Japan Launches Public Consultation on JIS Standards to Align with GHS Revision 9

The Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC) has launched a public consultation on draft standards JIS Z7252 and JIS Z7253, to bring Japan’s chemical communication framework into line with the ninth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS Rev. 9) The draft revisions were recently published on the JISC portal. The GHS provides standardized components for communicating hazards, such as labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Regulatory Background

In Japan, GHS-compliant labels and SDSs are required for chemicals governed by the three primary chemical regulations: the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law (PDSCL), the Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL), and the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Law. The implementation of GHS in Japan is based on the following two key JIS standards:

• JIS Z7252: Classification of chemicals based on Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and
• JIS Z7253: Hazard communication of chemicals based on GHS-Labelling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Previous update in May 2019

In 2019, Japan adopted GHS Rev. 6 through the mandatory standards JIS Z7252:2019 and JIS Z7253:2019 published on 27 May 2019. More details can be found here.

Key Insights from the Draft 

JIS Z7252 (Classification)

• Explosives: The classification will shift from transport-based (1.1–1.6) to use-based (Divisions 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C).
• Flammable gases: Category 1B is added (lower flammability); current Category 1 becomes 1A; pyrophoric and chemically unstable gases become subcategories of 1A.
• Aerosols: Adds "chemicals under pressure" as a new class between high-pressure gases and aerosols.
• Skin corrosion/irritation: Classification methods for in vitro/ex vivo testing are added to support non-animal testing approaches.

JIS Z7253 (Labelling and SDS)

• Standard title updated to: "Hazard communication of chemicals based on GHS - Labelling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)".
• Annexes A, B, C are  revised to reflect updated hazard/toxicity statements from the UN GHS. New columns added to show revisions.
• Precautionary statements flexibility expanded; Annex C.4 updated accordingly.
• Transport information (Annex D.15) is revised to include solids and liquefied gases, in line with the UN GHS update.
• Annex D updates (D.2, D.4, D.9, etc.) are made to align with revised Industrial Safety and Health Act ordinances and current SDS practices.

Comment Period and Enforcement Dates

Stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the draft standards till 9 August 2025. There is currently no official announcement regarding the enforcement date of the standards.