At the moment, hazardous substance related legislation in Europe is dominated by the following subjects: the new chemicals legislation (REACH) and the introduction of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (by the CLP Regulation). The REACH Regulation also influences the design of Safety Data Sheets.

The area of dangerous goods transport is subjected to permanent changes too. E.g., the next revision of the ADR is impending for 2011.