
GB Chemicals Legislative Reform: HSE Confirms EU-Only Recognition and Call-In Overhaul
HSE’s response confirms EU-only recognition and proposes a risk-based biocides call-in model, plus streamlined GB CLP and GB PIC processes.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced a significant update to the Great Britain Mandatory Classification and Labelling (GB MCL) list, affecting 88 chemical substances. This decision, endorsed by the Minister for Lords with the consent of Scottish and Welsh Ministers, aligns these substances with the 14th and 15th EU Adaptations to Technical Progress (ATPs) under the EU Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.
The updated GB MCL list was published on 26 June 2024, and includes legally binding entries for the 88 substances. The entry into force and compliance date for these substances is also 26 June 2024. This update is crucial in ensuring that the GB MCL list accurately reflects substances that were not assimilated into GB law following Brexit.
For the majority of dutyholders, this update will not require any additional action. The classifications and labelling requirements for these 88 substances remain unchanged. However, two substances, titanium dioxide (in powder form) and granulated copper, have been removed from the list pending further assessment. Dutyholders dealing with these substances are advised to self-classify in accordance with the GB CLP Regulation until further notice.
This update was conducted under Article 37 of the GB CLP Regulation, following a consolidated ministerial decision. The decision was necessitated by the need to give legal effect to entries that were initially included in the EU harmonised classification but were not retained in GB law after 31 December 2020, the end of the Brexit transition period.
The HSE has indicated that further assessments for titanium dioxide and granulated copper will be carried out under Article 37A of the GB CLP Regulation. Stakeholders will be notified via future CLP e-Bulletins when new proposals for these substances are published on the HSE website.




HSE’s response confirms EU-only recognition and proposes a risk-based biocides call-in model, plus streamlined GB CLP and GB PIC processes.

The UK has carved out glue trap sales prohibitions from internal market access principles, enabling devolved and national restrictions to operate as intended.

New CMA guidance explains how retailers, brands and suppliers share responsibility for environmental claims, with stronger direct enforcement powers under the DMCC Act.
Subscribe to Foresight Weekly and get the latest insights on regulatory changes affecting chemical compliance.
Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Read by professionals at