Classification of dangerous substances and mixtures

General information

Substances that are regarded as dangerous must be correctly classified. Classification is carried out by companies that manufacture, import or use such substances as a downstream user.

The basis for classification is the list of substances in Part 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation. The classification of substances included in this Annex with their respective classification is mandatory.

If a substance is not listed in this annex, the person responsible for the classification must evaluate the substance on his/her own initiative on the basis of tests, literature, etc. The marketed substance and the respective classification are contained in the classification and labelling register held by the ECHA (distributors of these substances are also subject to a reporting obligation in this respect).

Companies are still required to obtain information on the substances they have classified even after a product has been made available for sale or use. If a previously unknown or more seriously adverse effect is demonstrated following classification, the substance must be re-evaluated. The new classification must be notified in writing to the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) on request. Notification may be made informally.

Enterprises affected

These rules apply to all natural and legal persons who place or make the chemicals in question available on the market in Austria or use said chemicals in Austria.

Competent authority

Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (→ BMK)

Further information

• Table of harmonised entries in Annex VI to CLP Regulation (→ ECHA)
• Classification and labelling register for chemical substances (→ ECHA)

Legal bases

• sections 19, 21, 27 of the Chemikaliengesetz (ChemG)
• Article 40 of the EU regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP Regulation)

Expert information

Chemicals policy and biocide (→ BMK)