Chemical Management

Preparing GHS aligned Labels and SDS

Japanese ⇔ English

This page provides reference documents,tools etc. for preparing GHS aligned Labels/SDS.

Reference documents for preparing labels/SDS

Japanese Industrial Standards JIS Z 7253 （Hazard Communication of Chemicals Based on GHS - Labelling and Safety Data Sheet(SDS)）

The Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) related to GHS were issued based on UN GHS to clarify the requirements for the information transmission of GHS -aligned SDS and labels in Japan. The JIS selectively adopted part of the contents of UN GHS considering the circumstances of laws and rules, etc. in Japan (building block approach). If the classification method in Japan is not clear, it's recommended to refer to JIS first.

Regarding GHS, there are the following two JIS.GHS -aligned SDS and labels is summarized in JIS Z 7253.

NOTE : The expiration date of the old JIS is 3 years from the issuance of the new JIS (revised version in 2019).The contents of the new JIS must be reflected by May 24, 2022.

If you need more information about JIS, please contact the following office;

Japanese Standards Association (JSA)
Phone: +81-3-4231-8550
FAX: +81-3-4231-8650
E-mail: po@jsa.or.jp

GHS aligned sample labels and SDS (The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)) (in Japanese)

In the Workplace Safety Site of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), GHS aligned sample labels and SDS are shown as a reference for making SDS and labels. The sample labels and SDS were made using the “GHS classification results by the Japanese government” for hazard classes.

GHS aligned sample labels and SDS are created as a reference for users when preparing SDS based on GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals). Please be aware that the responsibility for a label or SDS prepared by citing or copying the chemical information of these lies with users. Besides, the information of GHS aligned sample labels and SDS mainly uses the results classified based on the GHS classification guidance etc. Using other literature, test results etc. as evidence and including different content from this classification result in a label or SDS are allowed.

How to prepare GHS aligned sample labels (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW))

How to prepare GHS aligned labels is available on the website “Workplace Safety” of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) (in Japanese)

Tools related to SDS / labels preparation

GHS pictograms / symbols

Picture files of pictograms (red symbol marks) indicating hazards based on GHS can be downloaded from the following website of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on GHS

GHS pictgrams

GHS Labelling Elements in APEC

GHS Reference Exchange and Tool (G.R.E.A.T) website which developed by APEC provides information of the GHS labeling elements including hazard class and category, signal word, hazard statement, etc., in the local language of APEC member countries. You can search by selecting a member economy, a language and a GHS labelling element on "Search".

Laws and Regulations regarding SDS / labels in Japan

Mainly three laws ans regulations of SDS/Labels in Japan

As for laws that mention GHS-aligned SDS and labelling in Japan, there are mainly three laws, and the contents of their regulations are different from each other. As for their relationship, please refer to the leaflet summarizing it made by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).

The relationship between GHS and each act is summarized below.

＜Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA)＞

Main compliance obligations

  • Obligations to offer SDS
  • Labeling obligations
    • 　　　　　　　　

    Substances subject to the regulation

  • Chemical Substances Requiring Labeling and Delivery of Documents, etc.
  • The substances with hazard category other than those above (duty to make efforts for preparing label and offering SDS)

    • Contact information

    Chemical Hazards Control Division, Industrial Safety and Health Department, Labour Standards Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
    Phone: +81-3-5253-1111 (extension 5517, 5514, 5509)
    FAX: +81-3-3502-1598


    ＜Act on Confirmation, etc. of Release Amounts of Specific Chemical Substances in the Environment and Promotion of Improvements to the Management Thereof (the PRTR law)＞

    Main compliance obligations

  • Obligations to offer SDS
  • Duty to make efforts for preparing labelling
    • 　　　　　　　　

    Substances subject to the regulation

  • Class I Designated Chemical Substances
  • Class II Designated Chemical Substances

    • Contact information

    Chemical Risk Assessment Office, Chemical Management Policy Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
    Phone: +81-3-3501-0080
    FAX: +81-3-3580-6347



    ＜Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act (PDSCA)＞

    Main compliance obligations

  • Obligations to show information such as a substance name, components, amounts, and a manufacturer or importer
  • Obligations to offer information on properties of substances and precautions for handling
    • 　　　　　　　　

    Substances subject to the regulation

  • Poisonous substances
  • Deleterious substances

    • Contact information

    Office of Chemical Safety, Pharmaceutical Evaluation Division, Pharmaceutical Safety and Environmental Health Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
    Phone: +81-3-5253-1111 (the main number for the ministry)

    Contact us

    Chemical Information Infrastructure Division,
    Chemical Management Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation
    Phone number:+81-3-3481-1999
    Fax number:+81-3-3481-2900
    Address:2-49-10 Nishihara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0066, Japan MAP
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