EU Chemicals Regulation: Council Reaches Agreement on "Omnibus VI" Simplification

Georgie Whitehouse
Dec 22, 2025
2 min read

Regulatory compliance timeline 2025-2028.

In a significant move to balance industry competitiveness with consumer safety, the Council of the European Union has officially agreed on its negotiating position for the Omnibus VI package. This legislative initiative aims to streamline requirements across three major chemical frameworks: CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging), the Cosmetics Regulation, and the Fertilising Products Regulation.

For compliance officers and manufacturers, this development is a "yellow light" signal to prepare for simplified digital transitions while remaining vigilant on stricter safety mandates.

Why the Omnibus VI Package Matters

The proposal follows the EU’s broader 2024 "simplification revolution" and the Budapest Declaration, which sought to reduce administrative red tape that often stifles EU-based businesses, particularly SMEs.

By unifying changes across multiple regulations, the EU intends to save the industry an estimated €363 million annually. However, the Council’s recent position introduces specific nuances that companies must navigate.

1. CLP Regulation: The "Stop-the-Clock" Relief

One of the most critical updates is the confirmation of the "Stop-the-Clock" mechanism. This effectively delays the entry into force of several burdensome provisions from the 2024 CLP revision until January 1, 2028.

Labelling Flexibility: The Council supports "digital-by-default" labelling. This allows more information to be provided via digital platforms, reducing the physical clutter on small packaging.

Font and Format: Mandatory rules on minimum font sizes and line spacing are being reconsidered to allow for more practical implementation.

Distance Sales: Information requirements for online and B2B sales are being narrowed to reduce the data-heavy burden on suppliers.

2. Cosmetic Products: Reintroducing Safeguards

While the European Commission initially proposed a more relaxed approach to certain ingredients, the Council has taken a more precautionary stance:

CMR Substances: The Council rejected the Commission’s proposal to exempt certain Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR) substances based on "exposure routes." Instead, it opted for stricter phase-out timelines.

Nanomaterials: In a shift from the Commission's plan to abolish pre-notification, the Council voted to reintroduce the pre-notification requirement for nanomaterials in cosmetics to ensure human health protection.

3. Fertilising Products: Scientific Rigour

The Council’s position strengthens the role of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC). It also reinstates REACH registration requirements for substances classified as particularly hazardous, ensuring that "simplification" does not mean a "lowering of standards."

Strategic Compliance Impact

For global companies exporting to the EU, this agreement provides much-needed legal certainty. The delay to 2028 for CLP updates gives regulatory teams breathing room to align their supply chains with the new digital labelling standards.

Key Takeaways for Compliance Teams:

Audit your Labels: Review current label designs to see where digital contact information can replace physical text.

Monitor Nanomaterial Use: If you produce cosmetics, ensure your notification processes are ready for the Council's reintroduced mandates.

Watch the Trilogue: The Council will now enter "trilogue" negotiations with the European Parliament to finalize the text.

Stay Ahead with GoCompliance

As the EU chemical landscape shifts toward a digital-first, streamlined model, staying informed is your best defense against non-compliance. At GoCompliance, we provide real-time updates and expert analysis on the Omnibus VI package and the upcoming REACH revisions.

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