What is a C&L Notification?
C&L stands for “Classification” and “Labelling.” A C&L notification involves identifying the potential health and environmental hazards of hazardous substances placed on the market, communicating this information through labelling, and officially notifying the ECHA C&L Inventory to comply with the EU CLP Regulation.
Chemleg offers C&L Notification (Classification and Labelling Notification) services to help companies comply with Article 40 of the EU CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008). This notification ensures that hazardous substances placed on the EU market are properly classified and listed in the ECHA Classification and Labelling Inventory.
Who is required to submit a C&L notification?
- Manufacturers and importers placing hazardous substances on the EU market (≥1 tonne per year).
- Non-EU exporters (via an EU-based Only Representative, OR).
- Companies introducing new hazardous substances not yet listed in the C&L Inventory.
How is the C&L Notification submitted?
The C&L notification process can be summarized as follows:
- Identify the legal entity responsible for the notification.
- Gather the necessary information: substance identity, EU importer/manufacturer details, hazard classification, labelling elements, etc.
- Ensure that the substance is accurately classified according to the CLP Regulation. This step is critical since all labelling and notification data are based on the classification.
- Create the C&L notification dossier using the IUCLID system.
- Submit the prepared dossier to ECHA via the REACH-IT platform.
- Upon successful completion, a confirmation report is received from ECHA. It is recommended to retain this report for future inspections.
- Keep the C&L notification up to date. Any changes in the classification, composition, concentration, or contact information of the notifier must be reflected through an updated notification.
A C&L notification must be submitted no later than one month after a hazardous substance is first placed on the EU market in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year. Please note that C&L notifications apply only to hazardous substances, not to mixtures. However, if you are placing hazardous mixtures on the market, you may be required to submit a Poison Centre Notification (PCN) instead. Chemleg is ready to assist you with both C&L and PCN notification processes.
C&L Notification Services by Chemleg
Chemleg ensures that your C&L notifications are prepared comprehensively and accurately, taking over this obligation under CLP compliance on your behalf. Our service includes:
- C&L Notification Preparation & Submission
- Verification of Existing Notifications
- Updating & Managing C&L Notifications
- Regulatory Monitoring & Compliance Support
You can schedule a meeting with our experts by filling out the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
For which substances is C&L notification required?
All substances classified as hazardous under the CLP Regulation require C&L notification.
Is C&L notification the same as REACH registration?
No. Although both relate to chemical safety, they serve different purposes, have different obligations, and fall under different regulations.
Is a C&L notification required for substances already registered under REACH?
If the substance has been registered under REACH and includes valid classification data in compliance with CLP, a separate C&L notification is generally not required. However, if the classification information is missing or incorrect, a separate notification is mandatory.
What is the difference between a Poison Centre Notification (PCN) and a C&L notification?
C&L notification includes information on hazard classification and labelling of a substance, while a PCN provides detailed information for poison centres to be used in emergency health response (e.g., poisoning incidents) for hazardous mixtures.
What happens if C&L notification is not submitted?
Failure to meet C&L notification obligations can result in legal penalties, including fines, product recalls, or bans on placing products on the market.
Is C&L notification required for mixtures?
No. C&L notification applies only to hazardous substances. However, hazardous mixtures must comply with Poison Centre Notification (PCN) requirements under CLP Annex VIII.
Can a C&L notification be updated if classification changes?
Yes. If new data leads to a reclassification (e.g., higher toxicity), the notifier must update the C&L notification without delay (Article 40(2) of CLP). Chemleg assists with these updates.
Is C&L the same as REACH?
No. REACH focuses on registration and risk management of substances, while C&L specifically standardizes hazard classification and labelling.
How can Chemleg support you in this process?
Chemleg prepares and submits your C&L notifications, verifies your existing entries, updates and manages your notifications on your behalf, and provides regulatory support to ensure continued compliance.
