Legislation, CLP and SDSs

Labelling Information for Small Businesses

For small business owners, accurate product labelling is essential. Incorrect labelling can lead to legal non-compliance, invalidate insurance, and pose risks to customers. Ensuring your labels meet regulatory requirements not only protects your business but also builds customer trust and confidence in your products.

Applicable Legislation
For candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, room sprays, and other fragranced products, the key legislation is the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation.

This regulation requires substances and mixtures to be classified according to their hazards and labelled accordingly. Where hazardous properties are identified, labels must include:
- Hazard pictograms
- Signal words (e.g. “Warning” or “Danger”)
- Hazard statements (H-statements)
- Precautionary statements (P-statements)

Classification must be based on supplier data and established calculation methods, not assumptions.

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.

Creating Compliant Labels

Businesses may produce their own labels; however, the process can be complex and requires accurate classification data.

Using appropriate software and verified fragrance data is strongly recommended to ensure compliance. Errors in classification or labelling can result in regulatory breaches.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be available for each hazardous product.

If you use a fragrance oil without modification, the supplier’s SDS may be sufficient.

If you dilute, blend, or otherwise modify ingredients, you are considered a formulator and are responsible for producing an SDS for the final mixture.

This SDS must reflect the finished product and its classified hazards.
Additional Considerations

Depending on your activities, you may also have obligations under UK REACH, particularly when sourcing or using chemical substances.

Further Information

For more guidance, contact us at info@CLP-services.co.uk.