Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) - Classification of Dangerous Substances

Classification of Dangerous Substances

Art. 2 of the directive lists the classes of substances or preparations that are considered to be dangerous. Some, but not all, of these classes are associated with a chemical hazard symbol and/or a code.

• Explosives (E)
• Oxidizing agents (O)
• Flammable substances or preparations, classified as extremely flammable (F+), highly flammable (F)
• Toxic substances or preparations, classified as very toxic (T+) or toxic (T)
• Harmful substances or preparations (Xn)
• Corrosive substances or preparations (C)
• Irritants (Xi)
• Sensitizers
• Carcinogens (Carc.), classified into three categories
• Mutagens (Mut.), classified into three categories
• Substances or preparations that are toxic for reproduction (Repr.), classified into three categories
• Substances or preparations that are dangerous for the environment (N)

Substances or preparations falling into one or more of these classes are listed in Annex I of the directive, which is regularly updated. A public database of substances listed in Annex I is maintained by the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection.