On 21 June 2024, Japan took a significant step in chemical safety management by releasing an updated list of new and revised Globally Harmonized System (GHS) classifications for 160 chemical substances. This update was published by the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

This GHS classification was performed based on the information sources and guidance for classification and evaluation which are described in the GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government etc.

Details of the Update:

• New Classifications: The update includes 48 newly classified substances such as Oxiran-2-ylmethyl neodecanoate (CAS 26761-45-5) and Cycloaliphatic epoxy resin (CAS 2386-87-0).
• Revised Classifications: It also revises the classifications for 112 existing substances, including 1,2-Dichloropropane (CAS 78-87-5) and Cellosolve acetate (CAS 111-15-9).

Comprehensive Information:

The detailed list is available in both Japanese and English. It includes the following critical information for each substance:

• Hazard Class
• Pictogram
• Signal Word
• Hazard and Precautionary Statements
• Classification Rationale
• CAS Numbers
• Reference Materials

The classifications were finalized during the fiscal year 2023, from 1 April 2023, to 31 March 2024.

Implications for Companies:

While companies are encouraged to use this updated list as a reference when preparing GHS-based labels or Safety Data Sheets (SDS), it is not mandatory. Companies may choose to use other test results and information sources to support their labels and SDS content.

Japan follows the sixth revised edition of the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Currently, Japan's GHS list includes a total of 3376 substances. This update reinforces Japan's commitment to chemical safety and aligns with global standards for chemical classification and labelling. Companies involved in the production, handling or use of these substances should review the new classifications to ensure compliance and safety.