Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

South Korea (NICS) Proposes New Quantity Thresholds for 73 Hazardous Chemicals

South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety has launched a consultation to amend the Regulation on Designated Quantities of Hazardous Chemicals, setting new quantity thresholds for 73 recently designated hazardous substances and clarifying how designated quantities are applied at site level. If adopted, the changes will determine which Korean facilities handling these substances trigger hazardous-chemical control and accident-prevention requirements, so operators should review the draft thresholds against their inventories and consider submitting comments by 15 April 2026.

10 Apr 2026, 10:43nics.me.go.krSouth Korea

Japan NITE Updates CHRIP Database With Multi-Jurisdiction Chemical List Changes

Japan’s NITE updated the CHRIP database on April 1, 2026, consolidating significant substance-level changes across the CSCL, ISHA, Food Sanitation Act, EU CLP, and K-REACH. Businesses should immediately audit the updated substance lists to ensure compliance with revised labeling, SDS, and notification obligations across Japanese and international markets.

5 Apr 2026, 06:01chem-info.nite.go.jpJapanEuropean UnionSouth KoreaUnited States

Japan MHLW Amends Designation Criteria For Carcinogenic Substances Under Industrial Safety And Health Ordinance

Japan’s MHLW has clarified the designation criteria for carcinogenic substances under the Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance, effective March 31, 2026. Businesses must verify substance inventories against recent GHS classification updates to ensure accurate risk assessments and workplace safety compliance.

3 Apr 2026, 18:51mhlw.go.jpJapan

Japan: MHLW Ordinance No. 68 Adds Four Hazardous Chemicals (Including PFAS) to Labour Safety and Health Annex 2

Japan has designated four new hazardous chemicals, including two PFAS, for regulation under the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA) effective April 1, 2026. Businesses must prepare for mandatory workplace exposure controls and health monitoring, reflecting Japan's tightening oversight of persistent and hazardous substances.

3 Apr 2026, 18:46kanpo.go.jpJapan

Great Britain: HSE Proposes Not To Classify Rapeseed Oil (CAS 8002-13-9)

The UK HSE has proposed maintaining the "Unclassified" status for rapeseed oil under GB CLP, following a comprehensive hazard assessment. This confirmation provides regulatory certainty for manufacturers, ensuring no new labeling requirements or supply chain disruptions between the UK and EU markets.

3 Apr 2026, 18:03hse.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

South Korea (NICS) Partially Amends Regulation On The Classification And Labelling Of Chemicals (Notice No. 2026-6)

South Korea has updated its mandatory chemical classification and labeling list (Annex 4), introducing over 70 new entries and revising several existing ones effective March 27, 2026. Manufacturers and importers must update labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) by January 2027, with an extended compliance window until July 2028 specifically for sodium hypochlorite.

2 Apr 2026, 10:26law.go.krSouth Korea

US Chamber Of Commerce Comments On House TSCA Modernization Discussion Draft

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued formal recommendations for TSCA modernization, prioritizing predictable chemical review timelines and risk-based assessments. Businesses should anticipate a sustained industry push to limit the scope of PFAS regulations on articles and streamline the path to market for new chemical innovations.

1 Apr 2026, 19:42uschamber.comUnited States

ECHA Adds New CLP Harmonised Classification Intentions and Proposals for Four Substances

ECHA has initiated harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) processes for four substances, including a PFAS and a biocidal active, as of March 2026. Future adoption will trigger mandatory hazard communication updates and may lead to use restrictions in consumer and industrial product formulations.

1 Apr 2026, 19:37echa.europa.euEuropean Union

ECHA CLH Dossier Submitted for 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Nonafluorobutane-1-Sulphonic Acid

Norway submitted a harmonised classification proposal for the PFAS substance PFBS to ECHA in March 2026. The proposed status as an endocrine disruptor and persistent/mobile substance (PMT/vPvM) signals heightened regulatory risk and likely future restrictions for short-chain PFAS.

1 Apr 2026, 19:31echa.europa.euEuropean Union

US OSHA Issues Correction to Hazard Communication Standard Appendix B

OSHA issued a technical correction to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) clarifying classification criteria for gases under pressure. Businesses must ensure aerosols and chemicals under pressure are correctly categorized to maintain compliant safety labeling and accurate risk communication.

