Japan - GHS Status

In 2019, Japan published two national standards, JIS Z 7252:2019 and JIS Z 7253:2019, which are in line with the sixth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 6). JIS Z 7252:2019 covers the “Classification of Chemicals based on GHS”, while JIS Z 7253:2019 sets out the requirements for “Hazard Communication of Chemicals based on GHS - Labelling and Safety Data Sheets”.

Only chemicals regulated by the Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL), the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Law (PRTR), and the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law (PDSCL) are required to have a GHS label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS). For consumer products, implementation is on voluntary basis.

In July 2025, the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC) launched a public consultation on proposed updates to JIS Z 7252 and JIS Z 7253 to align them with GHS 9. Adoption of the revised standards is planned for 2026, covering both classification and hazard communication requirements

Local Adaptation of GHS

The following building blocks of the GHS have not yet been adopted in Japan:

• Acute toxicity (oral, dermal and inhalation), Category 5
• Skin corrosion/irritation, Category 3
• Aspiration hazard, Category 2

GHS Labelling Requirements

The Japanese national standard JIS Z 7253:2019 is followed for the preparation of GHS labels. According to this standard, the label of hazardous chemicals must be in Japanese and must include the following elements:

• Hazard pictograms (the diamond frame is red and the symbol inside is black).
• Signal word.
• Hazard statements.
• Precautionary statements.
• Product information (name of chemical or substance).
• Supplier identification (supplier name and domestic manufacturer information).
• Other information required by national laws and regulations should also be included on the label.

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 Sheets (SDSs) in Japan should include the 16 standard sections of the GHS. The format and content of the SDS are specified in the standard JIS Z 7253:2019 (Classification and Hazard Communication - Labels and Safety Data Sheets). In addition, a Japanese SDS has the following requirements:

• As with labelling, the SDS must include the chemical name together with the concentration or range if it is present above the concentration limit.

The following categories of substances must be included in the SDS even if their content is below the concentration limit:

• Respiratory sensitizing or skin sensitizing substances ≥ 0.1 % w/w.
• Carcinogenic, Category 2 substances ≥ 0.1 % w/w.
• Reproductive toxicant, Category 1 or 2 substances ≥ 0.1 % w/w.
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT) substances, 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.