هيئة التقييس لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية 
GCC STANDARDIZATION ORGANIZATION (GSO)  
 
 
 
مشروعمواصفة  أولي 
First Draft Standard  
  
 
 إعداد اللجنةالفنية الخليجية  رقم GSO/TC 01  
 
Prepared by GSO Technical Committee  No. GSO/TC0 1 
 
  
 
GSO/TC0 1 /DS/ GSO2654  :2023  
 
النظام الدولي لتصنيف المواد الكيميائية GHS )لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية 
The Global Harmonized system (GHS) in Gulf Cooperation council (GCC) countries  
 
 
ICS:   71.100 
 
هذه الوثيقة مشروعلائحة فنية  خليجية تم توزيعها لإبداء 
الرأي والملحوظات بشأنها، لذلك فإنها عرضة للتغيير 
والتبديل، ولا يجوز الرجوع إليها كلائحة فنية خليجية إلا 
بعد اعتمادها من الهيئة. 
 
 This document is  a draft Gulf Technical 
Regulation  circulated for comments. It is, 
therefore, subject to alteration and 
modification and may not be referred to 
as a Gulf Technical Regulation  until 
approved by GSO.  
  
 
 
 
تقديم 
هيئة التقييس لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية هيئة إقليمية تضمممممم في عضمممممويتها أجه   التقييس 
الوطنية في الدول الأعضمماء، ومن مهام الهيئة إعداد المواصممتات القياسممية واللوائح التنية الخليجية بواسمم ة 
لجان فنية متخصصة . 
قررت اللجنة الوزارية لشؤون التقييس لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية في اجتماعها رقـــــــــم (  )، 
الذي عقد بتاريخ......./......./....... هـ ،الموافق ......./...../.......م اعتماد اللائحة التنية  الخليجية رقم  GSO 
2654  :2023  .  " النظام الدولي لتصنيف المواد الكيميائية ( GHS )  لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج
العربية‘ The Global Harmonized system(GHS) in Gulf cooperation Council (GCC) 
Countries   التي تم دراستها وتحديثها عن (GSO 2654:2021 )  ضمن برنامج عملاللجنة التنية 
الخليجية رقم  GSO/TC 01  لمواصتات الكيمياء و النسيج و الغ ل  المدرجة في خ ة سل نة عمان. على أن 
تلغي المواصتة القياسية الخليجية رقم  GSO 2654 :2021  وتحل محلها 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Contents  
 
2 1. Scope and Field of Application  ................................ ................................   
2 2.  Complementary Reference  ................................ ................................ ......  
2 3 .  Tewrms and Definitions  ................................ ................................ ..........   
4 4.  Hazard Communication: SDSs and Labels ................................ ...............   
5 4.1  Safety data sheet  ................................ ................................ ......................   
13  4.2  Labels  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....  
15 5.  Hazard Classification: General Concepts  ................................ .................   
16 5.1  Substances  ................................ ................................ ...............................   
17 5.2  Mixtures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..  
18 6.  Hazard Classification: Classes and Catogries  ................................ ...........   
18 6.1  Physical Hazards  ................................ ................................ .....................   
27 6.2  Health hazards  ................................ ................................ .........................   
34 6.3  Environmental hazards  ................................ ................................ ............   
36 7.  List Of Substances With Harmonized Classification and Labelling  ..........   
38 8.  Appendix:  Hazard Communication In The GCC  ................................ .....  
41 Refernces And Bibliography ................................ ................................ ............   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
The Global Harmonized system (GHS)  
in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries  
 
