In the evolving chemical industry environment, regulatory compliance is essential for ensuring safety and maintaining trust with customers and stakeholders. Companies must adopt best practices to navigate complex regulations effectively and demonstrate their commitment to safety and transparency. Below are some key practices that organizations should consider for robust regulatory compliance.

1. Establishing a dedicated regulatory compliance team

Having a dedicated team of regulatory experts is crucial. This team should stay informed about relevant regulations and their requirements, enabling the organization to adapt quickly to changes. Continuous education and training ensure that the team is well equipped to handle regulatory challenges.

2. Quality Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Providing accurate and up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is a fundamental aspect of compliance. Companies should ensure that their SDS adhere to the applicable regulations, such as REACH Annex II in the European Union. It is important to supply these documents in the official language of each Member State where the products are marketed.

To maintain compliance, organizations should periodically review and update their SDS to reflect any regulatory changes or new classifications, such as those mandated by EU Regulation 2020/878.

3. Poison centre notifications

For companies dealing with hazardous mixtures, poison centre notifications play a critical role in ensuring public safety. Providing timely and accurate information to poison centres can aid in effective medical care and emergency response. Businesses should strive to submit robust poison centre notifications, opting for full submissions rather than reduced ones to promote transparency and provide comprehensive data.

Hazard pictograms must stand out from warning labels. Requirements for the hazard pictograms are regulated in annexes I and V of the CPL regulation. 

Incorporating the Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) into SDS and labels allows for easier identification of products during emergency situations. The UFI is a 16-character alphanumeric code that helps emergency responders quickly access the necessary product information.

4. Keeping up with regulatory changes

Regulatory requirements are frequently updated. Companies must continuously monitor changes in classifications, labelling, and packaging standards, such as the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulation. A proactive approach ensures that organizations are prepared to update labels and SDS in accordance with new regulations.

5. Engagement with regulatory authorities

Developing a good relationship with regulatory authorities can facilitate smoother compliance processes. Regular communication can provide insights into upcoming changes and assist in understanding expectations for different regulatory requirements.

Haarla’s commitment to compliance

At Haarla, we take pride in our robust regulatory compliance framework, supported by a team of dedicated experts. Our team ensures that all safety data sheets comply with REACH Annex II and are available in the required languages for the Member States where we operate.

In 2022, we undertook a comprehensive review and update of our SDS to align with the new REACH Annex II format, as specified in EU Regulation 2020/878. We have also completed the necessary submissions for Annex VIII of CLP poison centre notifications, recognizing their importance in providing essential data for emergency situations.

Given that most of our hazardous mixtures serve industrial and professional purposes, we have opted for full poison centre notifications to foster transparency. When notifications are made, we ensure that our SDS include the Unique Formula Identifier (UFI), enhancing the ability of emergency responders to access accurate product information rapidly.

Our dedicated team continuously reviews our safety data sheets in light of updates to harmonized classifications, and we are preparing for the label updates required by the upcoming CLP regulations revision in 2024.

Should you have any questions or require assistance from our regulatory team, please don’t hesitate to reach out.