EU Releases “Stop the Clock” CLP Regulation: Shift to 2028| H2 Compliance

On 3 December, the European Union published the long-anticipated “Stop the Clock” CLP Regulation, formally set to enter into force on 23 December 2025. This development represents the first major milestone in the Commission’s Omnibus VI initiative, a broad effort aimed at updating and simplifying EU chemicals legislation.

The primary purpose of this regulation is clear: give industry and policymakers breathing room.

With the release of “Stop the Clock,” several key deadlines introduced under the 2024 CLP revision (Regulation 2024/2865) have been officially pushed back to 1 January 2028. The postponement ensures that the Commission has sufficient time to finalize the second component of Omnibus VI, which focuses heavily on simplification measures, while allowing companies to plan and implement compliance strategies with better visibility.

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Which Deadlines Are Moving to 2028?

The new 2028 implementation date applies to several core obligations, including:

Formatting rules for labels
Relabelling duties triggered by self-classification changes
Advertising requirements linked to CLP classifications
Information obligations for distance selling
Label requirements at filling stations

Voluntary application timelines are also being shifted to align with the new deadlines.

Importantly, any elements of Regulation 2024/2865 that are not part of the simplification package will retain their original dates, meaning companies still need to double-check which obligations remain unchanged.

Where to Read More

The full Regulation is publicly available here: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15001-2025-INIT/en/pdf
A Council press release is also available for a high-level summary.

Need Help Navigating CLP Changes? H2 Compliance Is Here to Support You

Regulatory shifts like this can create uncertainty, especially when timelines, obligations, and interpretations evolve at the same time. If your organization needs support assessing compliance impacts, updating classification and labelling strategies, or preparing for the 2028 transition: Reach out to H2 Compliance. Our regulatory experts can guide you through every step, ensuring you remain aligned with current and upcoming CLP requirements.