GHS Implementation in Japan

Japan

GHS Implementation in Japan

Little Pro on 2015-12-31

In Japan, GHS SDSs and labels are mandatory for certain specified substances and mixtures regulated by the following laws:

For all other hazardous chemicals meeting GHS classification criteria, industry shall make reasonable efforts to comply with the following two industrial standards on chemical classification and hazard communication in Japan:

JIS 7252 (Latest Version JIS7252-2019)	Standard Name: JIS 7252 Classification of Chemicals Based on GHS; Chemical classification criteria; Based on GHS Rev. 6;
JIS 7253 (Latest Version JIS7253-2019)	Standard Name: JIS7253 Hazard Communication of Chemicals Based on GHS - Labelling and Safety Data Sheet; Format and content of SDSs/labels; Based on GHS Rev. 6; Standard 16-section SDSs and label elements; Entry into force: May 2022;

Both standards are available for purchase from JSA's website.

Critical Dates of GHS Implementation in Japan

ISHL, PRTR and PDSCL Controlled Chemicals	Since 2006;
Other Hazardous Chemicals	Recommended;

Classifications & Building Blocks in Japan

That latest version of JIS7252 is based on GHS rev. 6. However, the following building blocks have not been adopted in Japan:

acute toxicity category 5;
skin irritation category 3;
aspiration toxicity category 2;

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) have conducted GHS classifications on hundreds of substances to help companies prepare SDSs and labels. The classifications can be downloaded via the link below and they are not legally binding.

http://www.safe.nite.go.jp/english/ghs/ghs_download.html

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has released a free tool for classifying mixtures according to GHS Rev 4. This tool is available here.

Information Disclosure in SDSs

Substance name and its concentration or concentration range shall be indicated in SDSs if it is present above concentration limit and contributes to the classification of a product. However, the following substances must be disclosed even if their content is below concentration limit.

Respiratory sensitizing or skin sensitizing substance >0.1%w/w;
Carcinogenic cate. 2 substance >0.1%w/w;
Reproductive toxicant cate. 1 or cate. 2>0.1%w/w;
STOT Cate. 2 substance >1%w/w;

Labelling Requirements

Additional Info: JIS7253 require companies to label additional info required by other domestic regulations. For example, "danger division" under Fire Service Law and "Poisonous substance" or "deleterious substance" under Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law also need to be labelled if applicable.
Small Packages: For small packages on which labels are not easily affixed, the label elements other than those required by domestic regulations may be displayed using a tag that is tied to the containers or packages;
Confidential Business Info: The generic name may be printed to protect confidential business information provided that the general name would not pose a risk to the health and safety of the receiver, or to environmental protection;
Label and Pictogram Size: Not specified in JIS 7253;
Languages: Must be prepared in Japanese.

The picture below is an example of a compliant GHS label for Japan from JIS. Please click the picture to view the full label. The label is prepared in English to help you better understand GHS labelling elements in Japan.

Reference & Resources

Click here to access all references and resources for Japan including the English translation of regulations, regulatory lists and useful links to the websites of competent authorities.

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