Overview
The “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals” (hereinafter referred to as UN GHS), often called the “Purple Book” due to its cover color, is a global unified chemical safety management system spearheaded by the United Nations.
Since its official release in 2003, the UN GHS is updated every two years, with the first revision completed in 2005; as of 2025, the latest version is the 11th Revised Edition (GHS Rev.11).
Over the years, the UN GHS has been adopted by numerous countries and regions worldwide and translated into local regulations, widely applied in the management of chemical classification, labelling, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
To help enterprises keep abreast of compliance requirements in various countries and effectively respond to regulatory changes in the international trade of chemicals, REACH24H has specifically compiled the GHS implementation landscape in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa.
European Union: GHS Implemented
Based on the UN GHS and combined with the implementation process of the REACH Regulation, the European Union formally published the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation) on January 20, 2009.
The regulation has been fully implemented in phases:
Chemical Substances: Mandatory application since December 1, 2010;
- Mixtures: Fully enforced since June 1, 2015.
EU CLP Classification Updates
On March 31, 2023, the EU formally published the revision to Annex I of the CLP Regulation, introducing new hazard classes for Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs) and Persistent, Mobile and Toxic/Very Persistent, Very Mobile substances (PMT/vPvM) for the first time.
The amendment entered into force on April 20, 2023, with clear transition periods established:
Chemical substances newly placed on the market: Must update labels and SDS according to new classification requirements starting May 1, 2025; for substances already on the market, the grace period extends to November 1, 2026.
Mixtures newly placed on the market: New rules apply starting May 1, 2026; mixtures already on the market have until May 1, 2028, to complete compliance adjustments.
EU SDS Compilation Regulation Revision
Concurrently, the requirements for compiling SDSs in the EU have been comprehensively updated: the revised Regulation (EU) 2020/878 became mandatory on January 1, 2023, fully replacing the previous (EU) 2015/830.
The new regulation further refines the technical specifications for various sections of the SDS, specifically strengthening information disclosure obligations for:
Nanoforms;
Endocrine disrupting properties;
Substances of very high concern such as Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic substances (PBT/vPvB).
This places higher demands on enterprises regarding the accuracy, completeness, and compliance timeliness of their SDSs.
EU CLP Regulation Scope of Application
27 EU Member States: Austria | Belgium | Bulgaria | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France | Germany | Greece | Hungary | Ireland | Italy | Latvia | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta | Netherlands | Poland | Portugal | Romania | Slovakia | Slovenia | Spain | Sweden
3 European Economic Area (EEA) Countries: Iceland | Liechtenstein | Norway
United Kingdom: GHS Implemented
Following Brexit, the UK has maintained the original EU chemical regulatory framework while making localized adjustments to relevant systems.
UK GB CLP Regulation
Since January 1, 2021, chemicals placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) have been governed by the "Retained CLP Regulation (EU) No 1272/2008 as amended for Great Britain" (referred to as GB CLP) for classification, labelling, and packaging; Northern Ireland continues to apply the EU CLP Regulation.
Under the GB CLP system, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acts as the competent authority, assuming functions previously held by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under CLP, such as classification coordination, notification management, and enforcement supervision.
UK SDS Compilation Requirements
According to Article 31 of UK REACH, any substance or mixture placed on the Great Britain market must be accompanied by an SDS if it meets the following criteria:
Hazardous chemicals;
Products containing Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) at a concentration exceeding 0.1%;
Substances or mixtures that are Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) or Very Persistent and Very Bioaccumulative (vPvB).
Since January 1, 2021, SDSs in the UK must be compiled in accordance with REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and its amendments applicable to the UK, particularly the technical requirements for SDS format and content in Annex II.
GB Mandatory Classification List
Additionally, the HSE has published the legally binding GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling List (GB MCL List), which functions equivalently to "Harmonised Classification" under EU CLP and is updated regularly.
Substances listed in this inventory must use the mandatory classification and labelling prescribed by the HSE when placed on the Great Britain market.
Serbia: GHS Implemented
On June 29, 2010, Serbia formally adopted the UN GHS through national legislation, published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" on September 10 of the same year.
According to the Serbian "Law on Chemicals," the Ministry of Environmental Protection requires all chemicals placed on the market to be classified according to their hazard characteristics and to carry safety labels and packaging in accordance with GHS requirements.
GHS Implementation Details
At the execution level, Serbia formulated subordinate legislation—the "Rulebook on Classification, Packaging, Labelling and Advertising of Chemicals and Certain Products in accordance with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals"—referencing the EU CLP Regulation within its chemical management system, providing the operational basis for GHS implementation.
