Since Jan 1, 2017, Australia has classified and labelled hazardous substances using the third updated edition of the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) (GHS 3). GHS 3 is being replaced with GHS 7.
Australia's transition to GHS 7 will:
Mirror the transition to GHS 7 made by the major trading partners and ensure that SDS (Safety Data Sheets), labels, and classifications all use the most recent hazard communication methods.
Later transition:
The two-year transition (1 January 2021 - 31 December 2022) to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, Revision 7 is almost complete.
For newly manufactured and imported hazardous chemicals in Australia, only GHS 7 can be used to categorize substances and create labels and safety data sheets (SDS). After January 1, 2023, the SDS for substances currently on the market must also adhere to GHS 7. Note that Western Australia will begin using GHS 7 on March 31, 2023.
The GHS is a system for categorizing chemicals according to their potential dangers and creating labels and SDS to convey those dangers.
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