REF-14 (REACH-EN-FORCE 14): European inspections on hazardous mixtures

The REF-14 (REACH-EN-FORCE 14) campaign is part of the European enforcement projects aimed at ensuring that safety information throughout the supply chain is accurate, consistent and complete.

The focus is on hazardous mixtures present in consumer and professional products, where proper hazard communication is essential for the protection of human health.

What is being inspected?

Authorities are assessing compliance with key requirements related to the placing on the market of hazardous mixtures under the CLP Regulation and associated obligations, including:

• Correct classification of physical, health and environmental hazards
• Presence and adequacy of CLP labelling (UFI, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, etc.)
• Compliance with safe packaging requirements, such as child-resistant fastenings and tactile warnings
• Consistency and updating of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Compliance with Poison Centre notification requirements, including the use of the UFI identifier

The objective is to ensure that safety information is clear, consistent and available to protect end users.

Products within the scope of the campaign

REF-14 focuses on hazardous mixtures contained in consumer and professional products widely available on the market.

As examples of these products, ECHA mentions electronic cigarettes, which contain mixtures with substances such as nicotine, and air fresheners containing sensitising or irritant substances, all of which require proper classification, labelling and hazard communication under the CLP Regulation.

REF-14 campaign timeline

The inspection programme is being implemented in several phases:

• 2025 – Preparation phase and training of national inspectors
• 2026 – Execution of inspections across EU/EEA countries
• 2027 – Publication of results at European level
• 2028 – Development of recommendations and possible regulatory improvements

This approach aims to harmonise inspection criteria across countries and strengthen the enforcement of the CLP Regulation.

Impact on companies

Companies manufacturing, importing or distributing mixtures on the European market should review their products and documentation to ensure compliance, particularly regarding:

• Product classification and labelling
• Packaging design and safety requirements
• Updating Safety Data Sheets
• Mandatory Poison Centre notifications

REF-14 reinforces the importance of proper chemical risk management for everyday products and highlights the need for consistency between technical information and the products reaching end users.

Need support?

At ServiREACH, we can help you review the compliance of your products, assess classification and labelling requirements, and ensure that your technical and regulatory documentation is properly prepared for this type of inspection.