Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has made modifications to the Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL) Enforcement Order, resulting in a comprehensive overhaul of the mandatory Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and labeling substance lists under the ISHL.

Expansion and Revision of Lists:

Under the revised ISHL Enforcement Order, the mandatory SDS and labeling substance lists have been significantly expanded and overhauled. Notably, chemical compounds officially classified with any dangers by the government before March 31, 2021, will now fall under the purview of the revised requirements.

Inclusion of Additional Chemicals for GHS Compliance:

As part of this modification, an additional 1,616 chemicals have been designated explicitly for compliance with Japan's Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This implies these chemicals will be subject to the revised SDS and labeling requirements outlined in the ISHL. The effective date for the implementation of these changes is set for April 1, 2025.

Improving Hazard Communication:

This regulatory update reflects Japan's commitment to enhancing hazard communication and aligning its chemical safety protocols with international standards, particularly the GHS. Japan aims to bolster workplace safety, facilitate informed decision-making, and contribute to a more harmonized global approach to chemical hazard communication by expanding the scope of substances requiring mandatory SDS and labeling.

Companies operating in Japan or dealing with substances covered by the ISHL should take note of these changes and ensure that their practices align with the updated requirements to remain compliant with the regulatory landscape. The lead-up to the 2025 implementation date allows stakeholders to adapt their processes and protocols accordingly.

Reference: https://www.cirs-reach.com/Japan_CSCL/Japan_Industrial_Safety_and_Health_Law_ISHL.html