Mexico - GHS Status

 Mexico has implemented the Fifth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS5) through the National Standard NOM-018-STPS-2015, Harmonized System for the Identification and Communication of Hazards and Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace, in 2015. The competent authority of the implementation is the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (STPS). Environmental hazards are not regulated under this standard but are included in the voluntary standard NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011.

Local Adaptation of GHS

The following GHS building blocks are not implemented in Mexico: 

• Flammable Gases, Category 1A

• Flammable Gases, Category 1B

• Category 1A (Pyrophoric Gas)

• Chemicals under Pressure, all categories

• Desensitized Explosives, all categories

GHS Labelling Requirements

According to the Mexican National Standard (NOM-018-STPS-2015), the labelling of hazardous chemicals must be prepared according to the fifth revised edition of the GHS. The label must be in Spanish and must have the following elements:

• Name of the hazardous chemical and mixture

• Signal words

• Appropriate pictograms

• The hazard identification codes and hazard statements indicating physical and health hazards.

• The precautionary identification codes and precautionary statements for physical and health hazards.

The current standard NOM-018-STPS-2015 requires the pictograms used to identity the dangers of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures to be in the shape of a diamond with a red border, supported at one vertex that contains the symbol in black on a white background. The minimum pictogram sizes based on the distance of the observer from the label should be as listed in the table below.

For distances less than 7 meters, the employer must define the pictogram dimensions according to the size of the container or packaging, which must be legible. The pictogram sizes range from 3.1 to 37.5 centimeters, as measured along one side of the pictogram frame.

The size of the label is dependent on the size of the container that contains the chemical product. The recommended dimensions for the label are presented in the table below.

Safety Data Sheets

According to Article 9 of Standard NOM-018-STPS-2015, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) can be written in a free format and must be written in Spanish. The SDS should contain the standard 16 sections. The date and issue number of the SDS must be provided as well as the revision date, if applicable.

Appendix E of NOM-018-STPS-2015 contains all the instructions for the authoring SDSs, detailing the content that each of the sections must include and other general considerations.

GHS in the Work-Environment

On June 2011, a national standard (NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011) was published in the Official Gazette. With this standard, Mexico implements the third revised edition of the GHS for the classification and labelling of chemical and the preparation of Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This standard is voluntary.

In 2015, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare published the Mexican Official Standard NOM-018-STPS -2015 (Harmonized System for the Identification and Communication of Hazards and Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the workplace). With this standard, Mexico adapted the fifth revised edition of GHS for the workplace. The standard came into force in October 2018. Following its entry into force, the previous standard NOM-018-STPS-2000 (published on 27 October 2000) and amendments thereto (of 2 January 2001 and 6 September 2013) were repealed.

GHS in Transportation

Mexico published the draft PROY-NOM-003-SCT-SEMAR-ARTF-2021 (Marking and labeling of packages containing dangerous goods. Labeling (posters) and marking of transport units and bulk containers transporting dangerous goods) in 2021. The draft set outs the standards for characteristics, dimensions, symbols, and colors of the marking, labelling, and placarding of packages for the handling and transportation of dangerous goods.  This draft went through public consultation in March 2023.

In 2022, Mexico published NOM-0011-1-SCT-2-2022 (Specifications for the transport of certain classes of dangerous goods (hazardous substances or materials) packed in excepted quantities - Specifications for the transport of products for the final consumer). This law regulates the transport of hazardous chemicals or dangerous materials. This norm is an adaptation to the United Nations Model Regulation. The Mexican Secretariat for Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) has been updating its standard on the details required in a transport document when shipping dangerous goods in October 2022.

Summary of GHS implementation: