The Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances (Amendment) Regulations 1990

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances Regulations 1984 (“the principal Regulations”) to give effect with respect to Great Britain to the provisions of the Commission Directive 88/490/EEC (OJ No. L 259, 19.9.88, p.1) adapting to technical progress for the tenth time Council Directive 67/548/EEC (OJ No. L 196, 16.8.67, p.1) (OJ/SE 197, p.234) on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances in relation to substances dangerous for supply and of the Commission Directive 89/451/EEC (OJ No. L 216, 27.7.89, p.75) adapting to technical progress for the third time Council Directive 77/728/EEC (OJ No. L 303/23, 28.11.77, p.23) on the classification, packaging and labelling of paints etc.

The Regulations also give effect to the 1988 recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the transport of dangerous goods in relation to substances dangerous for conveyance.

Commission Directive 88/490/EEC and the 1988 recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the transport of dangerous goods in relation to substances dangerous for conveyance require amendments to the approved list described in regulation 4 of the principal Regulations and these amendments have been incorporated in the third edition of the approved list. Regulation 4 has therefore been amended in the Schedule to these Regulations to refer to the third edition of the approved list. Regulation 3 of these Regulations contains a transitional provision which allows substances which are classified and labelled in accordance with the previous edition of the approved list to be supplied until 18th September 1990 and additional provision is made in certain circumstances in relation to small packages until 18th March 1991.

Copies of the third edition of the approved list which was published by the Health and Safety Commission and is entitled “Information Approved for the Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances (3rd Edition)” ( 0 11 885542 5) are obtainable from Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.

The other objectives required by the Commission Directives are achieved by paragraphs 2 (Commission Directive 89/451/EEC) and 3 (Commission Directive 88/490/EEC) of the Schedule to these Regulations. Paragraph 2 lowers the amount of lead referred to in paragraph 11 of Part II of Schedule 6 to the principal Regulations so that labelling is required for paints and varnishes containing the lower percentage of lead. Paragraph 3 makes special provision for the classification of substances containing a stabilizer.