China: New mandatory classification and labeling standard for chemicals

 

China is finalizing a new mandatory classification and labeling standard for chemicals. On March 12, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) invited feedback on the revised national standard GB 13690, titled “Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals—Part 1: General specification (draft for approval).” Stakeholders have until April 12, 2024, to submit their opinions.

This standard outlines terminology and definitions related to chemical classification and labeling, as well as general principles for classifying chemical hazards, labeling, and providing chemical safety data sheets. It adheres to the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Notably, drugs, food additives, cosmetics, and residual pesticides in food, when intentionally ingested, are exempt from the labeling requirements of this standard.

Replacing its 2009 edition, this updated document includes classifications for sensitizing explosives and adjusts certain threshold/concentration limits, bringing its technical specifications in line with the United Nations’ GHS (Eighth revised edition).

In China, the “Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals” are the principal guidelines governing the safe production, storage, use, operation, and transportation of hazardous chemicals. The forthcoming standard will serve as a crucial technical reference for enforcing these regulations, impacting the entry of hazardous chemicals into China.