CHANGES TO NEW ZEALAND’S HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES CLASSIFICATION CODES
On 30 April 2021, New Zealand updated its classification system for hazardous substances to one based on the seventh revised edition of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7). The GHS 7 is an international hazard classification system for chemicals created by the United Nations. It is used by more than 50 countries, including all of New Zealand’s major trading partners.
The changes affect those at the top of the supply chain, primarily importers and manufacturers, who are now required to update their hazard classification, labelling, and safety data sheets (SDS). There is little change for Consumers and other end-users should start to see the GHS pictograms appearing on product labels and packaging and in safety data sheets, as New Zealand’s chemical labelling aligns with the rest of the world.
Whilst there is a four-year transitional period to comply with the new requirements, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are encouraging industry to comply with the various changes sooner rather than later.
Find out how these changes will affect you by opening the flyer.