China’s newly enacted Law on the Safety of Hazardous Chemicals will officially come into force on May 1, 2026, introducing stringent, full-lifecycle regulatory oversight. For global chemical manufacturers and exporters, this legislation demands immediate action. Companies must ensure their operations, imports, and local supply chain partners strictly adhere to new mandates regarding licensing, personnel qualifications, storage, and mandatory registration to avoid severe penalties and business disruptions in the Chinese market.
Key Compliance Requirements Under the New Law
The new legislation enforces strict operational boundaries across the entire chemical supply chain. Here are the critical areas where non-compliance frequently leads to severe penalties:
1. Mandatory Registration for Imports and Production
The Requirement: Under Articles 85 and 86, both domestic manufacturers and importing enterprises must complete hazardous chemical registration with the designated agency under the emergency management department. Any changes in hazard characteristics or registration details must be updated promptly.
The Risk: Operating without proper registration or failing to update information can result in fines up to 200,000 RMB. There are no exemptions for non-manufacturing entities if they are the importers of record.
2. Strict Licensing and Personnel Qualifications
The Requirement: Engaging in the business or storage of hazardous chemicals requires a valid Hazardous Chemicals Business License (Article 53). Furthermore, Article 54 mandates that enterprises must have dedicated safety management personnel who have passed official assessments.
The Risk: Unlicensed operations face fines up to 500,000 RMB and confiscation of goods. Employing uncertified personnel can lead to business suspension and fines up to 200,000 RMB.
3. Dedicated Storage Facilities
The Requirement: Hazardous chemicals must be stored in dedicated warehouses, sites, or cabinets managed by designated personnel (Articles 41 and 43). Highly toxic chemicals and major hazard installations require isolated storage with dual-person management.
The Risk: Storing hazardous chemicals in general warehouses or failing to segregate incompatible materials can result in license revocation and fines up to 200,000 RMB.
Impact on Global Businesses and Compliance Advice
The May 2026 implementation deadline leaves a critical window for multinational companies to audit their Chinese operations and supply chains. The shift towards full-chain supervision means that foreign exporters cannot rely solely on local distributors without verifying their compliance status.
Actionable Steps for Global Enterprises:
Audit Supply Chain Partners: Verify that your Chinese distributors, importers, and warehousing partners possess the correct, up-to-date licenses and employ certified safety personnel.
Ensure Complete Registration: Confirm that all hazardous chemicals exported to China are fully registered. Do not assume exemptions apply based on past practices.
Review Documentation: Ensure that all Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and GHS labels are compliant with the latest Chinese national standards and accurately reflect the product's hazard classification.
Monitor Changes: Establish a system to promptly update registration information if there are changes to product formulations, hazard properties, or company details.
How REACH24H Can Help
Navigating China's evolving chemical regulatory landscape requires localized expertise and proactive management. REACH24H offers comprehensive compliance solutions, including hazardous chemical registration, SDS and label authoring, and regulatory auditing.
Contact our experts today to ensure your supply chain remains uninterrupted and fully compliant with the new Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law.
