On March 12, 2024, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published the draft for approval of the GB 30000.1 Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals—Part 1: General specifications. The Ministry is soliciting public comments on the draft until April 12, 2024.
The GB 30000.1 adopts the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Rev.8 and is set to replace the existing GB 13690-2009 General rules for the classification and hazard communication of chemicals. It applies to the chemical classification and labeling under the GHS system, with the exception of intentionally ingested pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, residual pesticides in food.
In June of the previous year, MIIT initiated a consultation process regarding the draft GB 30000.1. A total of 59 comments were received during this consultation period. These comments were thoroughly examined by an expert panel, resulting in minor adjustments being made to certain terminologies within the draft. The finalized version has now been released for an additional round of public consultation, preceding its submission to the Ministry for official approval.
The standard mainly consists of the following parts:
Terms and definitions
Hazard classification
Classification criteria for substances and mixtures
Labeling
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Compared with GB 13690-2009, major changes are summarized as follows:
Adjust the standard name to stay consistent with GB 30000 series
Update the reference document to align with GHS Rev.8 and UN RTDG-MR Rev.22
Add the new hazard class Desensitized Explosives
Adjust the cut-off values/concentration limits for certain hazard classes, such as "Respiratory /Skin sensitization ≥0.1%", "Aspiration Hazard (Cat.1) ≥1%", "Aspiration Hazard (Cat.2) ≥1%"
Supplement provisions on explaining the hazard statement code and precautionary statement code
Delete Appendix A (Examples of precautionary statements), Appendix B (Precautionary pictograms), Appendix C (Examples of GHS label elements), and Appendix D (Minimum information for a SDS)
Introduce GHS definitions and abbreviations in Appendix A
The draft can be accessed here.
