China to Revise the Rules for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

On June 14, China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has opened up a public consultation on GB 30000.1 Rules for classification and labelling of chemicals - Part I: General specifications. Comments are welcomed before August 15, 2023.

GB 30000.1 is to replace GB 13690-2009 - General rule for classification and hazard communication of chemicals. After the standard takes effect, the chemical classifications in China will more align the UN GHS Rev. 8.

GB 30000.1 comprises of six parts, these are:

• Part I Scope
• Part II Normative References
• Part III Terms & Definitions
• Part IV Classification
• Part V Hazard Communication: Labels
• Part VI Hazard Communication: SDS

Part I prescribes the scope of application.

• Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food are not subject to label requirements in GB 30000.1 when ingested intentionally. However, if workers are likely to be exposed to or will potentially contact these substances during transportation, then GB 30000.1 prevails. Where there are other provisions stipulated by laws and regulations, those provisions shall apply.
• Labels in the package shall give priority to the requirements of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (hereinafter referred to as the “Model Regulations”).

Part III: terms and definitions in GB 30000.1 are identical to those in the GHS 8th Revised Edition

Part IV: a new classification category - desensitized explosives are added, bringing the GHS classifications in China to 29 categories.

*Rules for classification and labelling of chemicals - Part X: Desensitized explosives is also released to seek public comments before August 15, 2023.

Part V: Special labels arrangements is given.

• For metals and alloys supplied only in bulk instead of being supplied in a distributed way and are compliant with relevant regulations, the competent authority may permit to communicate the hazard information on SDS only.
• GHS labels shall be pasted in workplaces yet alternative methods are also available. For example, the label may be displayed in the working area rather than on individual containers.
• Consumer products may adopt consumer product labels based on the likelihood of injury as specified in GB/T 36499 - Guidance on a consumer product risk assessment for GHS labelling.

Other Parts: GB 30000.1 also specifies the cut-off value of hazard category, SDS and labelling requirements.

CIRS Comments

The 28 GHS classification standards (GB30000.2-2013 -GB30000.29-2013) were released in 2013, yet GB 30000.1 had long been vacant until 2020 when the draft standard for approval was released. Currently, the GB 30000.1 is officially released for public comments. which indicates that its official publication and implementation is around the corner. 

Moreover, rules for classification and labelling of chemicals-Part X: desensitized explosives is also released for public comments. It is estimated that GB30000.2-29 will also be revised to bridge the gap between the GHS system in China and UN GHS.

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