Taiwan to adopt GHS 8 in 2024

On 16 June 2024, Taiwan closed the comment period for the adoption of the eighth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 8) through the CNS 15030 standard. In order to align with UN GHS 8, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) under the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of Taiwan is in charge of updating the CNS 15030 serial standards. 21 of the present 29 CNS 15030 series standards will be changed, and a new hazard class for desensitized explosives (CNS 15030-29) will be introduced. 

Similar to China, Taiwan is revising its Chinese National Standard (CNS) to align the GHS framework with GHS 8. Major updates to the CNS 15030 series standards are being worked on in Taiwan, and results are expected by the end of 2024.     

Taiwan transitioning to GHS 8 

Taiwan is currently awaiting the final release of the official standard. Once released, GHS 8 will be adopted in Taiwan and the GHS 4 provisions will be repealed.  

Key Updates to CNS 15030 Standards   

The classification and hazard categories have been updated as follows:  

• Desensitized Explosives: A new hazard class and corresponding new elements for the hazard class and labelling have been added.  

• Flammable Gases: Category 1 has been divided into Category 1A and 1B, with flammable gases, chemically unstable gases and pyrophoric gas classified under Category 1A.  

• Aerosols: Aerosol Category 3 has been added and the name of the class has been changed to ‘Aerosol and Chemicals under Pressure’. The definition of chemicals under pressure has been introduced.  

• Other Revisions: Definitions, classification criteria and OECD testing guidelines for acute toxicity, skin corrosion/irritation and serious eye damage/eye irritation have been revised.   

Previously Taiwan adopted GHS 4  

Since 1 December 2014, Taiwan has been using the fourth revised edition of UN GHS. The Ministry of Labour (MoL) Notice No. 10302007861 of 27 June 2014 and the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) Notice No. 1030094561 of 10 November 2014, together established the Chinese National Standard CNS 15030: Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, were used to adopt GHS 4. Taiwan has already released 28 CNS standards (CNS 15030-1 to CNS 15030-28) in accordance with GHS 4.