5. European Union ranking

The purpose of classifying substances is to warn users of their potential hazards and the risks involved in handling them. The main purpose of classifying environmentally hazardous substances and preparations is to alert users to the risks they pose to ecosystems. Although current criteria refer largely to aquatic ecosystems, it is recognized that some substances and preparations may simultaneously or alternatively affect other ecosystems, ranging from soil microflora and microfauna to primates.

The classification of environmentally hazardous substances is based on criteria in line with those described in Annex VI of Commission Directive 2001/99/EC adapting to technical progress for the 28th time Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling...