In this section
To fully understand this guidance, it is important to note the difference between the United Kingdom and Great Britain:
- UK: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- GB: England, Scotland and Wales
In this guide, the words 'must' or 'must not' are used where there is a legal requirement to do (or not do) something. The word 'should' is used where there is established legal guidance or best practice that is likely to help you avoid breaking the law.
Classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures
Great Britain adopted the United Nations' Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals via assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. Post-Brexit, it is generally known as GB CLP and covers risks to health and to the environment.
In GB CLP, "'supplier' means any manufacturer, importer, downstream user or distributor placing on the market a substance, on its own or in a mixture, or a mixture".
If you are a manufacturer or importer, you are responsible for classifying hazardous chemicals, substances and mixtures before they are placed on the market. You are also responsible for packaging and labelling chemicals, substances and mixtures in line with GB CLP. This includes those suppliers that do not carry out reformulation but are involved in repacking or relabelling.
A retailer is termed a 'distributor' under GB CLP. As a distributor, you must ensure that vaping products are properly labelled in accordance with the requirements of GB CLP before you agree to purchase them.