On 23 October 2025, the European Parliament voted to postpone the application dates of the revised Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. As a result, several updated provisions will now apply from 1 January 2028.

Why was the "stop-the-clock" introduced?

The so-called “stop-the-clock” measure is part of the Omnibus VI package prepared by the European Commission to simplify EU chemical legislation. The initiative aims to reduce compliance costs, ease the administrative burden on industry, and at the same time maintain a high level of protection for human health and the environment.

The Omnibus VI package also includes proposed amendments to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, providing clarifications and streamlining compliance procedures.

What happens next?

To speed up the process, the European Parliament used an urgent procedure. The Council of the EU had already endorsed the same text on 24 September 2025, so the formal adoption of the amendment is expected shortly. Once adopted, the revised timeline will officially extend the transition period for the new CLP rules until 2028.

What does this mean in practice?

Chemical companies will gain additional time to adapt their classification, labelling and packaging to the new CLP requirements. Despite the delay, it is advisable to start reviewing the upcoming changes now and plan documentation updates in advance — to avoid a last-minute rush before 2028.