Gulf countries to adopt GHS7 for chemical regulation

On November 6, 2023, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries notified a draft standard (GSO 2654:2023) for the implementation of the seventh revised edition of the Globally Harmonized Standard of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS7) to the World Trade Organization. The notifying countries were the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Yemen i.e. the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The objective of GSO 2654:2023

The draft standard has been published by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO). The GSO technical regulation (GSO 2654:2023) aims to ensure the safe production, transport, handling, use, and disposal of hazardous substances in line with GHS requirements, including classification of substances and hazard communication elements like safety data sheets and labels.

Content of the standard document

In accordance with the GHS regulations, the proposed Gulf technical rule aims to ensure the safe production, transportation, handling, use, and disposal of hazardous substances:

1) The standard for categorizing compounds and Mixtures according to their physical, chemical, and health risks; and

2) The components of hazard communication, such as the specifications for safety data sheets and labels.

Deadline and Implementation

The comments are accepted by WTO for the notification in the next 60 days (i.e. until January 5, 2024). The date of adoption is yet to be determined. The Standard will come into force 180 days after publication in the official gazette.