The classification of dangerous preparations according to the degree and specific nature of the hazards involved shall be based on the definitions of categories of danger laid down in Article 2.

The general principles of the classification and labelling of preparations shall be applied in accordance with the criteria laid down in Annex VI to Directive 67/548/EEC, save where alternative criteria referred to in Article 5, 6, 7 or 10 and the relevant Annexes of this Directive are applied.