Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the Health and Safety Executive's timeline is for further consideration of the proposed mandatory classification and labelling for lithium (a) carbonate, (b) chloride and (c) hydroxide under article 37A of the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation.

The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) timeline for further consideration of the proposed GB mandatory classification and labelling of substances is set out in Article 37A of the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (GB CLP).

Under Article 37A, HSE, as the GB CLP Agency, may submit a proposal for a new or revised GB mandatory classification and labelling requirement when there is evidence of new scientific data or information that may lead to a new or revised mandatory classification and labelling for a priority hazard class, such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity.

There is no statutory time limit on HSE to prepare and submit a proposal. HSE regulatory and scientific specialists will investigate the evidence and new scientific data made available and, if necessary, seek additional information or consult other departments or agencies.

HSE’s specialists have conducted a significant amount of work considering the classification of these lithium substances, including the publication of the Agency Technical Report in August 2022 and the Agency Opinion in August 2023. Further consideration of the proposed GB mandatory classification and labelling for lithium (a) carbonate, (b) chloride and (c) hydroxide is underway. HSE will continue to engage with stakeholders during this process.