Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Version 9 is published

Certain amendments were proposed to the 8th version of GHS at the 10th session of the "Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals" held on the 11th of December 2020.

The new GHS document ‘version 9’ adopted these amendments, and the main updates are listed below: 

Chapter 2.1 on explosives has new updates to address explosion hazards better when they are not in their transport configuration; (pages 41-50). The new changes include further information on:

• the classification of explosives as substance, mixture, or article
• the minimum level of packaging you can retain an explosive until use
• the substances and mixtures excluded from the class of explosives (2.1.1.2.2)
• the classification criteria (2.1.2) are now tabular for a clearer understanding of Categories 1 & 2 and their sub-categories.

Decision logics are revised on pages 46 to 48 to include images on:

• Decision logic for categories of explosives
• Decision logic for sub-categories of explosives

There is also a revision of the classification and labelling summary tables in Annex 1. The change of classification criteria in chapter 2.1 was reflected in the table, changing the Explosives GHS hazard category from Division 1.1-1.6 to 1-2c. This can be found on pages 245-259.

Other revisions in the new version include further rationalization of precautionary statements and an update of references to OECD test guidelines for chemicals testing in annexes 9 and 10 (pages 519-524 & 535).

Download the GHS Version 9