In February 2023, the UK Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) accidentally adopted the EU Annex VIII to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) of Substances and Mixtures (EC No 1272/2008) into Great Britain (GB) CLP post Brexit. This in turn meant that UK companies needed to submit a poison centre notification in the harmonised format to the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS).

However, since this adoption, this issue has been discussed and debated internally within the UK Government.

DHSC have now announced that there are plans to revoke Annex VIII in GB law before the end of 2023. This now means that UK companies will no longer be required to submit a poison centre notification in the harmonised format to the NPIS.

NCEC has been informed that in the meantime the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will apply a practical approach to the enforcement in GB.

At the moment, there is no update on the notification process once Annex VIII is no longer applicable. Our poison centre team is in touch with the authorities for further information and we will update you as soon as we have know more.

How can NCEC support you?

NCEC offers a full service for companies needing to submit notifications for their hazardous mixtures and biocides. Our service is driven by years of experience and shaping poison centre policy through work with the European Commission. You can find out more information about our service here.

If you’re unsure what is the best way forward for your organisation, need assistance in understanding this change or require help with your poison centre notifications, please contact us through the form on the right or via email at [email protected].

Information is correct as of 22 May 2023, 12:00 BST. We will update this webpage as and when we have more information.