Peru has approved Supreme Decree No. 005-2026-MINAM, introducing implementing rules for Legislative Decree No. 1570 and formally adopting the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 6. The regulation will enter into force six months after publication and creates a phased pathway for GHS classification, Spanish Safety Data Sheets (SDS), labelling, and related information submission.
For companies exporting chemicals to Peru, the immediate priority is to review whether current classifications, SDS and labels align with UN GHS Rev. 6 and Peru’s local implementation requirements.
Scope and Exemptions
The regulation applies to chemical substances manufactured in or imported into Peru, as well as hazardous chemical products containing such substances. However, certain products are outside the scope of this framework because they are already regulated under specific sectoral laws. In simplified terms, the main exempted categories include:
Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices and sanitary products;
Food, food additives, beverages and related products;
Agricultural pesticides and veterinary products;
Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled precursors;
Radioactive materials, explosives, pyrotechnic products and chemical weapons-related substances;
Waste and substances in transit through Peru;
Finished articles, unless they intentionally release chemical substances under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use;
Natural substances not chemically modified, where applicable.
These exemptions should be assessed case by case. Products excluded from this chemical substances framework may still be subject to other Peruvian regulatory requirements, including sector-specific authorization, import, occupational safety, transport or labelling rules.
Peru Adopts UN GHS Rev. 6: What Has Changed?
Supreme Decree No. 005-2026-MINAM makes GHS Rev. 6 the technical basis for chemical hazard classification and communication in Peru. This is a significant development for manufacturers, importers and exporters placing chemical substances or hazardous chemical products on the Peruvian market.
The regulation introduces requirements related to:
GHS classification of chemical substances;
Hazard communication through labels and SDS;
Use of standardized hazard statements and precautionary statements;
Spanish-language documentation for the Peruvian market;
Reference to Peru’s Anticipated Hazard Classification List;
Submission of classification and hazard communication information within phased transition periods.
For global companies, SDS and labels prepared for other jurisdictions should be reviewed before being used in Peru. Existing EU CLP, US OSHA HazCom, Canada WHMIS, UK GB CLP or Japan GHS classifications may be useful references, but companies should not copy them directly without confirming consistency with Peru’s adopted GHS version and national requirements.
Peru GHS Classification Requirements
Classification Responsibility: Manufacturers bear primary responsibility for the hazard classification of chemicals. Importers must ensure their overseas suppliers comply with the requirements.
Basis for Classification: Enterprises must classify chemicals based on robust technical documentation and retain such records for at least 10 years for inspection by regulatory authorities.
Classification Tool: Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM) will issue and regularly update the List of Preliminary Hazard Classifications for Chemical Substances (LCA) as a minimum reference for enterprises. Enterprises remain fully responsible for complete product classification, which must cover all GHS physical, health, and environmental hazard classes.
Peru GHS Labelling Requirements
In-scope chemicals placed on the Peruvian market must be labelled in Spanish. Additional languages may be included voluntarily, provided they do not conflict with the Spanish information.
Required label elements include:
Supplier identification: Name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer and/or importer;
Product identifier: Chemical name and CAS number, where applicable;
Hazard statements: Standardized H-phrases describing the nature of the hazards;
Precautionary statements: Standardized P-phrases describing recommended measures to prevent or minimize adverse effects;
Pictograms: Standardized GHS symbols for physical, health and environmental hazards;
Signal word: “Danger” / “Peligro” or “Warning” / “Atención”;
Supplementary information: Additional non-harmonized information may be included if it does not contradict GHS requirements.
Small Packaging and Special Cases: Where the immediate packaging does not have sufficient space for all required information, full information may be provided on the outer packaging or in accompanying documentation such as the SDS. The immediate packaging should still include core information, including the product identifier and an instruction such as “Read the full outer label” or “Read the accompanying label.”
Minimum Label and Pictogram Size Requirements
| Packaging Capacity | Label Size (mm) | Pictogram Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 250 mL – 3 L | At least 52 × 74 (if practicable) | At least 10 × 10 (ideally at least 16 × 16) |
| > 3 L – ≤ 50 L | At least 74 × 105 | At least 23 × 23 |
| > 50 L – ≤ 500 L | At least 105 × 148 | At least 32 × 32 |
| > 500 L | At least 148 × 210 | At least 46 × 46 |
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Requirements
The Safety Data Sheet, referred to in Spanish as Ficha de Datos de Seguridad (FDS), is a key document for communicating chemical safety information.
Companies should ensure that SDS documents meet the following requirements:
Language: SDS must be prepared in Spanish, consistent with labelling.
Format: SDS must strictly follow the 16-section format and content required by GHS to ensure completeness and consistency.
Update Requirements: Manufacturers or importers must update the SDS immediately when there is a significant change in classification, composition, or relevant safety information, and ensure downstream users receive the latest version promptly. In the absence of such changes, revision and update are required at least every five years.
Impact & Actionable Advice for Global Chemical Exporters
The implementation of Peru’s GHS regulation will affect chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, logistics providers and trading companies involved in the Peruvian market. Companies should not rely on outdated hazard communication practices or assume that documents prepared for other jurisdictions are automatically compliant in Peru.
For exporters and manufacturers supplying chemicals to Peru, recommended actions include:
Confirm product scope. Determine whether the product is in scope, exempted or regulated under another Peruvian sector-specific framework.
Build a Peru product inventory. Compile a list of chemical substances and hazardous chemical products manufactured in or imported into Peru.
Review classifications. Conduct or verify hazard classification in accordance with UN GHS Rev. 6 and Peru’s published hazard classification lists.
Update Spanish SDS and labels. Ensure that labels and SDS reflect the correct classification, required GHS elements and local language requirements.
Check packaging-specific label requirements. Confirm whether label and pictogram sizes meet the applicable minimum size requirements.
Coordinate with local importers. Clarify who will prepare, submit and maintain GHS-related information in Peru.
Monitor regulatory developments. Follow updates to the Anticipated Hazard Classification List, guidance documents and implementing rules published by Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM).
Peru’s adoption of GHS Rev. 6 marks a new phase in the country’s chemical hazard communication system. With a six-month period before the regulation enters into force and phased compliance windows ahead, companies should use the transition period to review classifications, update Spanish documentation and align responsibilities with Peruvian business partners.
How REACH24H Can Help
REACH24H supports global chemical companies with Peru GHS compliance and broader Latin America chemical regulatory requirements.
Need to assess your Peru GHS compliance obligations? Contact REACH24H to review your product scope, classifications, Spanish SDS and labels, and prepare your products for Peru’s phased GHS implementation.
