Japan opens a public solicitation for JIS standards to align with GHS Rev. 9

2025-07-22 Reference source : Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC)-Japan

Labelling Public Consultation Safety data sheets (SDSs) Substance & mixture classification GHS update Japan

In order to align the draft standards, JIS Z7252 and JIS Z7253, with GHS Rev. 9 which released on the portal, the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC) recently began a public solicitation. The draft updates are also included by JISC at the same time. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), offers standardized components for communicating hazards, such as labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Regulatory Background

GHS labels and SDSs are required for chemicals governed by the three primary chemical regulations in Japan, which are 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 GHS framework in Japan consists of:

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

Earlier Japan adopted GHS Rev. 6 through mandatory standards i.e. JIS Z7252:2019 & JIS Z7253:2019 published on 27 May 2019. More details can be found here.

Key Insights from the Draft

JIS Z7252 (Classification)

JIS Z7253 (Labelling and SDS)

Explosives: Classification will shift from transport-based (1.1–1.6) to use-based (Divisions 1, 2A, 2B, 2C).
Flammable gases: Adds Category 1B (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: Adds classification methods for in vitro/ex vivo testing to support non-animal testing approaches.

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

Comment Period and Enforcement Dates

Stakeholders are invited to provide comments on the draft till 9 August 2025. As of now there is no official announcement about the enforcement date of the standards.

We acknowledge that the above information has been compiled from Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC)-Japan.

<< PREVIOUS BACK

News Details

Japan opens a public solicitation for JIS standards to align with GHS Rev. 9

Subscribe To Newsletter