On 15 November 2024, the Ukrainian Technical Regulation for the Classification of Hazards, Labeling and Packaging of Chemical Products, adopted in May 2024, will enter into force. Certain provisions, specifically Section 3 and clauses 130-133 of Section 6,  will enter into force on 1 January 2025.

Alignment with EU and UN Standards

With this regulation, Ukraine integrates the standards of the EU Regulation 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals and Mixtures (CLP Regulation), which incorporates the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

The Technical Regulation establishes the procedure for the submission of hazard  classification data and hazard information by companies, and establishes the procedure for the approval of national hazard classifications and hazard information.

New Classification, Labeling and Packaging Requirements

The Technical Regulation in Ukraine introduces:

• European rules and criteria for the hazard classification of chemical substances and products – according to 33 hazard classes.

• Requirements for labeling and packaging  of chemical products.

Market Obligations for Compliance

This regulation increases the responsibility of market participants. Before placing chemical products on the market, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and other operators must gather all available information on the hazardous properties, assess the validity of this information and classify the chemical according to the technical regulation.

In addition, companies must ensure that:

• The chemical products they produce, import or place on the Ukrainian market are classified for hazard according to the criteria of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

• Such chemical products are appropriately packaged and labelled with hazard information.

Access to the Full Text

The full text of the Regulation, including Annex VIII which compares the provisions of the EU CLP Regulation and the Ukrainian Technical Regulation, is available here in Ukrainian.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted Decree No. 1068 on 17 September 2024, introducing amendments to Appendices 3 and 4 of the Technical Regulation on limiting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. This regulation, originally issued on 10 March 2017, aims to align Ukraine’s safety standards with international practices, particularly regarding the use of substances such as mercury and cadmium.

Key Changes

- Cadmium: New restrictions apply to cadmium use in semiconductor nanocrystalline quantum dots for displays and projection devices, effective until 31 December 2027.

- Lead: Restrictions on lead and cadmium in plastic profiles containing recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for windows and doors, with compliance required by 28 May 2026.

- Mercury: Extended exemptions for mercury in certain lamps and transducers, with deadlines determined by future Cabinet decisions.

Timeline

The Resolution was published on 24 September and notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 25 September 2024. It will come into force on 24 March 2025, except for specific clauses that take effect immediately upon publication. The full text of the amendment can be found here.