Japan revises its list of chemicals requiring SDSs and GHS labels

In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has taken significant steps to improve workplace safety by updating the list of substances that require safety data sheets (SDSs) and labels in accordance with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling (GHS). This move, in line with Japan's Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA), aims to improve the transparency of hazard information throughout the supply chain.

Revised list

On 31 August 2023, the MHLW published the revised list, which now includes a total of 667 substances. These substances are listed in both Japanese and English, along with their Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers and specified cut-off values. The cut-off value, designates the concentration threshold of a chemical substance within a product. If a listed chemical falls below this threshold, companies are exempt from providing SDSs and GHS-based labelling.

The revised list of substances requiring SDSs and GHS-based labels can be found here.

Manufacturers and importers are urged to thoroughly examine their products to determine whether they contain any of the listed chemicals above the specified cut-off values, thereby requiring SDSs or GHS-based labelling. Compliance with these regulations is essential to maintaining a safe and transparent working environment in Japan.

Earlier announcement

This development follows an earlier announcement on 16 March 2023, when Japan said it would add an additional 1,469 substances to the list, further strengthening the country's commitment to workplace safety and risk assessment. The 1,469 substances will be added in two stages in April 2025 and April 2026. More details on this addition can be found here. Transparent dissemination of hazard information throughout the supply chain remains a cornerstone of Japan's strategy.

Implementation of GHS in Japan

In Japan, the GHS is implemented under three laws, which include the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHL), the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Law, and the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act (PDSCL).

As Japan continues to refine its workplace safety measures, the aim is to create a safer, more transparent environment for workers and companies alike, to encourage responsible handling of hazardous substances and to promote global harmonization of safety standards.