New SDS Compilation Requirements
On February 14, 2024, Serbia published the "Rulebook on the Content of Safety Data Sheets" in the Official Gazette No. 11, clarifying the latest requirements for SDS compilation, marking the continued alignment of its chemical compliance system with international standards.
Turkey: GHS Implemented
Since 2013, Turkey has gradually built a chemical management system modelled on the UN GHS and EU CLP Regulation.
Classification Management: SEA Regulation Fully Aligns with CLP
On December 11, 2013, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (MoEU) published Regulation No. 28848—Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (referred to as the SEA Regulation), replacing Regulation No. 27092 effective from 2008. This regulation largely adopts EU CLP Regulation requirements and entered into force on the date of publication.
SDS Standards: Localization and Expert Certification
On December 13, 2014, MoEU published Regulation No. 29204—Regulation on Safety Data Sheets Regarding Hazardous Substances and Mixtures, introducing the core requirements of the EU regulation (EU No 453/2010) regarding SDSs.
Subsequently, with the issuance of the "Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals" (KKDIK, Regulation No. 30105) on June 23, 2017, Turkey established a more complete chemical regulatory framework.
Since December 31, 2023, KKDIK has officially replaced Regulation No. 29204. Its Annex 2 specifies content and technical details for the 16 sections of an SDS and strengthens the following localized compliance requirements:
SDSs must be compiled in Turkish;
SDSs must be compiled or reviewed by certified professionals;
The SDS must clearly list the name, contact information, certificate number, and validity period of the expert who prepared it.
This evolution of regulations not only reflects the continuous alignment of Turkey's chemical management system with EU standards but also highlights its high regard for SDS quality control and responsibility traceability.
Switzerland: GHS Implemented
Since 2015, Switzerland has used the UN GHS and EU CLP Regulation as key references to build a chemical management system through the Chemicals Ordinance (ChemO, RS 813.11) that balances international coordination with local regulatory characteristics.
Classification Management: ChemO Fully Implements GHS
From July 1, 2015, Switzerland officially implemented a major revision of ChemO, aligning the classification, labelling, and packaging requirements for substances and mixtures largely with the EU CLP Regulation, while retaining certain localized provisions, such as notification obligations for placing new substances on the market and specific product regulations.
Swiss authorities amend ChemO in a timely manner based on updates to the UN GHS and EU CLP Regulation. The current valid version is AS 2025 506, published by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) on July 31, 2025, in German, French, and Italian.
SDS Standards: Benchmarking EU with Local Compliance Markers
Swiss SDS compilation must strictly follow the provisions listed in ChemO Annex 2, which are highly consistent in technical details with Annex II of the EU REACH Regulation ((EU) 2020/878).
However, ChemO requires that Sections 1, 7, 8, 13, and 15 of a Swiss SDS must explicitly state compliance with specific provisions of relevant Swiss regulations to reflect adherence to national regulatory requirements.
Russia: GHS Implemented
The implementation of GHS in Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has evolved from national legislation to regional unified regulations.
GHS Implementation: From National Regulations to Eurasian Unified Supervision
On October 7, 2016, the Russian Federation issued Decree No. 1019—"Technical Regulation on the Safety of Chemical Products," introducing UN GHS for the first time, originally scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2021.
Subsequently, to promote regional regulatory consistency, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) adopted the Technical Regulation on the Safety of Chemical Products (TR EAEU 041/2017) on March 3, 2017, which officially entered into force on June 2, 2021. This regulation applies to all EAEU member states, fully replacing Russian Decree No. 1019, marking the unified implementation of GHS within the union.
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Member States: Russia | Belarus | Kazakhstan | Armenia | Kyrgyzstan
SDS and Label Standards Update: Full Adoption of GHS Rev. 7
To support regulation implementation, supporting technical standards were upgraded simultaneously. On July 19, 2022, the CIS Coordinating and Information Center (CIS Center) released three new standards:
GOST 30333-2022 "General requirements for safety data sheet of chemical products"
GOST 32419-2022 "General requirements for classification of chemicals"
GOST 31340-2022 "Labelling of chemicals. General requirements"
The new standards fully adopt the 7th revised edition of the UN GHS, replacing the 2013 version series based on the 4th revised edition, further aligning SDS structure, hazard classification logic, and labelling elements with the latest international practices.
USA: GHS Implemented
In 2012, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS-2012). Based on the 3rd revised edition of the UN GHS, it required all enterprises to provide compliant labels and SDSs for hazardous chemicals starting June 1, 2015.
Latest HCS Revision Updates
On February 16, 2021, OSHA published a proposed rule to formally initiate revisions to the HCS, aiming to align with the 7th revised edition of the UN GHS and concurrently adopt select provisions from the 8th revised edition (such as new aerosol classification standards).