1 .   Scope and Field of Application:  
 This GSO  technical regulation  aims to ensure the safe production, transport, handling, 
use and disposal of hazardous materials in the line with GHS requirements:  
 1) the criteria for classifying substances and mixtures in accordance to their health, 
environmental and physical hazards; and  
 2) the hazard communication elements, including requirements for safety data sheets 
and labels.  
 Since all chemical products pl aced on the market are made in a workplace, handled 
during storage, shipment and transport by workers, this technical regulation  does not 
provide exemptions from the scope of the GHS for any particular type of chemical 
product.  
 This technical  regulation should apply to all substances and mixtures supplied, used 
and/or manufactured in the GCC countries, except when other GCC legislation lays 
down more specific rules on classification and labelling. In particular, it shall not apply 
to radioactive substance s and mixtures, non -isolated intermediates, substances and 
mixtures for scientific research and development. It shall not apply to substan ces and 
mixtures  in the form of consumer products such as  medicinal and veterinary products, 
cosmetic products,  deterg ents, air fresheners,  food or feeding stuffs. This technical 
regulation  shall not be applied to articles, however SDSs can be provided for articles 
on a voluntary basis.  
 This technical regulation  does not include the establishment of test methods or 
promo tion of further testing on chemicals  
 Target audiences for this technical regulation  include consumers, workers, transport 
workers, and emergency responders using chemicals in and/or supplying chemicals 
into a GCC country.  
2.   Complementary Reference :  
2.1    GSO 1810 " Labelling – Labelling of Chemical Products"   
2.2    GSO ISO 11014:2013 " Safety data sheet for chemical products -- Content and order of  sections"  
3 .    Terms and Definitions : 
 For the purpose of this technical regulation , the following definitions apply, which are 
relevant to the classification and labelling terminology addressed in this technical 
regulation : 
3.1   The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals 
(GHS) :  is a system created by th e United Nations (UN) “7th revised edition of GHS published in 2017 “  to address the classification of chemicals by type of hazard and 
harmonize hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheet s 
[3]. As a tool to provide information o n the hazards of chemical products along the 
supply chain, it is considered a cornerstone of sound management of chemicals with 
the ultimate goal of increasing sustainability in the production and use of chemicals.   
3.2    Substance  : a chemical element a nd their compounds in the natural state or obtained 
by any production process, including any additive necessary to preserve the stability 
of the product and any impurities deriving from the process used, but excluding any 
solvent which may be separated wit hout affecting the stability of the substance or 
changing its compositions. Methyl isocyanate is an example of substance;  
3.3 Mixture:  a mixture or solution composed of two or more substances in which they do 
not react. A formulation used in coating indust ry, for example;  
3.4 Article:  an object which during production is given a special shape, surface or design 
which determines its function to a greater degree than does its chemical composition. 
A cartridge is an example of article;  
3.5 UVCB:  a substances of Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction 
products or Biological materials;  
3.6 SVHC:  substance of very high concern. The list of substances in the Candidate List of 
 substances of very high concern for Authorization (published in accordance with 
Article 59(10) of the (EC 1907/2006) the “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and 
Restriction of Chemicals” (REACH)) is considered a SVHC for the purpose of this 
technical regulation  [9];  
3.7 Non-isolated intermediate:  an intermediate that during synthesis is not intentionally 
removed from the equipment in which the synthesis takes place. Phosgene in 
isocyanate  production is an example of non -isolated intermediate;  
3.8 Hazard class:  the nature of the physical, health or environmental hazard. Oral acute 
toxicity is an example of hazard class;  
3.9 Hazard category:  the division of criteria within each hazard class. Oral acute toxicity 
is  divided into four hazard categories ac cording to this technical regulation ; 
3.10 Signal word:  a word used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert 
the  reader to a potential hazard on the label. ‘Danger’ and ‘Warning’ are 
examples of signal words;  
3.11 Hazard picto 1gram :  a graphical composition that may include a symbol plus other 
graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern or color that is intended to 
convey specific information;  
3.12 Hazard statement:  a phrase assigned to a hazard class and category that desc ribes the 
nature of the hazards of a hazardous product, including, where appropriate, the degree 
of  hazard. May cause respiratory irritation (H335) is an example of hazard statement.  
3.13 Precautionary  statement:  a phrase (and/or pictogram) that describes  recommended 
measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous 
product.  Do not allow contact with air (P222) is an example of P statement.  
3.14 Cut-off value:  a threshold of any classified impurity, additive or individual constituent 
in a substance or in a mixture, above which threshold these shall be taken into account 
for determining if the substance or the mixture shall be classified  
