While preservatives are generally substances that are added to foods to prevent spillage, class-I preservative and class-II preservative are two classes out of many they can be grouped into. Class-I preservatives are basically natural preservatives that are found in our kitchen. Examples are vegetable oil, sugar, salt, wood smoke, vinegar salt, etc.
On the other hand, class-II preservatives are artificial or manmade preservatives such as sulfites, benzoate, sorbates, etc. While you can use class-I preservatives as you like without any risk, class-II preservatives are usually advised to be used with caution since they are most chemicals and can pose serious health risks if misused.
This is why there are recommendations as to how each of them should be used. Also, due to the chemical nature of class-II preservatives, class-I preservatives are usually preferred to them. However, it is important to know that each class has specific products they can be used for.