In 2026, supervisory authorities across the European Union will launch coordinated inspections under the REF-14 project (REACH Enforcement Forum), conducted by the Enforcement Forum of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The aim is to verify whether chemical mixtures intended primarily for consumers are correctly classified, labelled, and packaged in accordance with the CLP Regulation.

The project responds to widespread issues with incorrect classification and labelling of mixtures – according to previous analyses, a significant share of products available on the EU market does not meet basic CLP requirements. REF projects are carried out cyclically, and their scope changes each time in response to regulatory non-compliances identified on the market.

Which products will be subject to increased scrutiny?

 

Inspectors are expected to focus on mixtures contained in articles and everyday consumer products, in particular:

• air fresheners and fragranced products,
• e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids.

The priority is to protect consumers – especially children – from improperly labelled and packaged chemical products.

Safety Data Sheets, CLP labels? What exactly will authorities check?

 

The scope of REF-14 inspections will include, among others:

1. Classification of mixtures

• correctness of hazard class and category assignments,
• compliance with current CLP criteria.

 

2. CLP labelling and labels

• correctness of pictograms and H- and P-statements,
• readability and completeness of information,
• appropriate translation of mandatory label elements.

 

3. Packaging and safety features

• use of child-resistant closures,
• tactile warnings for the visually impaired.

 

4. PCN notifications (Poison Centre Notifications)

• correctness of notifications submitted to poison centres,
• consistency of composition with documentation and labelling.

 

5. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• alignment of SDS content with classification,
• document currency and validity,
• consistency between SDS, labels, and PCN notifications.

 

What does this mean in practice for importers, manufacturers, and distributors?

 

REF-14 sends a clear signal that formal errors will not be treated leniently, and that the CLP Regulation – despite being in force for many years – remains a cornerstone of chemical product safety in the EU market. With increasing inflows of goods from outside the EU, enforcement authorities want to ensure that imported products comply with EU regulatory requirements.

Companies placing mixtures on the market should already verify:

• correctness of classification in line with current CLP requirements,
• compliance of labels with the CLP Regulation,
• consistency of documentation: SDS – PCN – label – composition,
• correctness of UFI codes and poison centre notifications,
• compliance of packaging with safety requirements.

 

Non-compliance may result in administrative decisions, product withdrawals from the market, and financial penalties.

How can SDS Create help?

 

At SDS Create, we support companies in preparing for REF-14 inspections through:

• SDS and classification compliance audits,
• CLP labelling verification,
• PCN and UFI consistency checks,
• preparation and updating of regulatory documentation,
• practical recommendations on “what to fix before an inspection.”

 

If your company places chemical mixtures on the market, 2026 may become a year of intensified inspections – preparation is key.