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Update: On 13 August 2025, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) releases draft standard for GB 15258 and reopened public consultation on 14 August 2025 which remain valid till 12 October 2025. China published the notice on MIIT portal. The key revisions include the introduction of a Safety Information QR Code, new rules for small packages and folding labels, reordering of hazard statements, updated simplified label rules, and examples for kit packaging. This time revised GB 15258 standard aligned with the tenth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 10). Prior to enforcement, GB 15258-XXXX permits a one-year transition period from the final draft publication date. More details can be found here.

Original Text:

On 14 September 2024, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced a consultation to revise the national standard on "Regulations on the Preparation of Chemical Safety Labels" to align with the ninth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 9). The Ministry released this announcement on the portal of the National Standards Administration and invited stakeholders to comment on it by 14 October 2024. 

After the official publication of the National Standard on the Provisions on the Preparation of Chemical Safety Labels, the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Hazardous Chemicals Management will work on its implementation. 

Insights of New Labelling Standard 

This new labelling standard will have the following revised information: 

• Alignment with the technical content of the ninth edition of the United Nations GHS, including hazard classification and precautionary statements. 

• Implementation of the "one enterprise, one product, one code" regulation to meet the needs of national safety supervision of hazardous chemicals. Additionally, the means of transmitting hazardous chemical hazard information needed to be strengthened, and the last mile of hazardous chemical hazard information transmission needed to be opened. 

Previous Update  

Previously China’s National Standards Administration revised the Provisions on the Preparation of Chemical Safety Labels in 2009. However, this 2009 version followed GHS 2 while the Ministry has now proposed to align with the provisions of GHS 9. 

Comment Period and Enforcement Date 

Stakeholders are invited to comment on this draft announcement till 14 October 2024. The Ministry has not yet officially announced the enforcement date of the same. 

Update: As per scheduled information, mandatory standard GB 30000.1-2024 becomes effective on 1 August 2025. Now from 1 August 2025 onwards, classification and labelling of chemicals must be applicable as per GB 30000.1-2024 (GHS Rev.8) only. More information can be found here.

Original Text:

On 24 July 2024, GB 30000.1-2024 "Specification for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals—Part 1: General Rules" was officially published on the National Public Service Platform for Standards Information. This updated standard, which aligns with the eighth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 8), will come into force on 1 August 2025 and will replace the existing GB 13690-2009 "General Rules for the Classification and Hazard Communication of Chemicals."

Draft Release and Public Consultation

On 12 March 2024, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a draft of the revised standard GB 30000.1. This update aims to align China's chemical classification and labelling standards with the UN's GHS 8. Public comments on this draft were invited until 12 April 2024.

Key updates to GB 30000.1

The revised GB 30000.1 introduces significant updates and new categories:

• Terminology and Definitions: Consistency with GHS 8 ensures clear, internationally recognized terminology.
• Hazard Classification: Adds a new category for desensitized explosives, bringing the total number of hazard classes in China to 29.
• Labeling Requirements: Special provisions are made for labeling, particularly for metals and alloys in non-dispersible forms. GHS labels must be used in workplaces, with alternative methods like area-specific labels allowed.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Updated SDS requirements include detailed hazard communication guidelines and cut-off values for different hazard categories.

Exemptions

Certain products, such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food intended for ingestion, are exempt from these labeling requirements unless workers are likely to be exposed during transport.

Implementation and Compliance

The revised GB 30000.1 will replace the existing GB 13690-2009 standard. Once adopted, it will better align China's chemical safety standards with international practices, improve hazard communication and ensure safer handling and transportation of chemicals within China and in international trade.

The adoption of GB 30000.1 is a significant step in enhancing chemical safety and regulatory compliance in China. By aligning with the UN GHS 8, China is demonstrating its commitment to global safety standards, facilitating smoother international trade and improving overall chemical safety management.