This revision was officially published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2024, and set to take effect on July 19, 2024. Update highlights include:
Adjustments to hazard classification standards;
Refinement of label elements;
Optimization of SDS content requirements;
Clarification of rules for disclosing concentration ranges in Confidential Business Information (CBI).
To facilitate enterprise compliance, OSHA has set phased buffer periods:
New chemical substances placed on the market: Must complete label and SDS updates by January 19, 2026;
New mixtures placed on the market: Compliance deadline is July 19, 2027.
During this period, enterprises must also conduct employee training to ensure relevant personnel fully understand the new label and SDS information.
Canada: GHS Implemented
On February 11, 2015, the Federal Government of Canada formally adopted the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR), replacing the previous Controlled Products Regulations (CPR).
Developed under the leadership of Health Canada and based on the 5th revised edition of the UN GHS, this regulation marked Canada's full implementation of the Globally Harmonized System.
Latest HPR Revision Updates
To align continuously with international standards, Health Canada published an amendment to the HPR in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on January 4, 2023, further pushing the regulation to align with the 7th revised edition of the UN GHS and adopting parts of the 8th revised edition.
Major Hazard Classification Updates Include:
New hazard categories or sub-categories: Flammable Gases 1A/1B, Chemically Unstable Gases, and Aerosols Category 3;
The separate hazard category "Pyrophoric Gases" is repealed; these substances are now classified under Flammable Gases Category 1A;
Formal adoption of classification requirements for "Chemicals Under Pressure" from GHS Rev. 8.
Major SDS and Label Updates Include:
Allowing the use of narrower concentration ranges in SDS Section 3 for disclosing hazardous ingredients while retaining Confidential Business Information (CBI) protection;
SDS Section 9 no longer mandates parameters like odor threshold but adds requirements for particle characteristics (e.g., particle size distribution) and kinematic viscosity;
Standardized hazard statement for Combustible Dusts adds the option: "May form explosive dust–air mixture";
Exemption rules for small package labels remain unchanged (≤100 mL can omit hazard and precautionary statements; ≤3 mL can omit the label), provided safety information is accessible via other means.
The HPR amendment entered into force on December 15, 2022, with a 3-year transition period. Starting December 15, 2025, all hazardous chemicals placed on the Canadian market must complete SDS compilation and safety label updates according to the new rules.
Mexico: GHS Implemented
On October 9, 2015, Mexico published the official standard Harmonized System for the Identification and Communication of Hazards and Risks from Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace (NOM-018-STPS-2015).
Based technically on the 5th revised edition of the UN GHS, the standard took effect on the day of publication, with a three-year transition period, becoming fully mandatory from October 8, 2018.
Brazil: GHS Implemented
In February 2015, Brazil formally implemented the 4th revised edition of the UN GHS and specified detailed regulations for chemical classification, labelling, and SDSs through the national standard ABNT NBR 14725:2009.
Latest ABNT NBR Revision Updates
On July 3, 2023, the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) published the new version of standard ABNT NBR 14725:2023, aiming to align with the 7th revised edition of the UN GHS.
The new standard consolidates content previously scattered across four parts (definitions, hazard classification, labelling, SDS) into a single document, making it clearer and easier to use.
This standard has a two-year transition period and will effectively come into force on July 4, 2025. From this date, enterprises must compile SDSs and produce labels according to ABNT NBR 14725:2023 to meet Brazilian market compliance requirements.
Uruguay: GHS Implemented
On July 3, 2009, Uruguay issued Decree 307/009, formally introducing the UN GHS system, which took effect in September 2009. Labelling requirements were given a 1-year buffer period to allow enterprises to transition gradually.
Uruguay GHS Revision Updates
To further perfect the regulatory system, the Uruguayan government published a revised decree on September 28, 2011—Decree 346/011—updating the original Decree 307/009, effective immediately upon publication.
This revision clarified a more specific implementation timeline:
GHS labels for chemical substances had to be compliant by December 31, 2012;
The buffer period for mixture GHS labels was longer, ending on December 31, 2017.
Argentina: GHS Implemented
On April 10, 2015, the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security of Argentina issued Resolution 801/2015, formally initiating the implementation of UN GHS in the workplace, originally set to take effect 180 days after publication.
Subsequently, to adjust the implementation pace, the government passed Resolution 3359/2015 through the Superintendency of Labor Risks (SRT) on September 29, 2015, revising the transition arrangements:
Chemical substances had to complete GHS compliance by April 15, 2016;
The transition period for mixtures was extended to January 1, 2017.
GHS Implementation Details
To support enterprises in implementing requirements, the Argentine Institute of Standardization and Certification (IRAM) concurrently released two technical guides:
IRAM 41400: Regarding the compilation of SDSs;
IRAM 41401: Specific instructions regarding GHS labels.
