Chemistry Omnibus: More time for implementation, less effort required for labelling

Market conditions for European chemicals companies remain challenging: high energy and raw material costs, intense international competition and extensive regulatory requirements are weighing on the sector. With the Chemicals Omnibus Package (Omnibus VI) and the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan, the European Commission aims to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness. To this end, regulations are to be simplified and administrative burdens reduced, without fundamentally calling into question existing safety standards.

Implementation deadlines are being extended

On 17 June 2026, the European Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the outstanding part of Omnibus VI, which concerns the Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP Regulation) of Chemicals, the Cosmetics Regulation and the Fertilisers Regulation. This agreement focuses in particular on extending key implementation deadlines. The date on which key provisions come into force is to be postponed from 1 January 2028 to 1 January 2030. This will give companies additional time to adapt their IT systems, product data management, labelling processes and governance structures.

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An overview of the key agreements:

CLP Regulation:

Simplifications regarding labelling, legibility and updating requirements; key safeguards for consumer products remain in place.
Cosmetics Regulation:

Targeted simplifications are complemented by additional protective measures. Stricter requirements continue to apply to CMR substances and nanomaterials.
Fertiliser Regulations:

Simplified requirements and better alignment with chemicals legislation, whilst maintaining key safety and environmental standards.
REACH:

The fundamental compliance requirements remain unchanged. Registration, authorisation, restrictions and supply chain communication remain key tasks.
PFAS:

Companies should continue to focus on impact analyses, substitution options and the strategic management of their product portfolios.

What remains important?

Despite some simplifications, REACH compliance and the management of PFAS remain key areas of focus for the chemical industry. Registration, authorisations, restrictions, supply chain communication, as well as PFAS analyses and substitution strategies, continue to be of great strategic importance.

The significance of Omnibus VI for the chemical industry

The EU Chemicals Omnibus VI is an important step towards reducing the administrative burden on chemical companies. It provides greater planning and legal certainty and reduces the complexity of labelling and information requirements. However, it does not eliminate the industry’s overall regulatory burden. Companies should therefore use the time until 2030 to organise their product compliance in a manner that is compliant with regulations, efficient, digital and strategically manageable.

In our fact sheet on the Chemicals Omnibus, you will find further details of the agreement, information on upcoming tasks for companies and details of the support services we offer.

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