China Updates Its Dangerous Goods Regulations: Implementation of GB 12268-2025 and GB 6944-2025 Standards

As of October 1, 2025, China officially enforces two new standards that strengthen the management of dangerous goods across its territory. Their implementation follows a six-month transition period since their publication in March.

A New Regulatory Framework for Dangerous Goods

The national standards GB 12268-2025 (List of Dangerous Goods) and GB 6944-2025 (Classification and Code of Dangerous Goods) replace the previous 2012 versions. Both standards were developed by the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Hazardous Chemicals Management (TC 251), together with institutions such as the Water Transport Research Institute of the Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Chemical Industry Testing Institute.

Key Changes Introduced

GB 12268-2025 includes new provisions on limited and excepted quantities, packaging requirements, and specific regulations for portable tanks and bulk containers. Meanwhile, GB 6944-2025 sets updated criteria for hazard class classification, packing groups, classification priorities, and transport principles, along with detailed rules for nomenclature and coding.

Alignment with International Standards

Both documents align with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (22nd revised edition) and the Manual of Tests and Criteria (7th revised edition), facilitating compatibility between China’s transport systems and international standards. This translates into greater logistical efficiency and cost reduction for companies operating globally.

Impact on Industry Operators

The changes directly affect manufacturers, carriers, logistics operators, and companies handling dangerous goods in China or maintaining trade relations with the country. These entities must adapt their technical and operational procedures to comply with the new requirements set by the standards.

At Siam, we monitor every international regulatory change to provide our clients with timely information and tailored IT solutions, such as our Chemeter software, which enables the creation of SDS and transport documents that meet the latest legislative requirements under China’s current regulations.