any newly added or revised substances in your products. Pay special attention to high-risk substances such as Sodium Perborate and Ozone.
Update Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Ensure your SDS reflects the latest classification information, including hazard categories, hazard statements, and protective measures.
Monitor Regulatory Changes: Stay updated on future announcements from the HSE to proactively plan compliance efforts.
Why GB MCL List Update Matters?
The release of the Seventh Edition GB MCL List signifies the UK’s ongoing efforts to refine its chemical regulatory framework. As scientific research and international regulations evolve, further updates to the GB MCL List are expected.
REACH24H advises enterprises to closely monitor these changes and take proactive steps to ensure smooth market access in the UK.
If you have any questions on UK REACH, please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com.