Further Expansion of GHS Scope
On June 25, 2025, the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (SENASA) issued Resolution 458/2025, officially incorporating phytosanitary products into the GHS system.
Article 14 specifically stipulates that the health hazard classification of such products should align with the 9th revised edition of the UN GHS, accompanied by the release of Annex 8, which provides detailed supplementary guidance on hazard classification.
Chile: GHS Implemented
On February 9, 2021, Chile passed Supreme Decree No. 57/2019, formally implementing the UN GHS. On August 23 of the same year, the Chilean government further issued Resolution No. 777/2021, publishing the official unified classification list of substances, providing a basis for compliant classification of specific substances.
SDS Compilation Standards
On December 23, 2015, the National Institute of Standardization (INN) of Chile formally published NCh 2245:2015, providing a national standard basis for SDS compilation within its borders.
To align with the latest international practices, Chile published the updated standard NCh 2245:2021 on September 29, 2021, fully replacing the 2015 version. The new standard is based on the 8th revised edition of the UN GHS, with corresponding adjustments to SDS structure and content requirements.
Colombia: GHS Implemented
On August 6, 2018, Colombia passed Decree No. 1496, officially implementing the 6th revised edition of the UN GHS at the national level, applicable to all substances and mixtures meeting at least one GHS hazard class criterion.
To further refine implementation requirements in the workplace, the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Health jointly issued Resolution No. 0773/2021 on April 7, 2021, reiterating and implementing the relevant provisions of GHS Rev. 6.
The resolution took effect upon publication and established phased transition periods:
Chemical substances had to complete compliance within 2 years (by April 7, 2023);
The transition period for mixtures was 3 years (by April 7, 2024).
This move marks Colombia's continued advancement of GHS implementation in chemical safety management and the strengthening of occupational health protection through multi-agency collaboration.
Ecuador: GHS Implemented
On April 17, 2013, Ecuador passed Resolution No. 13067, formally adopting the Technical Regulation on Transport, Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials (RTE INEN 078) and listing the Norm for Transport, Storage and Handling of Hazardous Materials (INEN 2266:2013) as a mandatory standard.
Subsequently, the RTE INEN 078 technical regulation was revised in 2014, delaying the mandatory effective date of INEN 2266:2013 to February 1, 2018, providing enterprises with a more sufficient compliance transition period.
Peru: GHS Implemented
On May 28, 2023, Peru promulgated Legislative Decree No. 1570, formally passing the Law on Integral Management of Chemical Substances, effective immediately. Chapter 2 of the law explicitly stipulates that the classification, labelling, and SDS of hazardous chemicals must comply with UN GHS requirements.
To further refine implementation standards, Peru's Ministry of Environment published draft regulation No. XXX-2024-MINAM on July 24, 2024, proposing the 6th revised edition of the UN GHS as the technical basis for hazard classification, labelling, and SDS compilation.
Chinese Mainland: GHS Implemented
China officially began promoting the localization of GHS in 2011. In February 2011, the “Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals” (State Council Decree No. 591) was promulgated and officially implemented on December 1, 2011, marking the comprehensive launch of the GHS system in China.
National Standard System for Chemical Classification and Labelling
2013: The Standardization Administration of China (SAC) released the Rules for classification and labelling of chemicals series of national standards (GB 30000.2–29–2013), totaling 28 standards. These were based on the UN GHS 4th Revised Edition, providing technical support for the implementation of GHS in China.
August 1, 2024: The new version of Rules for classification and labelling of chemicals—Part 1: General rules (GB 30000.1–2024) was officially released and implemented from August 1, 2025, replacing the original General rules for classification and hazard communication of chemicals (GB 13690–2009). This standard references the UN GHS 8th Revised Edition and further improves the classification framework and terminology definitions.
June 30, 2025: The SAC released Rules for classification and labelling of chemicals—Part 30: Desensitized explosives (GB 30000.30–2025), referencing the UN GHS 10th Revised Edition, to be implemented from July 1, 2026. This standard adds “Desensitized explosives” as the 17th physical hazard class, bringing the total number of physical hazard classifications in China’s current GHS to 29.
Hazardous Chemicals Catalog and Supporting Guidelines
February 27, 2015: Ten departments jointly released the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals (2015 Edition), which was officially implemented on May 1, 2015, simultaneously abolishing the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals (2002 Edition) and the Catalog of Highly Toxic Chemicals (2002 Edition).
August 19, 2015: To ensure the effective execution of the catalog, the State Administration of Work Safety released the Guidance for the Implementation of the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals (2015 Edition) (Trial), providing guidance for enterprises on classification determination and compliance operations.
