The safety of household products containing chemicals is governed by the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002, which is administered by the Health and Safety Executive. These regulations require that manufacturers identify the dangers of products containing chemicals, classify them under an EC-wide classification system and package them safely. If the product contains hazardous chemicals it must be labelled with the appropriate warning symbols indicating the hazards and with phrases explaining the dangers and how to use the product safely.
In those cases where correct labelling and packaging of products is insufficient to reduce the risks adequately, restrictions on the marketing and use of dangerous chemicals used in household products are introduced under European Directive 76/769/EEC and its amendments. The Department has put in place legislation implementing a number of these directives which has had the effect of restricting or prohibiting the marketing and use of approximately 1,000 chemicals, or groups of chemicals, in household products.
The Department also administers the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which implement the EC General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC). These regulations apply to all consumer products that are not covered (and to the same extent) by specific safety legislation. The regulations require that manufacturers ensure that products present the minimum risk compatible with the product's use and that they are accompanied by appropriate warnings and instructions for use.