3.15 Concentration limit:  a threshold of any classified impurity, additive or individual 
constituent in a substance or in a mixture that may trigger classification of the 
substance or the mixture, respectively  
3.16 Manufacturer:  any natural or legal person esta blished within a GCC country who 
manufactures a substance within that country;  
3.17 Importer:  any natural or legal person established within a GCC country who is 
responsible for import. Import means the physical introduction into customs territory 
of a GCC  country;  
3.18 Placing on the market:  the supply or the making available to a third party. Import is 
considered placing on the market;  
3.19 Downstream user:  any natural or legal person established within a GCC country, who 
uses a substance or a mixture in his industrial or professional activity;  
3.20 Distributor:  any natural or legal person established within a GCC country, who only 
stores and places on the market a substance or a mixture;  
4.  Hazard Communication: SDSs and Labels  
 As cradle to grave process of chemical management, the development of a harmonized 
hazard communication system, including labelling, safety data sheets and easily 
understandable symbols, is one of the major objectives of the GSO technical 
regulation . 
 This gulf technical regulation  presents information in a manner that the intended 
audience can easily understand. The following principles are meant to assist the 
communication process:  
 a. Information should be conveyed in more than one way.  
 b. Comprehensibi lity of components of the system should take into account  
 c. Phrases used to indicate degree of severity should be consistent across different 
hazard types. For labels, the hazard symbols, signal words and hazard statements have 
all been standardized and assigned to each of the hazard categories and these should 
appear on labels for each hazard class in line with the GHS technical regulation . 
 Guidance on the preparation of SDS and labels are outlined in sections 4.1 and 4.2 of 
this technical regulation  
4.1  Safety data sheet  
 The SDS is an efficient and effective document for transmitting appropriate safety 
information along the supply chain on substances and mixtures. In particular the SDS 
is a tool meant to transferring essential hazard information (including information on 
transport, handling, storage and emergency actions) from the supplier to the downstream users. It is the main source of information for workers and employers 
about the intrinsic hazard of the product. The information on the SDSs a re product 
related. Although the information on uses (and restrictions of uses) are made available 
on the SDS, specific actions could be required at the workplace where the product is 
used. The SDS may also be used to transfer this information to instituti ons, services 
and other bodies that play a role in dealing with chemical products  
 This guidance on SDSs is based on the provisions laid down in the GHS text. In 
particular in Chapter 1.5 “Hazard Communication: Safety Data Sheets” and references 
therein an d, as such it is consistent with  standard mentioned in clause (2.2) .Whenever 
the GHS text leaves freedom to the competent authorities in the implementation of a 
given provision, the provisions laid down in this technical regulation  are based on well -
estab lished and well known national implementations. Whenever, the GHS text refers 
to competent authorities that may require additional information or further define a 
requirement, this technical regulation  adopted provisions from (EC 1907/2006) the 
“Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals” REACH and 
from industry best practices (e.g. the classification of substances in the composition 
section of SDSs of mixtures).  
 The purpose of the table provided in section 4.1.2 of this  technical regulation  is to 
ensure consistency and accuracy in the content of each of the mandatory headings 
required under GHS, so that the resulting safety data sheets will enable users to take 
the necessary measures relating to protection of health and safety at the workplace, 
and the protection of the environment.  
4.1.1  General requirements  
 An SDS contains information on the potential health effects of exposure and how to 
work safely with the substance or mixture. It also contains hazard information d erived 
from physicochemical properties or environmental effects, on the use, storage, 
handling and emergency response measures related to that substance or mixture.  
4.1.1.1  Scope and applicability  
 Where a substance or a mixture meets the criteria for classificati on as dangerous in 
accordance with this technical regulation , the supplier shall provide the recipient of 
such substance or mixture with a safety data sheet compiled in accordance with 
paragraph 4.1.2 of this technical regulation , free of charge. The suppl ier shall provide 
the recipient with a safety data sheet where a mixture does not meet the criteria for 
classification as dangerous but contains substances that meet the criteria for 
carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction or target organ toxicity in concentr ation exceeding  
the values of 0.1% for carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction and 1.0% for target organ 
systemic toxicity (both single -exposure and repeat -exposure). Provision of SDS is 
mandatory requirement for all the suppliers, producers in the line with GSO 
requirement. No product shall be accepted / used without the availability of the current 
and valid SDS.  
 The supplier shall provide the recipient with a safety data sheet where a mixture does 
