The Government of Canada has finalized updates to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2022, fully aligning its hazard communication framework with the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Revision 7, and incorporating select elements from GHS Revision 8.
The amendments, published on December 15, 2022, update the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) under the Hazardous Products Act, ensuring global consistency in hazard classification, labelling, and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
Key WHMIS 2022 Regulatory Updates
1. New and Revised Hazard Categories
• Introduction of non-flammable aerosols and chemicals under pressure as new classes
• Adjusted classification parameters across several physical and health hazards
2. Updated SDS (Safety Data Sheet) Requirements
• Expanded Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
• Updated Section 14: Transport Information
• Revised data completeness thresholds to align with GHS standards
3. Flexible Labelling Enhancements
• Updated precautionary statements
• Revised label formats and hazard statement allowances
• Improved alignment between SDSs and labels under GHS Revision 7
Mandatory Compliance Deadline
All manufacturers, importers, and distributors supplying hazardous products in Canada must meet full compliance by 15 December 2025.
• Deadline: 15 December 2025
• Grace Period: None — immediate enforcement after this date
Non-compliance consequences:
• Import refusals or shipment delays
• Product recalls or removal from market
• Administrative penalties or legal enforcement under the Hazardous Products Act
What Industry Must Do?
To meet the WHMIS 2022 deadline, businesses must:
• Reclassify products according to updated WHMIS 2022 criteria
• Update SDSs to reflect new Canadian content and format standards
• Revise labels and precautionary statements for all packaging
• Train employees and distributors on the revised WHMIS requirements
• Prepare bilingual documentation (English and French)
Important: WHMIS compliance cannot be reused from U.S. OSHA-GHS or EU CLP systems. Suppliers must produce distinct Canadian SDSs and labels that fully meet WHMIS 2022 specifications.
Compliance Advisory for Businesses
Companies already using GHS Rev. 7 in the U.S. or EU must still prepare Canadian-specific documentation to ensure full compliance with WHMIS 2022.
Recommended actions:
• Conduct a chemical inventory audit
• Update SDS authoring templates
• Prioritize high-volume and high-hazard materials
• Collaborate early with Canadian importers and distributors for validation and approvals
Strengthening Chemical Safety in Canada
The WHMIS 2022 amendments mark a major milestone in harmonizing Canada’s workplace chemical safety rules with international standards.
Industry stakeholders are urged to complete all compliance actions well before December 2025 to avoid disruptions in trade or enforcement actions.
Reference: Government of Canada – WHMIS 2022
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