News Details

On 16 March 2026, China submitted a series of technical notifications to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), introducing updated national standards for the inspection of hazardous properties of dangerous goods. The proposed standards aim to strengthen the classification, testing, and safety management of multiple hazard classes, bringing them more closely into line with international transport and safety frameworks. 

Key Developments and Scope 

China’s notifications (G/TBT/N/CHN/2211 to G/TBT/N/CHN/2225) cover a comprehensive set of hazardous property inspection codes applicable to a wide range of dangerous goods categories. The draft standards are expected to impact manufacturers, exporters, and compliance service providers involved in the handling, transport, and storage of chemicals. Comments on the notified draft standards are invited until 15 May 2026, in line with WTO TBT procedures. 

Covered Hazard Categories 

The draft standard on general specifications for hazardous property inspection serves as the core framework for the series. It sets out terminology, classification principles, testing requirements, labelling provisions, and inspection rules applicable to all classes of dangerous goods. The draft closely aligns with the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (23rd revised edition), while introducing updated definitions, revised references, and clarified responsibilities for product safety and quality supervision authorities. 

Building on this framework, the proposed standards include inspection codes for: 

• Flammable gases  

• Flammable solids  

• Flammable liquids  

• Oxidizing substances 

• Organic peroxides  

• Toxic substances  

• Toxic gases  

• Corrosive substances  

• Compressed gases  

• Gas mixtures  

• Substances emitting flammable gases upon contact with water 

• Pyrophoric solids   

• Nitrates  

• In addition, a separate safety standard has been proposed for: 

• Packaging and use appraisal of yellow phosphorus  

Regulatory Intent and Technical Focus 

These standards are designed to: 

• Standardize hazardous property testing methodologies across different classes of dangerous goods. 

• Improve consistency in classification and hazard identification. 

• Enhance transport safety in alignment with international frameworks such as the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. 

• Provide clearer technical guidance for laboratories and regulatory authorities. 

Implications for Industry 

Stakeholders in the chemical sector should be aware of the following potential impacts: 

• Testing Requirements: Updated or newly defined test methods may necessitate the re-evaluation of existing data. 

• Compliance Strategy: Companies exporting to China may need to align documentation and classification systems.  

• Supply Chain Risk: Changes in classification could affect transport, packaging, and labelling obligations. 

• Market Access: Non-compliance with updated standards may create barriers to entry. 

Next Steps for Stakeholders 

To prepare for these upcoming changes, stakeholders should consider the following actions: 

• Monitor the final adoption and implementation timelines of these standards. 

• Conduct a gap analysis against existing hazardous property data. 

• Engage with compliance experts to assess potential regulatory impact. 

• Prepare for possible updates to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and classification dossiers.