Directive 67/548/EEC

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Directive 67/548/EEC, exploring its various facets, meanings and possible impacts on different aspects of life. Directive 67/548/EEC has been the object of interest and debate over time, arousing curiosity and reflections in different areas, from science to popular culture. Throughout this reading, we will analyze its relevance in the current context, as well as its influence on the development of ideas and perspectives. It doesn't matter if you are an amateur or an expert on the subject, this article will lead you to discover new aspects about Directive 67/548/EEC and will surely leave you with a new vision on this topic.

Directive 67/548/EEC
European Union directive
Text with EEA relevance
TitleDirective on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances
Made byCouncil
Made underArt. 100 (EEC)
Journal referenceL196, 16 August 1967, pp. 1–98
EEA AgreementChap. XV of Annex II
History
Date made27 June 1967
Entry into force29 June 1967
Implementation date1 January 1970
Preparative texts
EP opinionOJ 209, 11 December 1965, pp. 3133–40
Other legislation
Amended byExternal list
Replaced byReg. (EC) No 1272/2008
(from 1 June 2015)
Repealed

The Dangerous Substances Directive[1] (as amended) was one of the main European Union laws concerning chemical safety, until its full replacement by the new regulation CLP Regulation (2008), starting in 2016. It was made under Article 100 (Art. 94 in a consolidated version)[2] of the Treaty of Rome. By agreement, it is also applicable in the EEA,[3] and compliance with the directive will ensure compliance with the relevant Swiss laws.[4] The Directive ceased to be in force on 31 May 2015 and was repealed by Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (Text with EEA relevance).[5]

Scope

The directive applies to pure chemicals and to mixtures of chemicals (preparations) that are placed on the market in the European Union, therefore it does not apply directly to substances created purely for research purposes. Additional rules concerning preparations are contained in the Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC):[6] these are very similar to the rules contained in the Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC.[7] The directive does not apply to the following groups of substances and preparations (Art. 1):

The directive does not apply to the transport of dangerous substances or preparations.

Classification of dangerous substances

Article 2 of the directive lists the classes of substances or preparations that are considered to be dangerous. Some, but not all, of these classes are associated with a chemical hazard symbol and/or a code.

  • Explosives (E)
  • Oxidizing agents (O)
  • Flammable substances or preparations, classified as extremely flammable (F+), highly flammable (F)
  • Toxic substances or preparations, classified as very toxic (T+) or toxic (T)
  • Corrosive substances or preparations (C)
  • Harmful substances or preparations (Xn)
  • Irritants (Xi)
  • Sensitizers (R42 and/or R43)
  • Carcinogens (Carc.), classified into three categories
  • Mutagens (Mut.), classified into three categories
  • Substances or preparations that are toxic for reproduction (Repr.), classified into three categories
  • Substances or preparations that are dangerous for the environment (N)

Substances or preparations falling into one or more of these classes are listed in Annex I of the directive, which is regularly updated. A public database of substances listed in Annex I is maintained by the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection.

Danger symbols

The danger symbols are defined in Annex II of the directive. A consolidated list with translations into other EU languages can be found in Directive 2001/59/EC.[8][9]

  • Explosive (E)
    Explosive (E)
  • Highly Flammable (F) and Extremely Flammable (F+)
    Highly Flammable (F) and Extremely Flammable (F+)
  • Oxidizing(O)
    Oxidizing(O)
  • Toxic (T) and Very Toxic (T+)
    Toxic (T) and Very Toxic (T+)
  • Harmful (Xn) and Irritant (Xi)
    Harmful (Xn) and Irritant (Xi)
  • Corrosive (C)
    Corrosive (C)
  • Dangerous for the Environment (N)
    Dangerous for the Environment (N)

Standard Risk and Safety phrases

The standard phrases are defined in Annexes III and IV of the directive. Annex III defines phrases relating to the Nature of special risks attributed to dangerous substances and preparations, often referred to as R-phrases. Annex IV defines phrases relating to Safety advice concerning dangerous substances and preparations, often referred to as S-phrases.

The appropriate standard phrases must appear on the packaging and label of the product and on its MSDS. Annex I specifies the standard phrases to be used for substances that are listed there: these are obligatory.

The lists of standard phrases were updated in 2001, and Directive 2001/59/EC provides a consolidated list in all EU languages.[8]

The last update is European Regulation (EC) N°1272/2008, establishing the new CLP Regulation that implement the GHS system). See the current European chemical hazard symbols (CLP/GHS_hazard_statements).

See also: H-phrases

Packaging requirements

(Article 22)

Labelling requirements

(Articles 23–25) In general, the label on the packaging of a dangerous substance or preparation must clearly indicate the following items:

  • The name of the substance; (for substances listed in Annex I, the name indicated must be one of those listed in the Annex (many substances appear in the Annex under different synonyms): otherwise, the name should be "internationally recognized")
  • The name, full address and telephone number of the person or company which has placed the substance on the market (manufacturer, importer or distributor);
  • The danger symbols, if any;
  • The standard phrases, if any; (certain exemptions are permitted)
  • The EINECS number or equivalent;
  • For substances listed in Annex I, the words EEC label.

Material safety data sheet

Article 27 of the directive imposes an obligation on suppliers to provide a material safety data sheet, on paper or electronically, at or before the first delivery of a dangerous substance or preparation. The supplier is also obliged to inform users of any relevant new information which becomes known. Directive 2001/58/EC provides detailed guidance for the preparation of material safety data sheets.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Full title: Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labeling of dangerous substances.
  2. ^ European Commission (29 December 2006). "European Union – Consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community" (pdf). Official Journal of the European Communities (C 321E): 1–331. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
  3. ^ Art. 23 and Chapter XV of Annex II, Agreement on the European Economic Area signed in Oporto, 2 May 1992; came into force 1994-01-01.
  4. ^ Art. 2.1 of the Regulation of 28 June 2005 of the Federal Interior Ministry on the official classification and labelling of substances (SR/RS 813.112.12, text in French Archived 1 January 2007 at the Wayback Machine, German Archived 6 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Italian Archived 6 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine). See also the Swiss Federal Law on Chemical Products (SR/RS 813.1, text in French Archived 15 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, German Archived 24 December 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Italian Archived 15 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine) and the Swiss Federal Regulations on Chemical Products (SR/RS 813.11, text in French Archived 15 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, German Archived 15 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Italian Archived 15 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine).
  5. ^ "Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances". Europa (web portal). 16 August 1967. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  6. ^ Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 1999 concerning the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations. OJEC L200, 30 July 1999, pp. 1–68.
  7. ^ The European Court of Justice ruled in 1985 that Directive 67/548/EEC applies only to pure substances, not preparations: Re criminal proceedings against Giacomo Caldana (Case 187/84 – Art. 177 (EEC) referral by the Pretore di Torino). Judgement 26 September 1985. European Court reports 3013.
  8. ^ a b c Commission Directive 2001/59/EC of 6 August 2001 adapting to technical progress for the 28th time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances. OJEC L225, 21 August 2001, pp. 1–333.
  9. ^ The directive on dangerous substances Includes Danger symbols
  • Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008, on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. (Includes (Annex 1) Classification and Labelling requirements for hazardous substances and mixtures).