31 Mar 2026, 15:34federalregister.govUnited States

EU CLP: Intention to Harmonise Classification and Labelling of Aminoguanidinium Hydrogen Carbonate (EC 219-956-7, CAS 2582-30-1)

Belgium has notified an intention to propose harmonised classification for aminoguanidinium hydrogen carbonate, targeting skin irritation, sensitisation, and reproductive toxicity by mid-2027. A formal classification for reproductive toxicity would likely trigger downstream restrictions under REACH and require significant updates to safety data sheets and product labelling.

30 Mar 2026, 12:10echa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU / ECHA Registers CLH Intention for Reaction Mass of 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)cyclohexyl Acetate and p-menth-1-en-8-yl Acetate

Belgium has initiated the process to harmonise the classification of this reaction mass as a reproductive toxicant, with a formal dossier expected by late 2027. A confirmed CMR classification would likely trigger downstream bans in consumer products, requiring proactive supply chain reviews and potential reformulation planning.

30 Mar 2026, 12:10echa.europa.euEuropean Union

South Korea MCEE Proposes KECI Amendment Disclosing 136 Existing Chemicals

South Korea has proposed disclosing the identity of 136 existing chemicals in the KECI following the expiration of their confidential business information (CBI) protection. Companies must verify if their substances are affected and prepare to update K-REACH registrations, safety data sheets (SDS), and labels to ensure continued compliance.

29 Mar 2026, 05:33resource.chemlinked.com.cnSouth Korea

South Korea NICS Amends Hazard Assessment Results and Toxic Substances Designation (Notices 2026-3 and 2026-5)

South Korea has updated its official hazard assessment results and toxic substance designations under K-REACH and the Chemical Substances Control Act as of March 2026. Businesses must verify substance classifications against the revised annexes to mitigate risks of non-compliance with mandatory notification and risk-management obligations.

27 Mar 2026, 07:58chemnavi.or.krSouth Korea

Netherlands Health Council Opens Consultation On Draft Reproductive Toxicity Advisory For Ethylene Glycol

The Netherlands Health Council has proposed a reproductive toxicity classification for ethylene glycol, with public comments due by June 2026. A formal reclassification would likely trigger stricter national occupational exposure limits and enhanced risk management requirements for industrial users.

24 Mar 2026, 13:13healthcouncil.nlNetherlands

UNECE Publishes Draft 2025 Annual Report of Sustainable Transport Division (ECE/TRANS/2026/11)

UNECE has released its 2025 Sustainable Transport report, consolidating major updates to dangerous goods transport (ADR/RID/ADN), GHS alignment, and vehicle safety standards. Businesses should prepare for harmonized global standards on battery transport, low-GWP refrigerants, and digital consignment notes, signaling a shift toward decarbonized and automated logistics.

South Korea Publishes 2025 Manual on Aquatic Ecotoxicity Classification of Metals and Metal Compounds

South Korea has issued updated 2025 guidance for the classification and labelling of environmental hazards associated with metals and metal compounds. Companies should review their hazard assessments and Safety Data Sheets to ensure alignment with the latest regulatory expectations for environmental risk communication.

21 Mar 2026, 16:43chemnavi.or.krSouth Korea

ECHA Publishes Draft Agenda For RAC-77 CLH WG Meeting (27–29 April 2026)

ECHA has advanced the harmonised classification process for several high-profile substances, including TFA and propylparaben, with technical reviews scheduled for April 2026. Resulting hazard reclassifications would mandate significant updates to product labelling and could trigger automatic use restrictions under downstream EU regulations.

19 Mar 2026, 19:20echa.europa.euEuropean Union

India BIS Consults on Draft First Revision of Chlorosulphonic Acid Safety Code

India is consulting on a revised safety code for chlorosulphonic acid to modernize handling and storage standards, with comments due by May 9, 2026. Facilities should review the draft for updated operational and emergency protocols to ensure alignment with the latest national hazardous chemical safety practices.

19 Mar 2026, 19:00standards.bis.gov.inIndia

China Notifies WTO of 14 Draft National Standards for Hazardous Properties Inspection of Dangerous Goods

China has notified the WTO of 14 draft national standards to align dangerous goods inspection and classification with the latest UN Model Regulations (Rev. 23). Impacted companies must prepare for mandatory testing cycles and updated labeling requirements to ensure uninterrupted transport, sale, and use of hazardous materials.

19 Mar 2026, 09:10members.wto.orgChina