China Submits WTO Notification on Draft Standard for Flammable Liquids and Oxidizing Solids
Reference source : WTO
On 8 September 2026, China notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) of two draft national standards covering the classification and labelling flammable liquids and oxidizing solids. These proposed standards would replace GB 30000.7-2013 and GB 30000.15-2013 respectively and will be aligned with the eleventh revised edition of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS Rev. 11).
The notification provides details on the scope of the products covered, the responsible authority, the proposed requirements and the stakeholder consultation process.
Draft Standard for Flammable Liquids
The WTO notification G/TBT/N/CHN/2356 which concerns the proposed revision of GB 30000.7, “Specification for classification and labelling of chemicals – Part 7: Flammable liquids.” The draft updates the classification and labelling provisions, including guidance on the use of open-cup flash-point data. It also clarifies that aerosols and chemicals under pressure are excluded from the flammable liquids hazard class. The revised standard would be mandatory in its entirety.
Draft Standard for Oxidizing Solids
The WTO notification G/TBT/N/CHN/2357 concerns the proposed revision of GB 30000.15, “Specification for classification and labelling of chemicals—Part 15: Oxidizing solids.” The draft updates the classification and labelling provisions and introduces classification criteria based on test method O.3. As with the flammable liquids’ standard, the revised standard would be mandatory in its entirety.
Objective of the Proposed Standard
According to the notifications, the draft standards aim to support the prevention of deceptive practices, consumer protection, and the protection of human health, safety, and the environment.
The responsible authority for both standards is the State Administration for Market Regulation (Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China).
Comment Period
Stakeholders and interested parties may submit comments on both notifications until 7 November 2026. Comments should be submitted through the Technical Barriers to Trade National Notification and Enquiry Center of the People’s Republic of China.
Proposed Adoption and Entry into Force
The proposed dates of adoption have yet to be determined. Both standards are proposed to enter into force 12 months after approval