China Updates GHS Publishes GB 30000.1 to Replace GB 13690-2009

On July 24, 2024, China published GB 30000.1-2024, an important update to its chemical classification and labelling regulations. This standard aligns with the eighth revised edition of the United Nations' Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and will replace the previous GB 13690-2009 standard.

Chinese alignment with GHS rev.8 aims to foster greater consistency in the communication of hazards across borders, enhancing both safety and collaboration in international trade. Briefly, the new guideline introduces updates in key areas such as hazard classification, labelling requirements, and safety data sheets, facilitating better risk communication in the chemical industry. This signifies a pivotal moment in the country's approach to chemical safety and compliance, ensuring enhanced safety standards and better alignment with international guidelines.

Background of GHS in China

The GHS was introduced by the United Nations to standardize the classification and labelling of chemicals on a global scale. In China, the integration of GHS began around 2009, with the implementation of the GB 13690-2009 standard. This early version provided a foundation for chemical safety regulations within the country. However, as global standards evolved, it became evident that an update was essential to maintain consistency and improve safety measures.

The transition towards a more robust GHS framework has been influenced by increasing international trade and the growing importance of chemical safety. China's commitment to aligning its regulations with international standards underscores its dedication to improving public health, environmental protection, and workplace safety.

Alignment with GHS 8

Key aspects of GB 30000.1-2024 include:

• •Updated terminology and definitions that mirror international practices.
• •Consistent classification criteria for hazardous and non-hazardous substances.
• •Standardisation of labelling elements to ensure recognizability and clarity in hazard communication.

Compared to GB 13690-2009 (based on GSH rev.4), GB 30000.1-2024 regulation provides several notable advancements reflecting the evolution of chemical safety regulations:

• •The introduction of new hazard categories, which includes developments in physical hazards and the recognition of emerging safety concerns.
• •Enhanced requirements for labelling, notably in the elements required on labels and safety data sheets.
• •Clearer guidance on how to classify chemicals, making it more straightforward for manufacturers to comply with regulatory requirements.

This transition from GB 13690-2009 to GB 30000.1-2024 marks a pivotal moment in China's regulatory landscape, ensuring that its chemical safety protocols remain in step with global expectations and advances in science.

GB 30000.1-2024 in detail

Hazard Classification Updates

• • Physical Hazards: the classification of physical hazards has undergone a comprehensive update. The revised standard introduces a more elaborate framework to enhance the understanding of how different chemicals can pose risks, focusing on their physical properties. This includes properties such as flammability, self-heating substances, oxidizing agents, explosiveness, and whether a substance can react dangerously when in contact with other materials. Each category within physical hazards has associated criteria that must be met for proper classification. This systematic approach ensures that industries can better manage the risks associated with hazardous materials.
• • Health Hazards: the health hazards classification has also been improved to provide clearer parameters for identifying substances that pose significant risks to human health. This classification mainly considers the potential for acute toxicity, skin and eye irritation, specific target organ toxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and respiratory sensitisation. These categories ensure that companies can take appropriate measures to protect workers and consumers from harmful exposures. Enhanced guidelines for testing and evaluation are also provided to ensure consistent implementation across the industry.
• • Environmental Hazards: environmental hazards are now better defined, focusing on chemicals that may have adverse effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The new standard outlines categorisation based on the potential for harm to various environmental compartments, such as the aquatic environment and the ozone layer. These classifications facilitate proactive environmental risk assessments and environmental management practices. The emphasis is on preventing harm before it occurs, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.

New Category: Desensitized Explosives

A significant addition to the hazard classifications is the introduction of a new category for desensitized explosives. This category aims to properly classify explosives that have been treated to reduce sensitivity but still pose risks under certain conditions.

The regulations specify criteria that establish the boundaries for what constitutes a desensitized explosive, ensuring that these materials are managed safely during storage, transport, and handling. This development reflects the dynamic nature of chemical safety regulations, which adapt to emerging technologies and practices.

Labelling Requirements

The labelling requirements outlined in GB 30000.1-2024 are designed to ensure clear communication of hazards associated with chemical products. These requirements focus on essential elements that must be clearly presented on labels to enhance safety and compliance in handling chemicals:

• • Product Identifier: the name and details of the chemical substance or mixture should be unambiguous, allowing easy identification.
• • Signal Word: a signal word such as "Danger" or "Warning" must be included to indicate the level of hazard associated with the product.
• • Hazard Statements: these statements describe the nature and degree of the hazards, including physical, health, and environmental risks.
• • Precautionary Statements: these guidelines inform users on how to minimise or prevent adverse effects stemming from exposure or improper handling.
• • Supplier Information: the name, address, and contact details of the manufacturer or supplier must be included to allow for easy traceability and communication.

Pictograms

Pictograms play an essential role in conveying the hazards prevalent in chemical products through visual representation. The standard provides specific guidelines on the design and use of these pictograms:

• • Graphical Icons: each pictogram consists of a distinctive graphic icon within a diamond frame, clearly illustrating the type of hazard.
• • Standardised Design: pictograms must adhere to the format established by GHS, ensuring consistency across various products and sectors.
• • Application: these pictograms should be prominently displayed on labels, allowing for immediate recognition of the associated risks by users and emergency responders alike.

GB/T 17519-2013 Guidelines

The GB/T 17519-2013 standard provides additional guidelines for the elaboration of Safety Data Sheets, focusing on the broad aspects of safety communication. Among the highlights are:

• • Formatting Guidelines: specific instructions on how to organise each section and subsection of the SDS to improve user comprehension.
• • Risk Communication: emphasises the importance of effective communication about potential hazards associated with the chemical being described.
• • Target Audience: defines different types of users, including emergency responders, ensuring that the information is suitable for various stakeholders.

Regulatory Exemptions

The GB 30000.1-2024 standard outlines specific exemptions for certain categories of products. This provision acknowledges the nature of these products and the existing regulatory frameworks that govern them. The exemptions primarily cover pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food.

Impact on the Chemical Industry

The introduction of GB 30000.1-2024 is set to have profound effects on the chemical industry in China. The adjustments necessitated by this updated regulation will influence various operational aspects, including compliance costs, training requirements, and market access.

Global Implications

The updates to China's GHS regulations have far-reaching implications that extend beyond national borders. These changes not only enhance domestic safety standards but also contribute to global regulatory coherence and consumer confidence.

Harmonisation with International Standards

The alignment of China’s GB 30000.1-2024 with the United Nations’ GHS 8 signifies a substantial move towards harmonising chemical regulations on a global scale. This harmonisation plays a crucial role in:

• • Facilitating international trade by ensuring that products comply with widely accepted safety standards.
• • Reducing the likelihood of trade barriers arising from regulatory discrepancies.
• • Streamlining the approval processes for chemical-related products, thereby enhancing market accessibility.
• • Encouraging multinational corporations to invest in the Chinese market, knowing that the regulatory framework aligns with their home country's standards.