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In September 2022, Brazil’s Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) published the third draft of ABNT NBR 14725: Chemicals – Information about Safety, Health and Environment – General Aspects of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), Classification, SDS, and Labeling of Chemicals. This proposed version is set to adopt the 7th revision of the UN GHS. The consultation period ends on October 27, 2022.
Brazil has implemented ABNT standards to adopt GHS, including ABNT NBR 14725-1:2009, ABNT NBR 14725-2:2019, ABNT NBR 14725-3:2017 and ABNT NBR 14725-4:2014. Once approved, the new standard will consolidate them into a single document.
Compared with the current ABNT standards, the third draft has some major updates in hazard classification, labeling and SDS, etc.
Hazard Classification
1. Add a new class of physical hazards——desensitized explosives;
2. Change subcategories for flammable gases: flammable gases - category 1A (subdivided into flammable gas; pyrophoric gas; chemically unstable gas A and B); flammable gases - category 1B; flammable gases - category 2;
3. Add a new class of environmental hazards——hazardous to the ozone layer.
Labeling
1. Add alternative labeling methods for small packages (≦250ml);
2. Add more detailed requirements for indicating hazardous ingredients;
3. Add and change several hazard statements (H-phrases) and precautionary statements (P-phrases);
4. Allow alternative means of presenting hazard statements, e.g., use of process flowcharts, use of coding system, etc.
SDS
1. Change the rules for showing composition of mixtures;
2. Make it obligatory to indicate characteristics of the particles when preparing SDS (applied to solids only).
Others
1. GHS classification and labelling now correlate with the risk labels applicable to the transport of dangerous goods;
2. Include methodology for assessing the comprehensibility of the GHS in Annex J;
3. Include details on classification for hazards to the aquatic environment in Annex K to O.
In order to allow users of current ABNT standards to better adapt to and meet new requirements, it is proposed that the new standard will not be mandatory until 2 years after the publication.