not meet the criteria for classification as dangerous but contains substances for which 
there are workplace exposure limits established by a recognized regulatory authority or established by the supplier itself. The supplier shall provide the recipient with a 
safety data sheet for articles containing SVHC.  
4.1.1.2  Langua ge 
 As the SDS is meant to inform workers, employers, health and safety professionals, 
emergency personnel, relevant government agencies, as well as members of the 
community, the information in the SDS shall be written in a clear and concise manner. 
Langua ge used in the SDS should be simple, clear and precise, avoiding jargon, 
acronyms and abbreviations. Vague and misleading expressions should not be used. In 
the GCC countries, safety data sheet should be written in English  and Arabic (if its 
available) the supplier shall provide the recipient with an SDS in both languages. The 
versions of the two SDSs shall match.  
4.1.1.3  Layout, length and unit  
 The length of the safety data sheet is not fixed. All pages of an SDS should be clearly 
numbered. The date of issue of t he SDS should be stated and it should be easily 
readable. When the SDS has been revised the ‘Revision: (date)’ as well as a version 
number should be stated.  
 Numbers and quantities should be expressed in accordance to the International System 
of Units (SI)  and/or in units appropriate to GCC countries. When revisions are made 
to a safety data sheet, it should clearly indicate where the change have been made to 
the previous version of the SDS This can be done either in section 16 or section by 
section, where the change is made. An explanation of the change can also be provided 
but it is not mandatory.  
4.1.1.4  Format  
 The information should be presented in 16 headings. The headings and their order is 
fixed. Sub -headings are not mandatory, nor their numbering, and they can be used to 
distinguish the route of exposure, provide national or regional information and in 
general to structure the content of the headings.  The safety data sheet should not 
contain blank subsections. Subheading with no information might b e suppressed.  
 The list of 16 headings is given below:  
1. Identification  
2. Hazard Identification  
3. Composition/information on ingredients  
4. First-aid measures  
5. Fire-fighting measures  
6. Accidental release measures  
7. Handling and storage  
8. Exposure control/personal protecti on 
9. Physical and Chemical properties  
10. Stability and reactivity  11. Toxicological information  
12. Ecological information  
13. Disposal considerations  
14. Transport information  
15. Regulatory information  
16. Other information  
 A summary of the information requirements for each section  is provided in paragraph 
4.1.2  
4.1.1.5  Updating of SDS information  
 Suppliers shall update the safety data sheet as new and significant information become 
available. Information updates that may affect the measures to protect human health 
or the environment are c onsidered relevant changes. In these cases the SDS should be 
updated without delay and the new version of the SDS shall be provided to all former 
recipients to whom they have supplied the product within the preceding 12 months.  
 If no new and significant i nformation become available, suppliers should periodically 
review the information on which a SDS is based at least every 3 years from the date of 
original preparation  
4.1.1.6  Confidential business information on SDS  
 The protection of confidential business informa tion (CBI) should not compromise the 
information provided to protect the human health and the environment. CBI claims 
should be limited to the chemical identity of certain substances in a way that does not 
put the confidential nature of their businesses at  risk. Trade secret (TS) names, such as 
alternative chemical names, can be used. Where a TS name is used for a component 
with occupational exposure limits, a statement in Section 7 should be included on the 
SDS to “contact the Customer Information service for additional information”. CBI 
should be disclosed the competent authority(ies) of the GCC countries upon request.  
4.1.1.7  SDS authoring and training  
 The author of an SDS shall be a competent person. This is a person (or combination of 
persons) – or a coordina tor of a group of people - who has or have, the required 
knowledge and experience for the compilation of the SDS. The supplier of the 
substances and mixtures should ensure that the competent persons have received 
appropriate training. The supplier shall ha ve a program to deliver refresher trainings 
to the authors of SDSs on a regular basis.  
4.1.2  SDS format and content  
 The SDS should allow the identification of the product and the details of the supplier 
of the SDS, provide a clear description of the data  used to identify the hazards, the 
measure to protect human health and environment, regulatory information, etc. The 
following table provides the requirements for each section of the SDS. Additional 
details can be found in Annex IC of GHS.  
 The following t able provides the minimum requirements for each section of the SDS . Table 1  
1 Identification  
 This section of the SDS shall provide the identity of the 
substance or mixture, the identified uses and restriction on use, 
the name of the supplier with the cont act details (name, full 
address, phone number(s)) and emergency contact numbers.  
2 Hazard Identification  This section of the SDS shall provide the hazards of the 
substance or mixture and the appropriate warning information 
associated with those hazards.  
This section shall provide:  
- classification of the substance or mixture (this is in 