Standards for Compilation of SDS and Labels
GB/T 16483–2008 Safety data sheet for chemical products—Content and order of sections: Implemented since February 1, 2009;
GB/T 17519-2013 Guidance on the compilation of safety data sheet for chemical products: Implemented since January 31, 2014;
GB 15258–2009 General rules for preparation of precautionary label for chemicals: Implemented since May 1, 2010; currently under revision.
Taiwan, China: GHS Implemented
GHS Implementation and Standard Evolution in Taiwan Region
October 19, 2007: Based on UN GHS Rev. 1, the Taiwan region formulated the Regulation of Labelling and Hazard Communication of Dangerous and Harmful Materials (hereinafter: Hazard Communication Rules), referring to it as the “Taiwan Region GHS Regulation.” This rule was officially implemented on December 31, 2008.
July 3, 2013: The Taiwan region renamed the original Labor Safety and Health Act to the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Article 10 unified the term “dangerous and harmful materials” to “hazardous chemicals.” To align with the parent law, the subsidiary regulation Regulation of Labelling and Hazard Communication of Dangerous and Harmful Materials was renamed to Regulation for the Labeling and Hazard Communication of Hazardous Chemicals on June 27, 2014.
January 1, 2016: The GHS system was fully implemented in workplaces across the Taiwan region, requiring all chemicals to be classified and labelled according to GHS. To provide enterprises with a reasonable transition period, a buffer was granted until December 31, 2016, for full compliance.
Update Process of CNS 15030 Series Standards
January 28, 2015: The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of the economic authority in Taiwan region revised 11 items in the CNS 15030 Classification and Labelling of Chemicals series standards, referencing the UN GHS 4th Revised Edition (published in 2011). At that time, the series contained a total of 28 items (including general rules).
2024 - 2025: The economic authority of the Taiwan region further updated parts of the CNS 15030 standards referencing the UN GHS 8th Revised Edition. To date, the series has expanded to 30 items (including general rules), maintaining synchronization with the latest international GHS requirements.
Thailand: GHS Implemented
Since 2012, Thailand has gradually implemented UN GHS across different regulatory sectors, with multiple competent authorities responsible for chemical compliance requirements within their respective jurisdictions.
March 12, 2012: The Ministry of Industry (MOI) published the Notification of Ministry of Industry: Hazard Classification and Communication System of Hazardous Substances B.E. 2555 (2012) in the Royal Gazette, clarifying that the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) is responsible for regulating industrial hazardous chemicals. This notification was based on the UN GHS 3rd Revised Edition and mandated full implementation starting March 13, 2017.
February 16, 2015: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Thailand published a notification in the Royal Gazette (B.E. 2558), requiring household chemicals and public health chemicals under its jurisdiction to implement classification, labelling, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements according to the UN GHS 3rd Revised Edition.
November 30, 2021: The Department of Agriculture (DOA) under the Ministry of Agriculture published an announcement in the Royal Gazette (B.E. 2564), incorporating agricultural chemicals for fisheries into the GHS management scope, also referencing the UN GHS 3rd Revised Edition.
June 27, 2022: The Department of Industrial Works (DIW) further updated regulatory requirements, publishing the revised Notification of Department of Industrial Works: Declaration of the Production or Import of Hazardous Substances (List 5.6) B.E. 2565 (2022) in the Government Gazette, which became officially effective on September 25, 2022, strengthening the declaration and compliance management of industrial chemicals.
Vietnam: GHS Implemented
Vietnam promulgated the “Law on Chemicals” in November 2007, laying the legal foundation for chemical management. Subsequently, the Vietnamese government issued various supporting decrees and ministerial circulars, gradually building a chemical regulatory framework aligned with international standards. Key supporting documents include:
Circular No. 04/2012/TT-BCT: Released by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), clarifying requirements for chemical classification and labelling;
Circular No. 32/2017/TT-BCT: Further specifying detailed requirements for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other hazard communication information.
To further improve the management system, Vietnam released Government Decree No. 82/2022/ND-CP on October 18, 2022, making significant amendments to the original Decree on Chemical Management (No. 113/2017/ND-CP). Major updates included:
Updating classification criteria and limits for sensitizing substances;
Proposing new declaration and compliance requirements for chemicals listed in the special import control list.
Shortly thereafter, on October 27, 2022, the MOIT released Circular No. 17/2022/TT-BCT, amending Circular No. 32/2017/TT-BCT to ensure SDS and relevant information requirements remain consistent with the latest regulations.
Malaysia: GHS Implemented
Malaysia officially began implementing UN GHS in workplaces in 2013, with the core regulation being the “Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013” (abbreviated as: CLASS Regulations 2013).
