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A new version of the Japanese online tool, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Mixture Classification and Labelling Creation System (Nite-Gmiccs) from the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) has been released.

The latest version comes with upgraded functions, such as assisting users to create safety data sheets (SDSs). The fixed bugs include issues relevant to systematic layout, SDS labels, Acute Toxicity Estimates (ATE) for mixtures and individual ingredients, and duplications of mixture identities when importing mixture composition information, etc. It is available as a free version via the NITE’s website. Information like the composition of chemical mixtures or the GHS classification of pure chemical substances is recommended for making relevant classification’ labels.

The new function for SDSs also allows users to directly transpose results from GHS classification as well as to classify mixtures and ingredients to SDSs into the required format. This new feature in the system eases previously existing administrative burdens substantially for either authorizing authorities or the SDSs creators.

Advantages of this function also include easier access for users’ reference to the applicable Nite Chemical Risk Information Platform (Chrip) law and regulation information from the Cas registry number of the composition component of the products. This can also at the same time be exported to the SDS formats. Timely updates on related regulatory changes and other news information regarding existing substances listed under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)’s Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Economy (Meti)'s Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) are also provided in version 2.0.2.

Other detailed upgrades include:

• To display "Non-medicinal Deleterious Substances" and "Non-medicinal Non-toxic Substances" required for labels under the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law, and
• To calculate the ATE even in cases where all the composition components of the mixture or product are shown as "Not applicable to the category".

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan recently designated 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid as a deleterious substance. This is an industrial substance widely used in coating products, polymers, lubricants, and greases. Most importantly, this restriction starts from April 30.

For manufacturers, importers, and end-users of this substance, you must notify the ministry. This notification also applies to preparations that contain about 5% of the substance. Starting from the application date, notification will also be subjected to the requirements of the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act, as relevant to the substance notification. 

These requirements include:

· business registration by manufacturers, importers, and sellers,

· appointment of qualified personnel to prevent health and hygiene hazards,

· labelling on substance packaging and containers,

· provision of a safety data sheet (SDS), 

· record keeping, and

· sound disposal management.

Last  Update: 2022-02-08