general done by providing the appropriate hazard class 
and category/subcategory);   
- label elements (hazard pictograms, signal word, Hazard 
Statement and Precautionary statement)  
- Other hazards which do not in classification but may 
contribute to the overall hazards  
3 Composition/ 
Composition/information 
on ingredients  
 This section of th e SDS shall provide the identity of the 
ingredient(s) of the product, including impurities and 
stabilizing additives which are themselves classified and which 
contribute to the classification of the substance.  
For substances, the chemical name and numerica l identifier of 
the main constituent shall be provided.  
For mixtures, the chemical identity (name and identification 
number), the concentration or concentration ranges of all 
hazardous ingredients which are present about their cut -off 
levels.  
4 First aid measures  This section of the SDS shall provide Initial care in such a way 
that first aid responder can understand and provide without the 
use of medical sophisticated equipment and medications. The 
information on immediate effects shall be given by rough o f 
exposure (Inhalation, Skin contact, Eye contact, Ingestion). The 
most important symptoms and effects (both acute and delayed) 
and the Indication of any immediate attention and special 
treatment is needed  
5  Fire-fighting measures  
 This section of the SDS define requirements for fighting a fire 
caused by the substance or mixture, or arising in its vicinity. 
Suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media shall be provided. 
In case of special hazards arising from the substance or mixture 
information on hazar dous combustion products and unusual 
fire and explosion hazards shall be provided. Advice for 
firefighters, which include firefighting procedures and special 
protective equipment for firefighters shall also be provided.  6 Accidental release 
measures  This section of the SDS shall recommend the appropriate 
response to spills, leaks, or releases, to prevent or minimize the 
adverse effects on persons, property and the environment 
including personal precautions, protective equipment and 
emergency procedures. Ad vice shall be provided on any 
environmental precautions to be taken related to accidental 
spills and release of the substance or mixture, such as keeping 
away from drains, surface and ground water. The Methods and 
materials for containment and cleaning up procedures shall be 
indicated in the safety data sheet.  
7 Handling and storage  This section of the safety data sheet shall provide precautions 
for safe handling practices and recommended technical 
measures such as containment, measures to prevent aerosol and 
dust generation and fire, measures required to protect the 
environment (e.g. use of filters or scrubbers on exhaust 
ventilation, use in a bonded area, measures for collection and 
disposal of spillages, etc.) and any specific requirements or 
rules relat ing to the substance or mixture (e.g. procedures or 
equipment which are prohibited or recommended)  
This section should include any relevant information on 
conditions for safe storage temperature and storage period  
8 Exposure 
controls/personal 
protection  This section of the safety data sheet shall provide the control 
parameters including occupational exposure limit values and/or 
biological limit values when available for a substance and for 
each of the ingredients of a mixture.  
It must also include the cur rently recommended Engineering 
controls measure that can be: local exhaust ventilation, personal 
and room air monitoring and biological monitoring 
information.  
This section contains measures related to use of individual 
protection measures (such as persona l protective equipment 
(PPE)). Use of PPE is usually considered as the last resort to 
control risks and it should be used in conjunction with other 
control measures such as process design (e.g. level of 
containment, closed process, local extraction), produ ct design 
(e.g. low dust grades), workplace (dilution ventilation) or work 
method (automation). Individual protection measures shall be 
provided for the protection of eye/face, skin and respiratory  
9 Physical and chemical 
properties  The following physical  and chemical properties shall be clearly 
identified including, where appropriate, a reference to the test 
methods used and specification of appropriate units of 
measurement and/or reference conditions (Appearance, Odor, 
PH, Melting point/range, Freezing p oint, Boiling point (760 
mmHg), Flash point,  Evaporation rate, Flammability (solid, 
gas),  Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits,  Vapour 
pressure,  Vapour density, Relative density,  Solubility(ies) , Partition coefficient: n -octanol/water, Auto -ignition 
temperature  , Decomposition temperature, Viscosity, 
Explosive properties, Oxidizing properties).  
Other properties may also be included in this section of the 
SDS.  
If information on specific properties is not available, they 
should be listed with t he statement “not available”. It is 
recommended to provide an explanation as the why the data is 
not available.  
10 Stability and reactivity  This section of the safety data sheet shall describe the stability 
of the substance or mixture and the possibility of hazardous 
reactions occurring under certain conditions of use and also if 
released into the environment.  
The reactivity hazards of the substance or mixture shall be 
described.  
However, the information may also be based on general data 
for the class or family of substance or mixture if such data 
adequately represent the anticipated hazard of the substance or 
mixture  
  
