Australia: Adoption of GHS 7 for Classification and Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals

The seventh revised edition of the Global Health System (GHS) has been used to classify and designate hazardous chemicals in Australia since January 1, 2023. This change ensures that labels and SDS utilize up-to-date classifications and hazard communication in accordance with Australia's most important trading partners. From January 1, 2023, manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals must only use GHS 7 to classify, label, and create safety data sheets (SDS). Suppliers must ensure that all hazardous chemicals manufactured or imported on or after 1 January 2023 and supplied to a workplace are labeled according to GHS 7. If the hazardous chemical was manufactured or imported prior to January 1, 2023, the product can be labeled according to GHS 3 or GHS 7. On January 1, 2023, however, SDS kept in the workplace must be compliant with GHS 7 even if the label is not.

Commonwealth, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia have jurisdiction over GHS 7. GHS 7 includes the renaming of 'flammable aerosols' to 'aerosols', the introduction of new flammable, pyrophoric, and chemically unstable gases, the introduction of a new hazard class for desensitized explosives, and the expansion of the definition of 'hazardous chemicals' to include all category 2 eye irritants.

The cautionary statements have been revised to make them simpler to read, and the wording may be altered if it does not alter the safety message. Manufacturers and importers must review their products' precautionary statements, update labels and SDS if safety information or the chemical's classification has changed, and add any new precautionary statements.