October 11, 2013: The regulations were published in the Federal Gazette and became officially effective the next day, applicable to industrial chemicals used in all workplaces. The regulations are based on the UN GHS 3rd Revised Edition, establishing mandatory requirements for chemical classification, labelling, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
June 10, 2014: To guide corporate compliance implementation, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) released the Industry Code of Practice on Chemicals Classification and Hazard Communication (CLASS ICOP 2014), also based on GHS Rev. 3.
The code is divided into four parts: Part 1: List of Classified Chemicals; Part 2: Chemicals Classification; Part 3: Hazard Communication: Labelling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS); Part 4: Confidential Business Information (CBI).
October 11, 2019: DOSH released Part 1 of CLASS ICOP 2019, revising and expanding the classification list of hazardous substances.
June 13, 2022: DOSH announced a draft amendment to the CLASS Regulations 2013, aiming to align the regulations overall with the UN GHS 8th Revised Edition, covering updates in classification criteria, label elements, and SDS formats.
Singapore: GHS Implemented
Singapore has systematically promoted the localization of UN GHS since 2005:
2005: Established a GHS Implementation Task Force comprising multiple government agencies to coordinate GHS implementation across various regulatory sectors.
2006: Revised the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations (WSHR), incorporating Safety Data Sheets (SDS) into the legal framework for the first time, laying the regulatory foundation for GHS implementation.
2008: Officially implemented GHS and released Singapore Standard SS 586 Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods. This standard became a mandatory requirement under WSHR, applicable to chemical labelling and SDS management in workplaces.
2014: Comprehensively updated the SS 586 standard referencing the UN GHS 4th Revised Edition to ensure synchronization with international standards.
2023: Further revised Part 2 (Labelling) and Part 3 (SDS) of the SS 586 series based on the UN GHS 7th Revised Edition. This revision set a transition buffer period ending on February 6, 2025, to allow enterprises to orderly complete compliance adjustments.
Indonesia: GHS Implemented
Indonesia has gradually implemented UN GHS since 2010, with the Ministry of Industry (MOI) leading the formulation and continuous update of relevant regulations and technical guidelines.
March 2010: The MOI issued Regulation No. 87/2009 (No. 87/M-IND/PER/9/2009), officially introducing GHS requirements. This regulation was based on the UN GHS 2nd Revised Edition, clearly stipulating core obligations for chemical classification, labelling, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
April 14, 2010: To support regulation implementation, the MOI issued Regulation No. 21/2010 (No. 21/IAK/PER/4/2010) as the first edition of the technical guidance document, providing specific operational instructions.
April 12, 2013: Based on the UN GHS 4th Revised Edition, the MOI comprehensively revised the original regulation, issuing Regulation No. 23/2013 (No. 23/M-IND/PER/4/2013), replacing 87/2009 and further improving classification criteria and compliance requirements.
January 28, 2014: Concurrently updated the technical guidelines by issuing Regulation No. 04/2014 (No. 04/BIM/PER/1/2014). This revised guideline detailed the following content, effective from the date of issuance, providing enterprises with clear, actionable technical bases for implementing GHS.
Cut-off values and concentration limits;
Classification building blocks;
Standard formats for SDS and labels;
Size and layout requirements for hazard pictograms.
Philippines: GHS Implemented
Since 2014, the Philippines has gradually implemented UN GHS across multiple regulatory sectors, executed in phases by different competent authorities according to their jurisdictions.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): Workplace Chemical Safety
February 28, 2014: DOLE issued Department Order No. 136-14 titled Guidelines for the Implementation of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in Chemical Safety Program in the Workplace, officially introducing GHS into the occupational health and safety management system. This document is based on the UN GHS 3rd Revised Edition and applies to chemicals used in all workplaces.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): Environmental Regulation and High-Concern Chemicals
May 19, 2015: DENR issued Administrative Order No. 2015-09, launching the phased implementation plan for GHS.
August 24, 2015: The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) under DENR issued the DAO 2015-09 Guidance Manual (i.e., EMB Memorandum Circular 2015-011). Based on the UN GHS 4th Revised Edition, it first implemented GHS requirements for single substances and compounds listed in the Chemical Control Order (CCO) and Priority Chemical List (PCL).
Subsequently, DENR expanded the GHS scope through a series of memorandum circulars:
EMB Memorandum Circular 2017-010: Covering High Volume Toxic Chemicals;
EMB Memorandum Circular 2020-009: Extending to toxic chemicals listed in the IATA and IMDG Dangerous Goods Lists;
EMB Memorandum Circular 2021-009: Incorporating mixtures into the GHS management scope.
