This standard specifies the relevant terms and definitions, content, preparation and usage requirements of the precautionary labels for chemicals. It provides compulsory instruction to companies in need of making or using a standard Chinese precautionary label for chemicals.

The standard includes examples of precautionary labels prepared according to UN GHS, examples of the affixing of precautionary labels and transport symbols, and precautionary statements have provided for different categories of chemicals.

The standard corresponds to the 2nd revised edition of the “Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)”, but with non-equivalent degree of conformity.

The standard replaces GB 15258-1999 General rules of the preparation of precautionary labelling for chemicals. Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4.1 and 5.4.2 of the standard are mandatory, whilst the rest are recommended.

 The degree of conformity between this standard and the second revision of the “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)” is non‐equivalent.

This standard replaces GB 15258‐1999 “General rules for the preparation of precautionary labeling for chemicals”.

• The main differences between this standard and GB 15258‐1999 are as follows:

•  The label contents specified in section 4.2 have been modified;

•  “Label dimensions” has been added to section 5.3;

• “Simplified labels” has been added to section 4.3;

Appendices A, B, C have been revised to include examples of precautionary labels prepared according to GHS, examples of the affixing of precautionary labels and transport symbols, and precautionary statements have been provided for different categories of chemicals.

Appendices A, B, and C to this standard are informative annexes.

This standard shall be implemented after a transition period of one year from the implementation data.

This standard is proposed by and is under the jurisdiction of the Dangerous Chemicals Management of Standardization Administration of China (SAC/TC251).

The organizations responsible for drafting this standard are: The National Registration Center for Chemicals of the State Administration of Work Safety. The organizations that participated in the drafting of this standard are SINOPEC Safety Engineering Institute and the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Control.