From 1 December 2010 a new regime for the classification and labelling of chemicals will commence. Many of the same people championing REACH are also wrestling with the implementation of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation.  CLP introduces new symbols, warning phrases, criteria for classification and larger and more colourful labels.  Some chemicals not subject to labelling under the old classification and labelling regime will now need labels; some chemicals with relatively mild warnings will be labelled in a much more severe way.

To help our existing customers navigate their way through CLP, REACHReady has expanded its portfolio and from 2010 REACHReady's gold customers will be able to access some practical help and guidance on our website and be able to use our helpdesk to ask questions on CLP just as they currently do for REACH. This added service will complement REACHReady's CPD accredited "Business Implications of CLP" course which has been running for the last nine months.

Director of REACHReady, Jo Lloyd, said "All substances, irrespective of tonnage, are affected by CLP and there is a real worry that many companies have yet to understand the requirements of CLP and be able to integrate them with their business needs. REACHReady are very pleased to be able to be able to offer the same level of help and support on CLP that our subscribers have come to expect from us on REACH."

Notes to editors

1. REACHReady is a subsidiary business of the Chemical Industries Association, set up in 2006 to help companies deal with the REACH regulation. www.cia.org.uk  

2. REACHReady has over 7000 subscribers to its service. There are two levels of subscription:

3.The Silver Service is free, and everyone who signs up will have access to a password protected part of the website containing regularly updated information, receive alerts on upcoming legislative deadlines and information and updates on services available.

4.The Gold Service, in addition to the Silver Service features, includes access to REACHScope, REACHReckoner, REACHMatchmaker and a helpdesk that is available from 9am -5pm (UK time) Monday to Friday. CIA members can sign up to this service as part of their current subscription fee. Non-members can access the service for just £345 and UK VAT per year.

5.REACHReady offers an all encompassing REACH training programme which offers something for everyone who is affected by REACH. Since April 2009, many of our training courses are accredited by the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Certification Service. Our next  "Business Implications of CLP" will run in London on 20 and 21 January 2010

6.More information is available on www.reachready.co.uk and REACHReady can be contacted on enquiries@reachready.co.uk  or telephone +44(0)20 7901 1444

Contact Name: Fiona Ferguson