How is the GHS implemented in Mexico?

Mexico implements the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemical Products (GHS) through the Official Mexican Standard NOM-018-STPS-2015 and the Mexican Standard NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011, with the aim of preserving the safety of workers and personnel in emergencies.

What is NOM-018-STPS-2015?

Mexico adopts the fifth revision of the GHS through the Official Mexican Standard NOM-018-STPS-2015 on the Harmonized System for the identification and communication of hazards and risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

NOM-018-STPS-2015 was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on October 9, 2015 and a three-year transition period was established for its mandatory entry into force.

The authority in charge of implementing the National Standard NOM-018-STPS-2015 is the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (STPS).

NOM-018-STPS-2015 applies to hazardous chemical products in general, although pharmaceutical products, food additives, cosmetic articles, pesticide residues in food and hazardous waste are excluded.

What are the most relevant points of NOM-018-STPS-2015?

• Both SDS and label must be written in Spanish language.
  • It must include a national emergency telephone number, indicate the days and hours of operation and the type of service provided.
• There are only two types of hazards for classification and labelling purposes: physical and health hazards. Environmental hazards are excluded, although they are included in the NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011 Standard on the Harmonized System of Classification and Hazard Communication of Chemicals in force since June 4, 2011.
• The following hazard categories have not been adopted under the Mexican GHS: Pyrophoric gases; Explosive powders; Simple asphyxiants; Desensitized explosives, all categories; All classes and categories of environmental hazards.
• The SDS must be prepared in accordance with Appendix E of NOM-018-STPS-2015, and it is recommended to follow the 16-section format. However, it can be written freely, indicating the date, edition number, and revision, and all pages must include:
  • Publication date, version number, and replaced version, if applicable.
  • Numbering, indicating the total number of pages it contains.
  • The name of the substance in question.
• Specific classification limits are established for certain hazards that classify the final mixture, some of which differ from other GHS adaptations in other countries, such as: Acute toxicity ≥ 1 %; Respiratory/skin sensitization ≥ 1 %. The specific cut-off values can be found in Table 1 of NOM-018-STPS-2015.
• The guidelines for labeling are set out in section 10 and Appendices A, B, C and D. The minimum labeling requirements include: name of the substance, signal words, pictograms, H and P phrases.
  • Pictograms must comply with the dimensions indicated in Table B.2.
• Supplementary information must be included on the label in cases where other NOMs require it, such as NOM-003-SSA-2006 on Health requirements for the labeling of paints, inks, varnishes, lacquers, and enamels.

What other chemical regulatory requirements apply in Mexico?

• Mexico's National Inventory of Chemical Substances (INSQ) is a database of existing and new chemical substances that contains a list of more than 9,000 substances. Notification is voluntary and is handled by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). However, if a substance is not listed in the INSQ, it is considered new and before its commercialization it must prepare a risk assessment with environmental and health impacts.
• The General Council of Health (CGS) proposed in 2019 the development of a Comprehensive National Policy for the Management of Chemical Substances, with the aim of regulating their use and importation by ensuring the safety of the population against their exposure. So far it remains in a draft state.
• On February 28, 2022, Mexico published NOM-0011-1- SCT-2-2022 on Specifications for the Transport of certain classes of dangerous goods (hazardous substances or materials) packed/packaged in excepted quantities - Specifications for the transport of products for the final consumer inclusive. It takes as a model the United Nations Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
• The General Health Law and Health Control Regulations establish definitions for pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic substances. These substances must be registered and have a permit for commercialization. The Ministry of Health (SHS) supervises the granting of permits for toxic substances, pesticides, and fertilizers that are not intended for commercial agricultural and forestry use. In turn, NOM-232-SSA1-2009 must be complied with, which establishes the requirements for packaging and labeling of technical grade products and products for agricultural, forestry, livestock, gardening, urban, industrial, and domestic use.
• Cosmetics are defined by the General Health Law and regulated by the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS). NOM-141-SSA1/SCFI-2012 on labeling for pre-packaged cosmetic products must be followed. Health and commercial labeling and NOM-259-SSA1-2022 on the minimum requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for cosmetic products in Mexico must be followed.
• Detergents are defined in the category of toilet products in the General Health Law. They must comply with NOM-189-SSA1/SCFI-2018 on Labeling and Packaging for Household Cleaning Products and NMX-Q-901-CNCP-2016 on Biodegradability of Household Detergents.