Department of Health (DOH) — Consumer Products Sector
June 2019 and August 2020: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the DOH issued administrative orders and circulars respectively, clarifying GHS as a reference standard for consumer products (such as household cleaners, personal care products, etc.).
Currently, in the consumer products sector, the application of GHS labels remains voluntary and has not yet been mandatorily implemented.
Japan: GHS Implemented
Japan is one of the earliest countries globally to adopt and implement UN GHS. Its implementation history and scope are as follows:
Implementation Process
2006: Japan officially began implementing GHS and released a Japanese version based on GHS Rev. 1. In the same year, the national standard JIS Z 7251:2006 Labelling of chemicals based on GHS was launched, covering chemical labelling regulations. Additionally, the Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL) was revised, with new regulations effective from December 1, 2006.
2019: Based on the requirements of the UN GHS 6th Revised Edition, Japan formulated two new national standards: JIS Z 7252:2019 Classification of chemicals and JIS Z 7253:2019 Hazard communication of chemicals based on GHS – Labelling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS). These two standards were officially implemented on May 24, 2022.
Currently, Japan is working on revising the technical content of the above two standards based on the latest requirements of the UN GHS 9th Revised Edition.
Scope of Application
GHS labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) primarily apply to chemicals regulated under the following laws:
Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL): The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) published the revised Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (MHLW Ordinance No. 91 of 2022) as the detailed implementation rule for ISHL, clarifying new requirements for SDS delivery methods, display content, and daily management.
Act on Confirmation, etc. of Release Amounts of Specific Chemical Substances in the Environment and Promotion of Improvements to the Management Thereof (PRTR Law): For products containing specific chemical substances stipulated by PRTR, the SDS must specify the names, types, and content (to two significant figures) of these substances. If a non-Cabinet Order name is filled in Part 3 of the SDS, the Cabinet Order name must be supplemented in Part 15.
Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law (PDSCL): Under PDSCL, operators have an obligation to provide SDS when selling or transferring controlled poisonous substances, deleterious substances, or specific poisonous substances.
South Korea: GHS Implemented
South Korea has gradually introduced and implemented UN GHS since 2006, continuously improving its chemical management system through the collaborative efforts of multiple departments.
Implementation Process
2006: The Ministry of Labor revised the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA) and began implementing GHS in South Korea. Different buffer periods were set for substances and mixtures:
Substances: Buffer deadline July 1, 2010;
- Mixtures: Buffer deadline July 1, 2013.
2008: The Ministry of Environment revised the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA) and began implementing GHS to strengthen the management of toxic chemicals.
January 1, 2015: The TCCA was abolished and replaced by two new laws:
Act on Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances (K-REACH): Primarily responsible for the registration of new chemical substances.
- Chemical Control Act (CCA): Focusing on the management of hazardous chemicals.
August 7, 2025: The Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL) released the Standards for Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances and Material Safety Data Sheet (MoEL Notice No. 2050-50), replacing the previous Notice No. 2023-9. According to the new standard, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labels for all chemicals must be updated and prepared in accordance with the requirements of MoEL Notice No. 2050-50.
MSDS Submission and CBI Application
From January 16, 2021, the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL) officially implemented the following three regulations:
MSDS Submission: For products subject to MSDS requirements, MSDS submission must be completed prior to import. The final submission deadline for existing products is January 16, 2026.
CBI Application: If a product contains Confidential Business Information (CBI) and the use of an alternative name and/or alternative content is desired, a CBI application must be filed. Only after approval can the approved alternative name or content be used in Part 3 of the MSDS.
OR Appointment: Overseas manufacturers can choose a Korea-based representative compliant with the MoEL ordinance requirements to handle MSDS submission and CBI application matters.
Australia: GHS Implemented
Australia formally promoted UN GHS starting in 2012, with the Work Health and Safety Regulations (WHS Regulations) serving as the core legal basis for implementation.
January 1, 2012: The WHS Regulations officially came into effect, marking the comprehensive launch of GHS in Australia. To support regulation implementation, the government concurrently released supporting documents, including: GHS classification guides and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
From December 31, 2016: GHS requirements were fully mandatorily implemented. Since then, all chemicals used in workplaces must be classified according to GHS standards and equipped with compliant SDS and labels.
January 1, 2021: Australia updated relevant standards referencing the UN GHS 7th Revised Edition and set a two-year transition period to allow manufacturers and importers sufficient time to adjust chemical classification, labels, and SDS content.
From January 1, 2023: The transition period ended, and chemical classification and labelling within Australia must adopt the UN GHS Rev. 7 standard.
New Zealand: GHS Implemented
New Zealand is one of the earliest countries globally to adopt UN GHS. Its implementation history is as follows:
July 1, 2001: New Zealand officially launched GHS, pioneering the introduction of the system in select sectors.
