Chile Adopts GHS and Notification of Hazardous Chemicals

On February 9, 2021, the Ministry of Health of Chile published Decree 57/2019, the Regulation on Classification, Labeling, and Notification of Hazardous Chemicals and Mixtures, which adopts the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Chile GHS is generally identical to UN GHS (version 7) but with certain revisions. In Decree 57/2019, notification shall be made for hazardous chemicals whose annual volume is equal to or greater than 1 ton. As to substances in mixtures that may pose threats to human health and the environment with a concentration higher than the limit, notification shall be made.

Transitional period of GHS implementation and notification for chemicals and mixtures are listed in the following table:

Currently, substances for industrial use and non-industrial use have been enforced. Notifications for these substances will be enforced step by step in the coming few years. It should be noted that the transitional period for substances for industrial use is less than 1 year.

Under the building block principle, Chile has not introduced the flammable liquids-category 4, skin corrosion/irritation-category 3, serious eye damage/eye irritation-category 2A and 2B, inhalation hazard-category 2, and hazardous to the aquatic environment-acute hazard-category 2 and 3. It is evident that Chile GHS is different from Chinese GHS.

In accordance with Article 6 of Decree 57, the Ministry of Health published Resolution 777/2021 on its official gazette, in which provides a list of 4,500 substances requiring mandatory classification. Resolution 777/2021 can be used as a reference for Chilean manufacturers or importers when making classifications of their products. The list also presents name of substances, CAS number, hazard classification, special concentration limit, coefficient M and ATE value.

Product labels shall contain the following information: product identifier, CAS number (if applicable), pictogram, signal word, hazard statement, precautionary statement, information of manufacturers (including its name, address and telephone number), and its standard quantity. Products available to the public shall provide local emergency call (available for 24 hours). Products that are mixtures shall present hazardous information. Precautionary statement shall not exceed 6 unless additional requirements are made.

SDS shall be compiled in Spanish. Suppliers shall update SDS within 6 months when there are new restrictions or hazard classifications or risk control measures are updated. In Section 3 of SDS, product identifier of impurities and additives shall be listed such as CAS number.