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From 4 July 2025, compliance with GHS Revision 7 will be mandatory in Brazil. This follows the publication of the updated ABNT NBR 14725 standard on 3 July 2023, which brings Brazil’s classification, labelling, and safety data sheet (SDS) requirements into line with the seventh revised edition of the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS 7). The two-year transition period is now coming to an end, meaning that all affected companies must fully implement the updated hazard communication rules.

The Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) released the update on 3 July 2023, marking the most substantial update to the ABNT NBR14725 standard in over a decade. It introduces significant changes that brings Brazil's regulations closer in line with international standards, particularly the GHS. 

Key Changes and Enhancements

Structural Reorganization: One of the most notable changes is the restructuring of the standard's layout. Previously divided into four parts, the new version consolidates all the content into a single, more extensive and comprehensive section, making it easier for users to navigate and understand the requirements. 

Alignment with GHS 7: The updated ABNT NBR 14725 Standard is based on the seventh revision of the GHS Purple Book. By adopting this GHS version, Brazil's regulations now closely align with international standards, promoting consistency and harmonization in chemical classification and labelling practices. 

New Hazard Classes: Two new hazard classes have been introduced: 

• Desensitized Explosives which address substances that have been treated to reduce their explosive properties.

• Ozone Depleting Substances which focus on chemicals that pose a risk to the ozone layer. 

Modified Labelling Elements: The labelling requirements have been updated, with changes to hazard statements (H phrases) and precautionary statements (P phrases). New H and P phrases have been added to provide more specific information about potential hazards and necessary precautions. Existing phrases have also been modified to enhance clarity and accuracy. 

Communication of Hazards for Small Packaging: The updated standard introduces new rules for labelling small packaging. These regulations ensure that even the smallest containers carry essential information about the hazardous nature of their contents, thereby enhancing safety measures and risk awareness. 

Revised Safety Data Sheet (SDS): The standard introduces a change in terminology for Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), they will now be referred to as SDS, thus aligning the Brazilian naming convention with international standards. The content and structure of SDSs remain largely unchanged, maintaining the requirement of 16 sections, each providing crucial information about chemical properties, handling, and safety measures. 

Impact and Compliance

Mandatory Updates: All companies are required to update their existing Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to comply with the new standard. The change in document nomenclature necessitates revisions to ensure consistency and alignment with the updated requirements. Additionally, labels may need to be revised to reflect the modified hazard statements and precautionary phrases. 

Time and Cost Implications: Achieving compliance with the updated regulations may require additional investment in resources and expertise. Companies may need to allocate time and funds for training employees, acquiring specialized technologies, and reviewing and updating their SDSs and labels. The scale of these tasks will depend on the company’s size and the number of products in its portfolio. 

Revised Classification: Due to changes in concentration limits, some products that were previously classified may no longer require classification under the updated standard. However, it is important to note that this change does not apply universally, except for the inclusion of the new hazard class "Desensitized Explosives." 

Companies handling chemicals in Brazil should now complete their compliance preparations. All required updates to SDSs and labels must be finalized before 4 July 2025, when the revised standard becomes legally mandatory.

Access to the NBR 14725 standard via the ABNT Catalog website, through the link: ABNT Catálogo (abntcatalogo.com.br)

The Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) released on July 3 of 2023, a significant update to the ABNT NBR14725 Standard, which governs the classification and labeling of chemicals. This update marks the most substantial revision of the standard in over a decade, bringing important changes that align Brazil's regulations with international standards, particularly the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). 

Key Changes and Enhancements: The updated ABNT NBR14725 Standard introduces several notable changes, aimed at improving chemical classification, labeling, and hazard communication. Let's explore some of the key updates: 

• Structural Reorganization: One of the prominent modifications is the reorganization of the standard's structure. Previously divided into four parts, the new version consolidates all the content into a single, more extensive and comprehensive section, making it easier for users to navigate and understand the requirements. 

• Alignment with GHS: The updated ABNT NBR14725 Standard is based on the seventh revision of the GHS Purple Book. By adopting this GHS version, Brazil's regulations now closely align with international standards, promoting consistency and harmonization in chemical classification and labeling practices. 

• New Hazard Classes: Two new hazard classes have been included in the classification system. The first is "Desensitized Explosives," which addresses substances that have been treated to reduce their explosive properties. The second is "Ozone Depleting," which focuses on chemicals that pose a risk to the ozone layer. 

• Modified Labeling Elements: The labeling requirements have been revised, with changes in hazard statements (H phrases) and precautionary statements (P phrases). New H and P phrases have been added, providing more specific information about potential hazards and necessary precautions. Existing phrases have also undergone modifications to enhance clarity and accuracy. 

• Communication of Hazard: The updated standard introduces new rules for labeling small packaging. These regulations ensure that even the smallest containers carry essential information about the hazardous nature of the contained substances, enhancing safety measures and risk awareness. 

• Revised Safety Data Sheet (SDS): The standard introduces a change in the terminology used for Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), they will now be referred to as SDS, aligning the Brazilian naming convention with international standards. The content and structure of SDS remain largely unchanged, maintaining the requirement of 16 sections, each providing crucial information about chemical properties, handling, and safety measures. 

Impact and Compliance: The update to ABNT NBR14725 has significant implications for companies handling chemicals in Brazil. Here are some key considerations: 

• Mandatory Updates: All companies are required to update their existing Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to comply with the new standard. The change in document nomenclature necessitates revisions to ensure consistency and alignment with the updated requirements. Additionally, labels may need to be revised and updated to reflect the modified hazard statements and precautionary phrases. 

• Time and Cost Implications: Achieving compliance with the updated regulations may require additional investments in resources and expertise. Companies might need to allocate time and funds for training employees, acquiring specialized technologies, and reviewing and updating their SDSs and labels. The magnitude of these tasks will depend on the size of the company and the number of products in its portfolio. 

• Revised Classification: Due to changes in concentration limits, some products previously classified may no longer require classification under the updated standard. However, it's important to note that this change does not apply universally, except for the inclusion of the new hazard class "Desensitized Explosives." 

The updated ABNT NBR14725 Standard brings significant changes to the classification and labeling of chemicals in Brazil. By aligning with the 7th GHS revision and incorporating new hazard classes, the standard enhances hazard communication and harmonizes Brazil's regulations with international practices. Companies should promptly assess the impact of these changes, ensuring timely compliance with the updated requirements by reviewing and updating their Safety Data Sheets and labels. Organizations handling chemicals in Brazil are granted a two-year transition period to comply with the new standard. Full compliance is mandatory by July 4, 2025.

Access to the NBR 14725 standard is via the ABNT Catalog website, through the link: ABNT Catálogo (abntcatalogo.com.br)

Price to aquire the new regulation is R$ 244.10 reais (50 US$) and is available only in Portuguese.