Chemical stability shall be indicated if the substance or mix ture 
is stable or unstable under normal ambient and anticipated 
storage and handling conditions of temperature and pressure. 
Any stabilizer which are, or may need to be, used to maintain 
the chemical stability of the substance or mixture shall be 
described . The safety significance of any change in the physical 
appearance of the substance or mixture shall be indicated.  
If relevant, Possibility of hazardous reactions shall be stated if 
the substance or mixture will react or polymerize, releasing 
excess pressu re or heat, or creating other hazardous conditions. 
The conditions under which the hazardous reactions may occur 
shall be described.  
Conditions such as temperature, pressure, light, shock, static 
discharge, vibrations or other physical stresses that might  result 
in a hazardous situation shall be listed and if appropriate a brief 
description of measures to be taken to manage risks associated 
with such hazards shall be given.  
 Families of substances or mixtures or specific substances, such 
as water, air, ac ids, bases, oxidizing agents, with which the 
substance or mixture could react to produce a hazardous 
situation (like an explosion, a release of toxic or flammable 
materials, or a liberation of excessive heat) shall be listed and 
if appropriate a brief desc ription of measures to be taken to 
manage risks associated with such hazards shall be given  
Known and reasonably anticipated hazardous decomposition 
products produced as a result of use, storage, spill and heating shall be listed. Hazardous combustion pro ducts shall be 
included in Section 5 of the safety data sheet.  
11 Toxicological 
information  This section of the safety data sheet is meant for use primarily 
by medical professionals, occupational health and safety 
professionals and toxicologists.  
A conci se but complete and comprehensible description of the 
various toxicological (health) effects and the available data 
used to identify those effects shall be provided, including where 
appropriate information on toxic kinetics, metabolism and 
distribution.  
The relevant hazard classes, for which information shall be 
provided, are: acute toxicity, skin corrosion/irritation, serious 
eye damage/irritation, respiratory or skin sensitization, germ 
cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, 
STOT -single exposure; STOT -repeated exposure, aspiration 
hazard.  
It is necessary to consider whether the concentration of each 
substance is sufficient to contribute to the overall health effects 
of the mixture. For mixtures information on toxic effects shall 
be pre sented for each substance.  
12 Ecological information  This section of the safety data sheet shall provide information 
to enable evaluation of the environmental impact of the 
substance or mixture where it is released to the environment.  
This information may assist in handling spills, and evaluating 
waste treatment practices, control of release, accidental release 
measures and transport.  
Relevant available data on aquatic toxicity, both acute and 
chronic for fish, crustaceans, algae and other aquatic plant s 
shall be included. In addition, when available, toxicity data on 
soil micro - and microorganisms and other environmentally 
relevant organisms, such as birds, bees and plants.  
Persistence and degradability is the potential for the substance 
or the appropri ate substances in a mixture to degrade in the 
environment, either through biodegradation or other processes, 
such as oxidation or hydrolysis. Test results relevant to assess 
persistence and degradability shall be given where available.  
Bio accumulative pot ential is the potential of the substance or 
certain substances in a mixture to accumulate in biota and, 
eventually, to pass through the food chain. Test results relevant 
to assess the bio accumulative potential shall be given. This 
shall include reference to the octanol -water partition coefficient 
(Kow) and bioconcentration factor (BCF), if available.  Mobility in soil shall be given where available. It is the 
potential of the substance or the components of a mixture, if 
released to the environment, to move  under natural forces to the 
groundwater or to a distance from the site of release.  
It shall be included where available, the results of the PBT and 
vPvB assessment and information on any other adverse effects 
on the environment, such as environmental fate (exposure), 
photochemical ozone creation potential, ozone depletion 
potential, endocrine -disrupting potential and/or global 
warming potential.  
13 Disposal considerations  This section of the safety data sheet shall provide information 
for proper waste  management of the substance or mixture 
and/or its container to assist in the determination of safe and 
environmentally preferred waste management options, 
consistent with the local by -laws governing hazardous waste.  
14 Transport information  This section of the safety data sheet shall provide basic 
classification information for the transport/shipment of 
substances or mixtures mentioned in Section 1 by road, rail, 
sea, inland waterways or air. Where such information is not 
available or relevant this shall be stated.  
Where relevant, this section shall provide information on the 
transport classification for each of the UN Model Regulations: 
the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage 
of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), the Regulations 
concernin g the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by 
Rail (RID) and the European Agreement concerning the 
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland 
Waterways (ADN)., as well as the International Maritime 
Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code (sea), and the T echnical 
Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air 
(ICAO).  
15 Regulatory information  This section of the safety data sheet shall describe the other 
regulatory information that is not provided elsewhere in the 
SDS.  
A reference to this technical regulation  can be provided.  
16 Other information  This section of the safety data sheet shall contain other 
information that is not included in Sections 1 to 15, including 
information on the revision of the safety data sheet  such as:  
(a) a key or legend to abbreviations and acronyms used in 
the safety data sheet;  
(b) key literature references and sources for data;  
(c) a list of relevant hazard statements and/or precautionary 
statements. Write out the full text of any statements 
which are not written out in  full under Sections 2 to 15.  
 The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 704 
information can be provided in this section on a voluntary basis. 
The SDS author should be mindful that NFPA serves a different 
purpose, i.e. it provides information related  to fire and 
emergency responders only, when compared to GHS.  
 
