Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding safety regulations can feel a little overwhelming, particularly when you're starting a new business. We're here to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Below are answers to some of the questions we're most frequently asked.
What is CLP, and why do I need it?
CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging. It's the system used to identify and communicate the hazards associated with chemicals and mixtures, including fragranced products.
If you're making candles, wax melts, reed diffusers or room sprays to sell, your products need to be assessed to determine whether they require hazard labelling.
Even natural ingredients, such as essential oils, can contain substances that are classified as hazardous.
The legislation originates from Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, which implemented the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS). Following Brexit, this framework was retained in UK law as GB CLP, which applies in England, Scotland, and Wales. In Northern Ireland, EU CLP continues to apply under the Windsor Framework.
If you supply products in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you must ensure compliance with the relevant regime in each market.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A Safety Data Sheet provides detailed information about a product, including its ingredients, potential hazards, safe handling, storage and emergency measures.
An SDS is primarily used to communicate safety information within the supply chain. Whether one must be supplied depends on the product and how it is being supplied.
We can prepare SDS documentation for your finished formulations alongside the relevant CLP classification and labelling information.
What is a CLP label, and what information does it contain?
A CLP label provides important safety information about your product, helping customers understand any hazards and how to use it safely.
Depending on the classification of your finished product, a CLP label may include:
- Product name – identifies the product.
- Hazard pictograms – diamond-shaped symbols highlighting particular hazards, where required.
- Signal words – such as Warning or Danger, depending on the classification.
- Hazard statements – explain the potential risks associated with the product.
- Precautionary statements – provide advice on safe handling, use and disposal.
- Allergen information – identifies certain sensitising ingredients where disclosure is required.
- Supplier details – the name, address and telephone number of the responsible supplier.
Not every product requires all these elements. The information needed depends on the ingredients and the classification of your finished formulation.
What information do you need from me?
To assess your product, we'll usually need:
- Your complete formulation, including the percentage by weight of each ingredient.
- The latest Safety Data Sheets for your fragrance oils, essential oils and other relevant constituents.
- Details of the product you're making, such as a candle, wax melt, reed diffuser or room spray.
- Your business name and contact details for the SDS, including address, telephone (Mobile is OK) and email.
Don't worry if you're unsure what documentation you need. We're happy to explain what's required before getting started.
Do I need a separate CLP assessment for every fragrance?
Generally, yes. Every fragrance blend is different, and even small changes in ingredients can affect the classification of your finished product.
For example, a lavender candle and an orange candle may need different hazard information, even if they contain the same amount of fragrance.
Can I use the same CLP label for different candle sizes?
Usually, yes! If you're making the same candle formulation in several sizes, you can generally use the same CLP classification and hazard information.
However, the label itself must still be suitable for the packaging, and additional checks may be necessary for unusually large products.
What if I change the amount of fragrance in my candle?
Changing your fragrance percentage can affect the hazard classification of your candle.
For example, a candle containing 6% fragrance may have different labelling requirements from one containing 10%, even when the fragrance blend is identical.
We can assess additional concentrations and may be able to offer a reduced fee where the original formulation remains unchanged.
Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
Absolutely. We work with both essential oils and fragrance oils, including blends containing a mixture of the two.
It's worth remembering that natural doesn't automatically mean hazard-free. Essential oils contain naturally occurring chemical constituents, some of which may require hazard classification and labelling.
What if I change my essential oil or fragrance supplier?
We recommend checking the Safety Data Sheet whenever you change suppliers or purchase a new batch of oil.
Essential oils can vary in composition, and fragrance oils sold under similar names may contain quite different ingredients.
If the composition or hazard information changes, your existing assessment may need updating.
What business address should appear on my SDS?
Your SDS should include the suppliers (most often you) business name, address, telephone number and email address.
This doesn't necessarily have to be the location where you manufacture your products. It should identify the business responsible for supplying them.
If you're unsure which address to use, please ask.
Do I need CLP labels for products made with natural ingredients?
Potentially, yes. The classification depends on the hazardous substances present in your finished formulation, not whether the ingredients are natural or synthetic.
Some products will require hazard pictograms and warning statements, while others may only require certain supplementary information or no CLP hazard label at all.
Can you help if I'm just starting my business?
Of course! Many of our customers are independent makers and small businesses preparing to sell their products for the first time.
We understand that regulatory paperwork can be unfamiliar, and we're happy to answer questions about the assessment process and the documentation we need.
How long does an assessment take?
Our usual turnaround time is approximately a week, but longer during busy periods, once we've received your complete formulation and all the necessary supplier documentation.
If you're working towards a product launch, please get in touch as early as possible.
Can you help if I want to sell in the EU or Northern Ireland?
We can help with SDS preparation and CLP classification information for products intended for Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU.
However, EU and Northern Ireland requirements may involve additional obligations, including Unique Formula Identifiers (UFIs) and Poison Centre Notifications (PCNs), where applicable.
We don't currently provide UFI generation or PCN submission services yet, so you'll need to arrange these separately if required.
How do I get started?
Simply visit www.clp-services.co.uk to find out more about our services.
If you're unsure which assessment you need, email us at info@clp-services.co.uk with a brief description of your product and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction.