Council Agrees Position on Omnibus VI Package to Simplify EU Chemical Rules

On 5 November 2025, the Council of the European Union agreed on its negotiating position for the remainder of the ‘Omnibus VI’ package, which aims to simplify the requirements for chemical products while maintaining a high level of protection for human health and the environment. The proposal introduces amendments to three core EU laws: the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, the Cosmetics Regulation, and the Fertilising Products Regulation.

Changes to the CLP Regulation

The Council’s position builds on the 2024 revision of the CLP Regulation and maintains the “digital-by-default” labelling approach to reduce administrative burden. It introduces clearer rules on label readability, including minimum font size requirements, and harmonises labelling obligations for online and distance sales. The obligation to include a telephone contact on labels is reinstated, while digital alternatives remain possible.

As part of the package, the ‘stop-the-clock’ mechanism, already agreed under an urgent procedure by the European Parliament and the Council, will delay the entry into force of several provisions of the revised CLP Regulation until 1 January 2028. This will give industry additional time to adapt. More details on this measure are available here.

Amendments to the Cosmetics Regulation

For cosmetic products, the Council reintroduces the obligation to notify nanomaterials prior to placing them on the market, replacing the current six-month advance notification. Transition periods for the phase-out of carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR) substances will also be extended compared with current provisions to ensure practical and balanced implementation.

Updates to the Fertilising Products Regulation

The Council clarifies the role of accredited notified bodies and provides for scientific input from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in assessment procedures. The requirement for REACH registration of substances with harmonised classifications is also reinstated and registration obligations are introduced for micro-organisms used in fertilising products exceeding 10 tonnes per year.

Next Steps

Following the adoption of its mandate, the Council will begin negotiations with the European Parliament. This initiative supports the EU’s broader efforts to streamline legislation, reduce administrative burdens, and strengthen competitiveness, in line with the European Council’s 2024 call for regulatory simplification.