July 1, 2006: The GHS scope was expanded to all chemicals (including new and existing chemical substances), achieving comprehensive coverage.
December 31, 2020: The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) released the Hazardous Substances (Classification) Notice 2020. This notice adopted the UN GHS 7th Revised Edition and became officially effective on April 30, 2021.
To ensure a smooth transition, the notice set a 4-year buffer period for hazardous substances circulating in the New Zealand market before April 30, 2021: Relevant enterprises must complete the update of product classification, labels, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) by April 30, 2025, at the latest, to comply with the notice’s requirements.
Cambodia: GHS Implemented
Cambodia has gradually promoted UN GHS since 2009, implementing requirements mainly through a series of sub-decrees and ministerial announcements:
October 20, 2009: The Cambodian government issued Sub-Decree No. 180 ANKr/BK, introducing GHS into the national regulatory system for the first time, applicable to the classification and labelling management of chemicals (including substances and mixtures).
February 22, 2021: To further improve regulations, the government promulgated Sub-Decree No. 19 ANKr/BK, amending parts of the articles and annexes of Sub-Decree No. 180, specifically including:
Articles 7, 12, 13, and 14;
Annex 2 and Annex 3 regarding hazard information;
Annex 4 regarding SDS information.
September 2, 2022: The Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia issued Announcement No. 192, proposing new labelling requirements for household chemical products, further extending GHS application in the consumer goods sector.
Laos: GHS Implemented
On November 10, 2016, the National Assembly of Laos passed the “Law on Chemicals” (No. 07/NA), which became officially effective on December 12, 2016. This law explicitly defined hazardous chemicals at the national legal level as “chemicals with hazardous properties compliant with UN GHS standards,” marking the official incorporation of GHS into Laos’ chemical regulatory system.
GCC Countries: GHS Implemented
In January 2022, the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), using the 7th revised edition of the UN GHS as a technical basis, formally published Standard GSO 2654:2021, fully implementing the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.
According to the standard, SDSs and chemical labels must be provided in both Arabic and English to ensure effective communication and compliance consistency within the region.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States: Bahrain | Kuwait | Oman | Saudi Arabia | UAE | Qatar
Updates:
The six Gulf countries (the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Yemen) jointly propose the implementation of the GHS among member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization (GSO), excluding Saudi Arabia.
The drafted regulation (Draft GSO 2654:2025) aims to ensure the safety of dangerous goods during production, transportation, handling, use, and disposal, fully aligning with the UN GHS Rev. 10 (2023) and referencing the EU CLP Regulation.
Israel: GHS Implemented
On May 12, 2019, Israel published the revised version of National Standard SI 2302 in the Official Gazette, comprehensively introducing GHS requirements. The standard is divided into two parts:
Part 1 (Hazardous Substances and Mixtures: Classification, Labelling, Marking and Packaging) is mainly based on the EU CLP Regulation;
Part 2 regulates the classification, labelling, marking, and packaging requirements for hazardous substances and mixtures in transport.
The standard set a transition period and became fully mandatory starting August 9, 2022.
South Africa: GHS Implemented
On March 29, 2021, the Department of Employment and Labour of South Africa promulgated the Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Agents, 2021, formally implementing the requirements of the 8th revised edition of the UN GHS in the workplace, covering chemical hazard classification, SDSs, and labels.
The regulation set an 18-month transition period, which ended on September 29, 2022, after which enforcement became fully mandatory.
Mauritius: GHS Implemented
On November 5, 2004, Mauritius promulgated the Dangerous Chemicals Control Act 2004 and associated regulations, becoming one of the earliest African countries to implement the UN GHS.
Based on the 1st revised edition of the GHS, the Act comprehensively covers core requirements for chemical classification, labelling, and SDSs.
Zambia: GHS Pending Implementation
As of now, Zambia has not formally implemented the UN GHS. However, as a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Zambia has signed the SADC regional policy on GHS and participated in various GHS-related preparatory activities.
In December 2021, Zambian officials stated plans to publish two updated national standards in 2022: ZS 708 (GHS Implementation Standard) and ZS 670 (Dangerous Goods Transport Standard).
However, to date, these standards have not been officially released, nor has there been further public progress. Zambia's GHS implementation work remains in the promotional stage.
Nigeria: GHS Pending Implementation
Nigeria has not yet formally implemented the UN GHS, but related work is underway. In 2022, the country launched a four-year pilot project (2022–2026) aiming to lay the foundation and accumulate practical experience for full national implementation of GHS.
GHS Not Yet Implemented
Bolivia, Brunei, DR Congo, Gambia, Guatemala, Madagascar, Paraguay, Senegal, Myanmar and India have not yet implemented GHS.
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