How is GHS implemented in Singapore?

In Singapore, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, also called GHS, is adapted by the Singapore Standards on Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods 586, known as SS 586.

Thus, the SS 586 introduces the GHS classification and communication systems of hazardous chemicals in Singapore.

What is Notification SS 586?

• SS 586 is the GHS (Rev. 7) adaptation in Singapore.
• SS 586 consists of the following three parts:
  • • Part 1 (SS 586-1): Transport and storage of dangerous goods.
  • Part 2 (SS 586-2): Globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals - Singapores adaptations.
  • • Part 3 (SS 586-3): Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS).
• SS 586 came into force on February 6th, 2023 and it had a two years transition period, becoming officially implemented at all levels on February 6th, 2025.
• The main organism responsible for GHS implementation in Singapore is the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
• There are some types of chemicals to which Standard SS 586 does not apply, such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food.

What are the most relevant points of SS 586?

• The SDS shall be prepared in English language.
• The SDS follows the standard 16-section format from GHS.
• The operation hours of the emergency telephone number should be given if it is not available 24/7.
• For imported chemicals, the local address and contact number should be indicated.
• SDS must be reviewed every 5 years or revised within 6 months of new relevant hazard information being made available.
• The following hazards are now included in SS 586 after its last revision in 2025: desensitized explosives, flammable gases 1A and 1B and pyrophoric gases.
• Moreover, unstable gases (categories A and B) are properly prioritized, and combustible dust elements are included (adaptation from GHS Rev. 8th).
• Hazards that do not lead to GHS classification along the SDS have to be anyway disclosed. For example, for substances or mixtures with dust explosion hazards, it should be stated in Section 2.2 of the SDS: "May form explosive dust-air mixtures if dispersed."; and Section 7 should include safe handling and storage methods.
• When a product is a nanomaterial, it has to be specified in Section 3 and particle characteristics described in Section 9.
• Generic cut-off values (indicating the concentration limit that drives product’s hazardous classification) for acute toxicity (all categories), skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage/eye irritation, hazard to aquatic environment (category 1 for both acute and chronic), and inhalation hazard category 1 have been established to 1%.
• The cut-off limits (used to determine whether a substance/component needs to be disclosed in Section 3 of the SDS) for all acute toxicity categories have been adjusted to ≥1.0%; and the cut-off limit for inhalation hazard category 1 is ≥1.0%.
• Core labelling elements are product identifiers, supplier identification, hazard pictograms, signal words, hazards statements and precautionary statements.

What other chemical requirements apply to Singapore?

• The National Environment Agency (NEA) controls hazardous substances that have mass-disaster potential, are highly toxic and pollutive, and/or generate toxic wastes that are difficult to dispose. These substances are regulated under The Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), The Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulation and the Environmental Protection and Management (Ozone Depleting Substances) Regulation.
• Any person who wishes to import, sell or export any hazardous substance controlled under the EPMA must obtain a license.
• Any person who wishes to purchase, store and/or use any hazardous substance controlled under the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations must obtain a permit.
• Anyone who wishes to transport any hazardous substance in quantities exceeding the limits specified in the Environmental Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) Regulations (Table 2) must obtain a Transport Approval.
• NEA implements several control measures for lead in paints under EPMA:
  • The manufacture, import and sale of paints exceeding 90ppm total lead concentration for local use, except for zinc-based anti-corrosion paints and copper-based anti-fouling paints, will not be allowed.
  • The export and re-export of paints exceeding 90ppm total lead concentration, except for zinc-based anti-corrosion paints and copper-based anti-fouling paints, will require a Hazardous Substance License.
  • Labelling will be required for zinc-based anti-corrosion paints and copper-based anti-fouling paints with total lead concentration exceeding 90 ppm for local sale and are restricted for industrial uses only.
• Flammable petroleum products in Singapore are controlled under the Fire Safety Act by the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF).
• In Singapore, the main legislation regulating biocides is the Biological Agents and Toxins Act; the legislation regulating detergents are Standards SS 231 and 285; and the legislation controlling cosmetics use is the Health Products (Cosmetic Products - ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations 2007.

To ensure compliance with legislation it is important to have an effective tool.

SIAM offers Chemeter, an intuitive and user-friendly software software that automatically generates safety data sheets (SDS), e-FDS, ADR documentation, PCN dossiers and sector-specific documentation in accordance with the requirements of each country. So you can keep your documents up to date and comply with current regulations easily and effectively.

Experience Chemeter in action. Request your free demo and see how it simplifies compliance for your business.