4.2  Labels  
 Labels is the other fundamental communication tool in the supply chain of chemical 
industry. Labels are intended to draw the attention of users who handle or use the 
product to its inherent hazard(s), and define the necessary precautionary measures to 
be taken into account. The label shall provide comprehensive product information on 
safety such as the supplier’s safety data sheet.  
 For the purpose of this technical regulation , a label is the written, printed, or graphic 
material firmly attached in the pro duct container.  
 This technical regulation  is based on the provisions laid down in Chapter 1.4 (Hazard 
Communication: Labelling) of the GHS and references therein. Whenever the GHS 
text refers to competent authorities that may require additional informatio n or further 
define a requirement, this technical regulation  adopted provisions from CLP and from 
industry best practices.  
4.2.1 General requirements  
4.2.1.1  Scope and applicability  
 In general substances and mixtures that are placed on the market are supplied in 
packaging with the necessary labelling information. The product will be labelled in 
accordance to the rules laid down in this technical regulation  where a substance or a 
mixtu re meets the criteria for classification as dangerous in accordance with this 
technical regulation .  
4.2.1.2  Language  
 In GCC countries, labels should be in Arabic and English (a single label can provide 
the label elements in the two languages).  In regard to the language used, the generic 
requirements laid down for SDS applies to labels. The translation in Arabic of the GHS 
elements is the one provided in the GHS text (Annex 3: ‘Codification of hazard 
statements, codification and use of precautionary statements, c odification of hazard 
pictograms and examples of precautionary statements')  
4.2.1.3  Format and size  
 As a general principle, the label should be large enough to contain all the label elements 
defined by this technical regulation . The exact size is not designated in this technical 
regulation . However, the size and spacing used to display the signal words, hazard 
statements, precautionary statements and supplemental information laid down in 
section 4.2.2 below, must use the appropr iate size and spacing to be easily read. In 
regards to the size of the hazard pictograms, each of them must cover at least one 
fifteenth of the minimum surface area of the GHS label.   For the labelling of small packaging and labelling of packaging of vario us layers, the 
provisions are shown in paragraph 1.4.10.5.4.4 of Chapter 1.4 of GHS.  
4.2.1.4  Multiple hazards and principles of precedence  
 Where a substance or mixture presents more than one GHS hazard, precedence for the 
allocation of symbols, signal words, haza rd statements apply to reduce the number of 
information on the label. The applicable provisions are laid down in paragraph 
1.4.10.5.3.1 (for the precedence of allocation of symbols), 1.4.10.5.3.2 (for the 
precedence for allocation of signal words) and 1.4. 10.5.3.3 of GHS (for the precedence 
for allocation of hazard statements).  
 For substances that are included in the list of substances with harmonized classification 
(see section 7 ), the label shall include the hazard pictograms corresponding to the most 
severe hazard category for each relevant hazard class.  
 
