Japan - GHS Status

In Japan, the Sixth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS6) was implemented in 2006. GHS6 has been linked with the Japanese Industrial Standards JIS Z 7252 and JIS Z 7253 for chemical classification, labelling, and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and labelling according to GHS6 are mandatory for certain specified substances and mixtures regulated by the ISHL, PRTR and PDSCL laws. Industry must make reasonable efforts to abide by the following two Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) for chemical classification and hazard communication for all other hazardous compounds that fulfil the GHS classification criteria:

• Japanese Industrial Standards JIS 7252:2019: Classification of Chemicals based on Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

• Japanese Industrial Standards JIS 7253:2019: Hazard Communication of Chemicals based on GHS - Labelling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Local Adaptation of GHS

The following GHS building blocks have not been implemented in Japan:

• Acute Toxicity, Category 5

• Skin Irritation, Category 3

• Aspiration Toxicity, Category 2

• Chemicals under Pressure, all categories 

GHS Labelling Requirements

In Japan, labels have to follow the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) JIS Z 7253 which is aligned with UN GHS6. The JIS selectively adopted part of the contents of UN GHS considering the circumstances of laws and rules in Japan (building block approach). The classification method needs to prioritize JIS Z 7253.

The following elements should be indicated on the label in Japanese in conformity with JIS Z 7253:

• Substance name or product name

• Precautionary statements (see Annex A of JIS Z 7253)

• Effects on the human body

• Hazard statements (stability and reactivity)

• Precautions concerning storage or handling

• Pictograms (at least 1 x 1 cm; black symbol with sufficiently bold red frame)

• Name, address, and telephone number of the supplier

• Ingredients

The following information also applies to labels:

• Small Packages: For small packages on which labels are not easily affixed, the label elements other than those required by domestic regulations may be displayed using a tag that is tied to the containers or packages.

• Confidential Business Info: The generic name may be printed to protect confidential business information provided that the general name would not pose a risk to the health and safety of the receiver, or to environmental protection.

• Additional Information: JIS Z 7253 requires companies to label additional info required by other domestic regulations. For example, "danger division" under the Fire Service Law and "Poisonous substance" or "Deleterious substance" under the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law also needs to be labelled if applicable.

Safety Data Sheets

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in Japan, like elsewhere, should include the 16 standards sections of the GHS. It has to follow the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS Z 7253) on Hazard Communication of Chemicals.  

The substance name and its concentration or concentration range shall be indicated in SDSs if it is present above the concentration limit and contributes to the classification of a product. However, the following categories of substances must be disclosed even if their content is below the concentration limit:

• Respiratory sensitizing or skin sensitizing substance > 0.1% w/w

• Carcinogenic, Category 2 substance > 0.1% w/w

• Reproductive toxicant, Category 1 or Category 2 > 0.1% w/w

• Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT) Substance, Category 2 > 1% w/w

GHS in Transportation

Marine and Air Transport Regulations in Japan are based on the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.