The seventh revised edition of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7) has been adopted as New Zealand’s official hazard classification system. It takes effect from 30 April 2021.
The GHS 7 is an international hazard classification system for chemicals created by the United Nations. The classifications are communicated on labels and safety data sheets including the safe way to store, use and dispose of chemicals.
It has been adopted by more than 50 countries, including all of New Zealand’s major trading partners.
What you need to know
The new hazard classification system takes effect on 30 April 2021, replacing the 2001 HSNO classification system.
- The updated EPA notices explain the new product labelling, safety data sheet and packaging requirements. You’re encouraged to comply sooner rather than later.
- Substances that have an individual approval issued after 30 April 2021 must comply with these three notices immediately upon the date of their approval.
- For individual approvals issued before 30 April 2021 there is a four-year transfer period, through to 30 April 2025, to comply with the updated Labelling, Safety Data Sheets and Packaging Notices.
- Substances managed under a group standard must also comply with these three notices by 30 April 2025, regardless of when the substance was imported into, or manufactured in, New Zealand.
Read the EPA Labelling, Safety Data Sheets and Packaging Notices
What happens to my approval
- You will need to check what approval your substance is assigned to, especially if it is an individual approval, as some have changed and some no longer exist. We have revoked more than 5,000 individual approvals that will be managed under one or more group standards.
- While the majority of group standards have the same scope as the previous group standards a very small number, such as those for aerosols, have changed. You will need to check the group standard you have currently assigned to your substance, to ensure it is still appropriate.
- If the individual approval you use has been revoked, we’ve suggested a group standard your substance may fit into. However, it’s possible another group standard may be a better fit for your particular substance and you should check this.
- You must also check your self-assignment records are up to date as soon as possible after 30 April 2021.
- We have kept the approval numbers the same so you do not need to update these.
Search the list of reissued, revoked and reassessed approvals