GHS Implementation in China

Chemical Safety and Regulatory Framework - 化学品安全技术说明书

Overview

China has implemented GHS through comprehensive national standards and regulations covering workplace chemicals, consumer products, and dangerous goods transport. The implementation ensures chemical safety and aligns with international trade requirements.

Implementation Timeline

Regulatory Authorities

Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM)

  • Workplace chemical safety
  • Hazardous chemical registration
  • Safety production supervision
  • Emergency response coordination

Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE)

  • New chemical substance notification
  • Environmental protection
  • Chemical inventory management
  • Pollution prevention and control

National Health Commission (NHC)

  • Occupational health standards
  • Health hazard evaluation
  • Medical surveillance
  • Public health protection

Regulatory Framework

Key Standards and Regulations

China's GHS implementation is based on national standards (GB) and various ministerial regulations covering different aspects of chemical safety.

GB 30000 Series - Chemical Classification and Labelling

  • GB 30000.2: Physical hazards classification
  • GB 30000.3: Health hazards classification
  • GB 30000.4: Environmental hazards classification
  • GB 30000.29: Labelling requirements

GB/T 16483 - Safety Data Sheet

  • 16-section SDS format requirements
  • Content and preparation guidelines
  • Chinese language requirements
  • Update and revision procedures

Regulations on Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals

  • Registration and licensing requirements
  • Production and storage safety
  • Transportation and use controls
  • Emergency response planning

Classification and Labelling Requirements

Mandatory Classification

All hazardous chemicals in China must be classified according to GB 30000 series standards based on GHS principles.

Hazard Classification

  • Physical Hazards: 16 classes including explosives, flammables, oxidizers
  • Health Hazards: 10 classes covering acute and chronic effects
  • Environmental Hazards: Aquatic environment hazards
  • Additional Hazards: China-specific requirements

Labelling Elements (Chinese Language)

  • Product Identifier: Chemical name in Chinese and English
  • Signal Words: "危险" (Danger) or "警告" (Warning)
  • Hazard Pictograms: Standard GHS symbols
  • Hazard Statements: H-phrases in Chinese
  • Precautionary Statements: P-phrases in Chinese
  • Supplier Information: Company details and emergency contact

Registration and Notification Requirements

Chemical Registration System

China operates comprehensive registration systems for different types of chemicals with specific GHS-related requirements.

Hazardous Chemical Registration

  • Scope: All hazardous chemicals for commercial use
  • Authority: Ministry of Emergency Management
  • Requirements: GHS classification and SDS
  • Validity: 3-year registration period

New Chemical Substance Notification

  • Scope: Chemicals not on China inventory
  • Authority: Ministry of Ecology and Environment
  • Types: Regular, simplified, scientific research
  • Data Requirements: Hazard and exposure information

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Requirements

化学品安全技术说明书 (Chemical Safety Data Sheet)

Chinese SDS must follow GB/T 16483 standard with 16-section format and specific local requirements.

Key SDS Requirements

  • Language: Chinese language mandatory
  • Format: 16-section structure per GB/T 16483
  • Content: Complete hazard and safety information
  • Updates: Within 1 year of new information
  • Availability: Provided with chemical supply

Special Requirements

  • Registration Numbers: Include relevant registration numbers
  • Emergency Contacts: 24-hour Chinese emergency number
  • Regulatory Information: Chinese laws and regulations
  • Transport Information: China dangerous goods classification

Compliance and Enforcement

Enforcement Framework

Multiple agencies enforce chemical safety regulations with significant penalties for non-compliance.

Enforcement Measures

  • Facility Inspections: Regular compliance audits
  • Product Testing: Chemical composition verification
  • Administrative Penalties: Fines and sanctions
  • License Revocation: Operating permit cancellation
  • Criminal Prosecution: Serious violations

Penalty Structure

  • Minor Violations: ¥10,000 - ¥100,000
  • Serious Violations: ¥100,000 - ¥1,000,000
  • Severe Violations: ¥1,000,000 - ¥10,000,000
  • Criminal Liability: Imprisonment for serious cases

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