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On 16 September 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released the seventh edition of the Great Britain (GB) Mandatory Classification and Labelling (MCL) list. This latest update introduces new and revised mandatory classifications for 30 hazardous substances, based on the fifth GB CLP Agency recommendation formally agreed by Ministers in September 2025.

The changes were first notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under reference G/TBT/N/GBR/101 on 7 April 2025, giving stakeholders the opportunity to review and comment on the proposal.

Background on the GB MCL

The GB MCL list is a legally binding register of classifications maintained by HSE under the GB CLP Regulation. It provides a consistent framework for the classification and labelling of substances and mixtures across Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). The list underpins regulatory obligations for manufacturers, importers, downstream users, and distributors, ensuring accurate hazard communication and supporting the protection of human health and the environment.

The GB MCL is updated on a regular basis to reflect scientific advances, regulatory decisions, and international developments. Updates may involve the addition of new substances, changes to existing classifications, and editorial improvements to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Key Highlights of the 7th Edition

• New Classifications: The update introduces new classifications for 30 hazardous chemical substances, including substances such as perboric acid (sodium salt), disodium peroxoborate and ozone. Furthermore, Pigment Red 122 and Solvent Violet 13 have been added, both of which are commonly used in tattoo inks and cosmetics and have been the subject of regulatory scrutiny in Europe.
• These classifications were evaluated by the HSE and recommended by the GB CLP Agency. The full list of substances is available in the WTO notification here  and on the HSE website here.
• Compliance Timeline: The Secretary of State’s Decision was issued on 12 September 2025, with the new and revised classifications entering into legal effect on 23 September 2025. Stakeholders must ensure compliance by the final deadline of 23 March 2027.
• Corrections and Clarifications: The 7th edition also corrects a number of editorial errors and typos from earlier versions of the GB MCL and removes duplicate entries to improve consistency.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

Stakeholders should review the updated list and prepare for the transition period ahead of the 2028 compliance deadline. The GB MCL list and the HSE GB CLP Publication Table here provide detailed information on the updated entries, including the Agency Opinions supporting each classification.

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a six-month public consultation on a proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams under UK REACH. The consultation will run until 18 February 2026.

Scope of the Proposal

The restriction targets PFAS used in firefighting foams, covering their manufacture, placing on the market, use, storage, and disposal. PFAS are defined to include substances containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom (-CF₂ or -CF₃) without hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, or iodine substituents. The proposal includes transition periods tailored to sectors to allow operators time to adopt PFAS-free alternatives.

Risks and Rationale

According to the Annex 15 restriction dossier, PFAS in firefighting foams present significant threats to human health and the environment. Their persistence, mobility, and potential for bioaccumulation mean that existing controls are insufficient to protect against exposure. Firefighting foams are highlighted as a key source of PFAS emissions, especially via runoff into soil and water systems when used outdoors.

Next Steps

Once the consultation closes, the HSE will review stakeholder submissions and issue its final opinion. That opinion will be forwarded to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and to the devolved administrations for a decision.

The consultation documents, including the full Annex 15 dossier, are available on the HSE site here