Panama proposes adopting GHS Rev. 7 as a mandatory framework for the classification and labeling of chemical products

The country notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) on June 10, 2026 of a draft technical regulation to implement the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), establishing new obligations for hazard classification, labeling, and safety data sheets in the national market.

Panama has notified the WTO of a draft technical regulation introducing the adoption of the GHS Revision 7. This initiative aims to establish a harmonized national regulatory framework for the identification and communication of chemical hazards, aligned with international standards.

The scope of the proposal covers substances and mixtures throughout the entire value chain, including their production, import, storage, transport, marketing, and use within Panamanian territory. In this context, manufacturers and importers will be required to classify hazards according to GHS criteria and provide labels and safety data sheets in Spanish.

Among the most relevant aspects of the draft are:

• The definition of specific obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers regarding classification, labeling, and hazard communication.
• The requirement to ensure that products are accompanied by updated and accessible safety data sheets for users. La exigencia de garantizar que los productos estén acompañados de fichas de datos de seguridad actualizadas y accesibles para los usuarios.
• The implementation of inspection and conformity assessment mechanisms in sectors such as transport, agriculture, workplaces, and consumer products.
• The exclusion of certain products, such as medicines, cosmetics, or food additives, in their final consumer stage.

The draft also establishes a transition period to facilitate adaptation to the new regulatory requirements. Specifically, two years are foreseen for the adaptation of competent authorities and three years for industry to fully implement GHS obligations. The regulations will also be reviewed periodically every five years or when new relevant evidence arises.

From Siam, we support companies in adapting to new regulatory frameworks such as the one proposed in Panama, facilitating the management of classification, labeling, and safety data sheets through solutions such as Chemeter, designed to ensure GHS compliance and optimize regulatory processes across different markets.