Simplifying rules for everyday products and chemicals

Goal of the Changes

The goal of these amendments is to simplify complex rules and reduce unnecessary paperwork and administrative costs for businesses. This simplification is intended to happen while maintaining the high level of protection for people, animals, and the environment.

Key Changes to Chemical Rules

The updates affect three main areas: chemicals, cosmetics, and fertilizers.

Chemical Products (Labeling and Packaging)
The rules governing how chemicals are classified, labeled, and packaged are being updated to make them easier to manage. Key changes include:

• Digital Contact: Labels can now use a digital contact method (like an email or website) instead of requiring a physical phone number.
• Smaller Packages: Some labeling requirements can be removed for very small packages (10 ml or less) or for ink cartridges (150 ml or less).
• Relabeling Time: The time given to companies to update labels after a chemical is re-classified is extended from six months to eighteen months.

Cosmetics
The rules for cosmetic products are being streamlined:

• Simplified Notification: Companies only need to submit one notification to the Commission before selling a cosmetic product.
• Safety Reporting: Nanomaterials must be specifically identified in the safety report and the notification.
• Reformulation Time: The time allowed for companies to reformulate a cosmetic product after a new restriction is shortened to six months.

Fertilizer Products
The rules for fertilizer products are being updated to be more digital and efficient:

• Digital Contact: Every fertilizer must provide a digital contact point so authorities can quickly reach the producer.
• Online Access: The EU declaration of conformity can now be accessed directly through a web address.
• Producer Burden: Registration requirements for substances used in fertilizers are being aligned with existing rules, which helps prevent small-scale producers from being overly burdened.

How the Changes Affect the Public

For consumers and the general public, the changes mean:

• Easier Information Access: Using digital contacts and clearer labels means that if there is a question or an emergency, the producer or authorities can be reached quickly.
• Consistent Warnings: All advertisements for hazardous chemicals sold to the public must include the warning, "Always read the label and product information before use," along with a warning symbol or signal word.
• Better Safety Checks: The new rules for cosmetics mean that products on the market are checked more thoroughly, and any new risks are identified faster.

Implementation Timeline

The changes will take effect gradually, with specific dates for different product types:

• Cosmetics: New notification rules will apply from January 1, 2027, with full implementation by January 1, 2029.
• Fertilizers: New digital contact and declaration rules will apply from January 1, 2027, with full implementation by January 1, 2029.
• Chemicals (CLP): New labeling requirements will apply from January 1, 2029.

Broader context

The amendments are part of the EU’s ongoing effort to reduce regulatory burden on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The 2024 Draghi report highlighted that the complexity of chemical regulations was making it harder for EU companies to compete globally. By simplifying procedures, the EU aims to boost innovation and economic growth while maintaining strong protections for health and the environment.

The changes also align with the EU’s digital transformation goals, encouraging the use of digital tools (e.g., e-mail, websites, and web addresses) to replace paper-based processes. This reflects a broader trend in EU legislation to modernize administrative practices.

Additionally, the updates address emerging challenges, such as the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics and the need for faster updates to the list of allowed microorganisms in fertilisers. These adjustments ensure that regulations keep pace with scientific and technological advancements.

Impact on people living in the EU

For consumers, the changes mean easier access to information and clearer safety messaging. Digital contacts on labels and advertisements will make it simpler to reach producers or authorities with questions or concerns. The requirement for adverts to include the warning “Always read the label and product information before use” ensures that consumers are consistently reminded of potential risks.

The streamlined rules for cosmetics and fertilisers also mean that safer products can reach the market faster, as the notification and review processes are simplified. This could lead to a wider variety of products available to consumers, with up-to-date safety checks.

For businesses, especially SMEs, the changes reduce administrative costs and provide more time to comply with new requirements, such as relabelling. This can help keep prices stable and support the competitiveness of EU-based companies.