Australia
Australia adopted GHS 7 on 1 January 2021. Importers and manufacturers have two years – until 31 December 2022 – to adapt classifications, labelling and safety data sheets to GHS 7.
Read more: GHS 7 - transition | Safe Work Australia
New Zealand
As from 30 April 2021 New Zealand has adopted GHS 7 (2017) as standard for classifying chemicals. Companies must update hazard classifications, labelling and safety data sheets for their chemicals (imported or manufactured in the country) by 30 April 2025, where the transitional period from the previous version of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) will end.
The Environmental Protection Authority recommends that companies implement the new rules as soon as possible.
Read more: New Zealand’s hazard classification system | EPA
Canada and USA
Both Canada and USA have started the process of amending the current rules on hazard communication for chemicals to implement GHS 7. At the moment, the two countries are following GHS revision 3 issued in 2009.
In December 2020 Canada published the regulations amending the Hazardous Products Regulations and the Hazardous Products Act to align them with GHS 7 and invited stakeholders to comment on the proposed rules.
Proposed amendments to Hazardous Products Regulations and Schedule 2 to Hazardous Products Act can be found here:
Canada Gazette, Part 1, Volume 154, Number 51: Regulations Amending the Hazardous Products Regulations
Canada Gazette, Part 1, Volume 154, Number 51: Order Amending Schedule 2 to the Hazardous Products Act
As for USA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) in February 2021.
The proposed changes can be found in the following: Federal Register: Hazard Communication Standard
To stay updated on GHS implementation around the world, visit our free GHS Portal
For more information on GHS, please contact:
Ilaria de Rosa Carstensen
idc@dhigroup.com
Tel +45 4516 9369
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