GHS and safety
CMR substances
Definition
Substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.
CMR is shorthand for carcinogenic, germ cell mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. Under the GHS and EU CLP, categories 1A and 1B are known or presumed hazards and category 2 is suspected.
CMR status matters commercially. In the EU, many CMR substances are restricted in consumer products and cosmetics, and some are on the REACH candidate list as substances of very high concern. Buyers in pharma, food contact and personal care usually ask suppliers to confirm that no CMR substances are present above set limits.
Related terms
- GHS08 health hazardPictogram for serious longer term health hazards such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity.
- SVHC (substance of very high concern)A substance identified under REACH as having serious hazards, placed on the ECHA candidate list.
- REACHThe EU regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.