New Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

The transition from the 3rd revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 3) to GHS 7 is now completed in all Australian jurisdictions.

The two year transition from GHS 3 to 7 has now concluded with Western Australia fully adopting GHS 7 on 31 March 2023; all other jurisdictions transitioned to GHS 7 on 1 January 2023. If you manufacture or import hazardous chemicals, you must now use GHS 7 to make labels and prepare Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals.

Users of hazardous chemical can continue to use chemicals that are classified and labelled under GHS 3, provided the chemical was manufactured or imported before the transition date. However, users should only accept new stock, manufactured or imported after the transition date, if it is classified and labelled under GHS 7.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must now be compliant with GHS 7.

You can read more about the changes on the SafeWork Australia website here.

If you manufacture, store, transfer, use, handle, sell and/or dispose of hazardous chemicals (dangerous goods), MicroRisk Group can assist you to understand your obligations under the regulations and ensure that your business is managing its risks to people, property and the environment. See our Services for more information.