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GHS new developments in Gulf countries

Posted Date:2023/11/3

Gulf states such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar are working to align their chemical hazard notification systems (classification, safety data sheets, and labeling) with the fifth revision of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (UN GHS Revision 5). The Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization (GSO) published a draft technical standard for the adoption of GHS Rev 5 in October 2019. Gulf states are expected to translate this into national regulations in the next 2-3 years. In this article, we will give you a preview of the main requirements presented in the draft GHS standard.

Scope of application

The draft standard does not apply to radioactive substances and mixtures, non-separated intermediates, substances and mixtures used for scientific research and development. It also does not apply to substances and mixtures in the form of medicinal and veterinary drugs, cosmetics, food or feed.

Classification

The draft GHS standard adopts the same GHS classification criteria and modules as the EU CLP regulation. In addition, it plans to adopt the mandatory GHS classification list given in Appendix VI of the EU CLP Regulation and supports the use of specific concentration limits.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

The draft standard requires the use of a standard 16-heading safety data sheet. Safety data sheets shall be prepared in Arabic and English, and suppliers shall provide downstream customers with safety data sheets in both languages.

Label

Labels should be in both Arabic and English (a single label can provide tag elements in both languages). As with the CLP regulations, a maximum of six precautions should appear on the label, unless more precautions are required due to the nature and severity of the hazard.