On June 14, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China released several notices on the National public service platform for standards information, seeking opinions on several mandatory national standards (draft for comments). GB 30000.1, Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals-Part I: General specifications, is also released and will replace GB 13690-2009, General rule for classification and hazard communication of chemicals.
In the following are the main contents of GB 30000.1:
Part 1: prescribes the scope of application: pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food. These applications are not subject to label requirements in GB 30000.1 if they are for intentional ingestion. However, if workers are potential to come into contact with these substances during the transportation process, they are subject to label requirements in GB 30000.1. Where there are other provisions stipulated by laws and regulations, those provisions shall apply. Labels in the package shall give priority to the requirements of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (hereinafter referred to as the “Model Regulations”).
Part 3: terminology and definition remains same with that in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemical GHS (Eighth revised edition).
Part 4: desensitized explosives are added, and China GHS classification is added to 29 categories.
Part 5: Special labeling is made to provide hazard information via SDS under the circumstance that when metals and alloys are supplied in a solid and non-dispersible form in compliance with relevant regulations. GHS labels shall be made in specific workplaces but alternative methods are allowed. For example, the label may be displayed in the working area rather than on individual containers. Consumer products may adopt consumer product labels based on their risks as specified in GB/T 36499, Guidance on a consumer product risk assessment for GHS labeling.
GB 30000.1 also specifies the cut-off value of hazard category, SDS and labeling requirements which conform to corresponding GB standards.
Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals-Part X: Desensitized explosives is also released for public comments. Public comments may be submitted through Chinese National Public Service Platform for Standards Information prior to August 15, 2023.
Comments:
Since 2013, 28 GHS classification standards has been revised in GB30000.2-2013 -GB30000.29-2013 while GB 30000.1 hasn't changed until 2020. In 2020, its draft standard for approval was released and now GB 30000.1 is released for public comments, which indicates that its official publication and implementation is around the corner. Moreover, a much more sound GHS system will be established in China after its publication.
Desensitized explosive is prescribed in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemical GHS (sixth revised edition). Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals-Part X: Desensitized explosives is also released for public comments, which indicates that China's GHS is moving forward to GHS (eighth revised edition). It is estimated that GB30000.2-29 will be revised to bridge the gap between China's GHS and UN GHS.
