Gulf Cooperation Council Publishes Second Draft Standard to Align with GHS 7

On 21 May 2024, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a second draft standard, i.e. GSO/TC01 /DS2/ GSO2654:2023, aligned with the seventh revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 7). The draft was prepared by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) Technical Committee No. GSO/TC01. This GSO draft aims to ensure the safe production, transport, handling, use and disposal of hazardous substances in line with GHS requirements. In addition to the GCC members United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Oman, State of Qatar and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Yemen has also notified this draft standard to the WTO.

Overview and Scope

GSO Standard GSO2654:2023 establishes comprehensive criteria for classifying substances and mixtures according to their health, environmental, and physical hazards. It also details elements of hazard communication, including requirements for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labelling.

The regulation applies to all substances and mixtures supplied, used or manufactured in GCC countries, with certain exceptions such as radioactive substances, non-isolated intermediates and products such as cosmetics, detergents and foodstuffs. The standard ensures that all chemical products, regardless of their manufacturing stage, comply with GHS requirements without any exemptions.

Previous GCC Draft Standard

On 6 November 2023, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the first draft standard GSO 2654:2023 for the implementation of GHS 7. This Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) standard is based on a previous draft published on 30 August 2018.

Insights from the Second Draft Standard

Compared to the first draft of the standard, the following new provisions have been added to the second draft:

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be revised within 18 months if new information becomes available

• Specific provisions for human health and environmental safety have been added.

• New definitions have been added for:

3.21 Supplier

3.22 Hazardous materials

3.23 Mixture

3.24 Hazard

3.25 Risks

3.26 Accident

3.27 Near miss

3.28 Labels

3.29 Risk classification

Key Elements of the Draft Standard

1. Requirements for Safety Data Sheets (SDS):

   - Language and Format: SDSs must be clear, concise, and available in English and Arabic. They should follow a 16-section format covering identification, hazard identification, composition, first aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls/personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, environmental information, disposal considerations, transport information, regulatory information, and other relevant details.

   - Updates and Confidentiality: The SDS should be updated promptly with any new significant information affecting health and environmental protection. Confidential business information shall be made available to competent authorities on request without compromising safety details.

2. Labelling Requirements:

   - Content and Presentation: Labels must be bilingual (Arabic and English) and include product identifiers, supplier details, hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements and additional information. Labels should be legible and of an appropriate size for easy reading.

   - Precedence and Exemptions: In the case of multiple hazards, precedence rules for symbols, signal words and statements must be followed to avoid redundancy. Small packages and certain product forms may have reduced labelling requirements under certain conditions.

3. Hazard Classification:

   - Substances and Mixtures: Classification is based on available data on physical, health and environmental hazards. Self-classification and harmonized classification are used, with specific rules for determining concentration limits and cut-off values for hazardous components.

   - Physical, Health, and Environmental Hazards: Detailed criteria and communication elements are provided for different hazard categories to ensure comprehensive coverage of potential risks.

4. Implementation and Compliance:

   - Training and Responsibilities: Suppliers must ensure that SDS authors are competent and well trained. Regular refresher training programs are mandatory to maintain compliance.

   - Regulatory Alignment: The draft aligns with international standards such as the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation and GHS, facilitating global trade and improving chemical safety management in the GCC region.

Target Audience

This standard is essential for consumers, workers, transport personnel, and emergency responders dealing with chemical products in the GCC countries. It provides a consistent approach to hazard communication and promotes safer handling and use of hazardous substances throughout the region.

Deadline for Comments

Interested stakeholders and parties are invited to submit comments by 20 July 2024. The date of adoption and entry into force are yet to be decided.

Future Developments

The GSO invites comments on this draft regulation, emphasizing its status as a working document subject to revision. Once approved, GSO2654:2023 will become a formal Gulf Technical Regulation and will significantly improve the management of hazardous materials in the GCC countries.