The EU's Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP) enters into force, marking the start of a transitional period in which the old and rules will co-exist. Substances will need to be classified according to the new rules by 1 December 2010, which is also the first REACH registration deadline for substances manufactured or imported above 1,000 tonnes per year. Companies will have until 1 June 2015 to classify mixtures (preparations in the old terminology) according to the new rules. The CLP Regulation implements the UN Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) - a system devised to reduce chemical risks arising from variations in hazard labelling of products in different jurisdictions. The EU is one of the first to implement the GHS system, but many in the Asia-Pacific region have already done so and others are poised. European Commission GHS site