SECTION 2.1: Classification of the Substance or Mixture

This section describes the classification of the substance or mixture in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and any additional regional or national requirements. The classification must be consistent with the criteria outlined in Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation).

Classification diagram

Key Requirements for Classification

  • Provide the classification for physical, health, and environmental hazards according to GHS and CLP criteria
  • Include specific hazard classes, categories, and associated hazard statements (H-statements)
  • If the substance or mixture does not meet classification criteria, clearly state this

Required Information

  • The hazard categories
  • The hazard classes
  • The hazard statements

Legacy Classifications

Please note: If you are dealing with an older substance or mixture's safety data sheet, it may contain information relating to the old CHIP regulations. In this case, this subsection should provide the indications of danger, the symbol letters and the risk phrases.

The hazard statements (or risk phrases) may be written out in full here in this subsection. However, if your supplier only includes the numerical codes here, they must write out the full hazard statements (or risk phrases) in Section 16.

Determination of the Hazard Classification

A system was designed to enable people to reliably classify the hazards we identify. To classify substances and mixtures, you can compare their physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties against a set of classification criteria set out in the relevant regulations.

In cases where no data is available when trying to classify a mixture, then the classification can be determined by comparing the mixture to a similar mixture for which data is available, or it can be calculated based on the composition of the mixture.

There are a great many pure substances already listed in Part 3 of Annex VI of the CLP. Classification is mandatory, but these classifications are only the minimum that is required.

Classification process diagram

Classification Process

When classifying a substance, only certain hazard classes are considered so suppliers of those substances must determine whether they present any additional hazards.

For any substances not already classified and listed in CLP, then the supplier must determine the classification of the substance for each potential hazard and then notify the ECHA. The ECHA will then place the information on the Classification and Labelling (C&L) Inventory.

C&L Inventory

Multiple Classifications

It is very likely when searching through the C&L Inventory that you will come across many substances which have been given multiple classifications. This is because different suppliers are often working from different datasets, and as such come up with slightly different results.

However, the way the C&L Inventory is designed to work allows suppliers to discuss their results and eventually bring each substance down to only one classification by agreement.

You should understand that these hazards are inherent to the product. You cannot remove them. This information is vitally important, alongside how - and how much of - the substance is handled and its physical properties. It will allow you to determine the risks faced by your people and the environment.

Non-Classified Products

There are many substances and mixtures out there which are not classed as hazardous but have safety data sheets published for them anyway. There is no regulatory requirement to do so, but many suppliers will publish them anyway and attach the words 'not classified' or 'not classified under EC Directives or Regulations' to this subsection.

They publish these safety data sheets because the information provided in them can still be used to assist you in your risk assessment. Often, the ingredients in non-classified products do present hazards - they were just below the classification threshold and as such were deemed not hazardous.

However, you should still take precautions and properly risk assess the substance or mixture and your uses of it. This is especially important if the product wasn't classified solely due to a lack of data. In this case, the product may well be extremely hazardous.

M-Factors

In the case of environmentally hazardous substances, you will also notice 'M-Factors' written in this subsection. An M-Factor is the multiplication factor used to calculate the classification of mixtures containing substances which are known to cause damage to the environment.

The purpose of an M-Factor is to effectively lower the classification limits for significantly hazardous substances.

It is not a legal requirement for suppliers to provide the M-Factor, but it is STRONGLY recommended.

Examples of Classification

Classification Procedure for Mixtures

The classification of mixtures must take into account:

Specific Considerations

For substances or mixtures that do not meet classification criteria but contain hazardous components:

Consistency with Other SDS Sections

The classification provided in this section must align with information presented in other sections of the SDS:

Best Practices for Classification

The accuracy and consistency of this section are critical for regulatory compliance and effective hazard communication. Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that all classifications are up-to-date and supported by evidence.