1. Derogations  
 Derogations from labeling requirements apply to special cases. In the case of 
packaging which is so small or in such a shape or form that it is impossible to meet the 
requirements of label ling, the label information may be reduced. The label elements 
that may be omitted from the label of packages which do not exceed 125 ml of capacity 
and classified in one or more the hazard categories are spelled out in section 1.5.2.1.1 
of Annex I to CLP are laid down in section 1.5.2.1.2, and 1.5.2.1.3 of Annex I to CLP. 
Exemptions from the labelling requirements apply also to metals in massive form, 
alloys, mixtures containing polymers, mixtures containing elastomers if they do not 
present a hazard to hu man health by inhalation, ingestion or contact with skin, or to 
the aquatic environment in the form they are placed on the market.  
2. Revision  
 Suppliers shall update the label following any change to the classification and labelling 
of that substance or mixt ure. The label should be updated without undue delay.  
3. Confidential business information  
 The same provisions laid down for SDS in section 4.1 of this technical regulation  
apply.  
4. Label author and training  
 The same provisions laid down for SDS in section 4.1 of this technical regulation  
apply.  
4.2.2  GHS labelling elements  
 A list of mandatory GHS labeling elements is given below  
Table 2  
Supplier 
identification  
 The name, address and telephone number of the  manufactured or supplier of 
the substance or mixture should be provided on the label  Product 
identifier  
 For a substance the product identifier shall consist of the chemical name of 
the substance (in addition to the name of the product) and an internatio nally 
recognized identification number (CAS number preferred).  
The product identifier of a mixture shall consist (in addition to the name of 
the product) of the identity of all substances in the mixture that contribute to 
the classification of the mixture as to acute toxicity, skin corrosion or serious 
eye damage, ger m cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, 
skin or respiratory sensitization, or specific target organ toxicity (STOT).  
The product identifier of substances and mixtures should be consistent with 
the product identifier used on the SDS.  
Hazard 
pictograms  
 The generic definition laid down in paragraph 2 applies. The classification 
of a substance or mixture determines the hazard pictograms that have to be 
displayed on a label. Currently there are nine different pictograms as some 
pictogram s cover several hazard classes and categories. All hazard 
pictograms used in this technical regulation  should be in the shape of a square 
set at a point The symbols assigned to each of the hazard class/categories are 
provided in section 6.  
Signal word  
 The generic definition laid down in paragraph 2 applies. The label shall 
include the relevant signal word in accordance with the classification of the 
hazardous substances or mixtures. The signal words assigned to each of the 
hazard class/categories is provi ded in section 6.  
Hazard 
statement  
 The generic definition laid down in paragraph 2 applies. The complete set of 
precautionary statements is listed in section 3 of Annex 3 of GHS, Arabic 
version is available. The classification of a substance or mixture d etermines 
the hazard statement that have to be displayed on a label.  
If a substance is included in part 3 of Annex VI to CLP (List of substances 
with harmonized classification), the corresponding hazard statement(s) 
relevant for this classification have to  be used.  
Precautionary 
statement  
 The generic definition laid down in paragraph 2 applies. The complete set of 
precautionary statements is listed in section 3 of Annex 3 of GHS, Arabic 
version is available. Precautionary statements will be selected takin g into 
account the hazard statements used and the use(s) of the substance or 
mixtures. Normally, a maximum of six precautionary statements shall appear 
on the label, unless more precautionary statements are necessary due to the 
nature and the severity of t he hazards. Suppliers may combine the 
precautionary statements, having regard to clarity and comprehensibility of 
the precautionary advice  
Supplemental 
information  
 Relevant ‘supplemental information’ is intended to incorporate additional 
labelling information over and above that listed in GHS. Supplemental 
information can be included as long as it is consistent with the classification 
of a substance or mixture and it  does not contradict or cast doubt the validity 
of the information given by the label elements.  Without prejudice the 
provisions laid down in the GHS text (paragraph 1.4.10.5.4.2 of GHS, since 
the GHS building block approach adopted by this technical regu lation  is the 
European GHS implementation (i.e. CLP Regulation), the supplemental 
hazard information and supplemental label elements in accordance with article 25 of CLP are considered supplemental information accepted by this 
technical regulation . Stateme nt as ‘non -toxic’, ‘non -harmful’, or any other 
statements indicating that the substances or mixture is not hazardous shall 
not appear on the label  
5.  Hazard Classification: General Concepts  
 Hazard classification is a process involving the identification  of information on the 
physical, health, environmental or other hazards of a substance or a mixture. This is 
followed by the comparison of the hazard information (including the severity of 
hazard) with defined criteria, in order to determine the classifica tion of the substance 
or mixture. Suppliers of substances and mixtures on the GCC market has the 
responsibility for hazard classification and related hazard communication provisions 
such as SDS and label as laid down in section 4 of this technical regulati on. 
 Thus, a manufacturer, importer or downstream user will apply the following steps to 
arrive to classification of a substance or a mixture:  
 identification of relevant available information regarding the potential hazards 
(including severity of hazard) o f a substance or mixture;  
 examination of the information gathered to assess whether it is relevant, reliable and 
sufficient for classification purposes;  
 evaluation of the information (data) by applying the classification criteria for each 
hazard class and differentiation as laid down in this technical regulation  and references 
therein;  
 decision on whether the hazard information for the substance or mixture meets the 
criteria for one or more hazard classes, or differentiations and therefore decision on 
the classification of the substance or mixture as hazardous in relation to these hazard 
classes or differentiations  within hazard classes.  
 A substance or a mixture fulfilling the criteria relating to physical, health or 
environmental hazards, is hazardous an d shall be classified in relation to the respective 
hazard classes provided for in Section 6.  
5.1  Substances  
 In general the classification of a substance is based on the relevant data available on 
its hazardous properties, mostly data generated in tests for physical, toxicological and 
eco-toxicological hazards. So the responsible party for classification shall id entify the 
relevant available information for the purpose of determining whether the substance is 
classified. The information must be compared with the criteria for classification for 
each hazard class or differentiation within the hazard class. Differenti ation is a 
distinction depending on the route of exposure or the nature of the effects. A decision 
should be made as to whether the substance meets the criteria for classification. When 
this is the case, the responsible party for classification should assi gn one or more 
hazard categories for each relevant hazard class or differentiation. The substance is 
then assigned the appropriate hazard communication elements.   This technical regulation  requires testing only for the purpose of classification for 
physica l hazards unless reliable and adequate information is already available. This 
technical regulation  does not require new testing for health or environmental hazards . 
 Substances may contain impurities, additives, or other constituents while still meeting 
the substance definition in CLP. This applies to both mono -constituent, multi -
constituent and UVCB substances. The classification of such impurities, additives or 
individual constituents may influence the classification of the substance, in addition to 
the o ther hazardous properties. If data on the substance with its components is not 
available, the same classification and labelling rules for mixtures should apply for this 
substance.  
 Leveraging on provisions developed under the CLP regulation, this technical  
regulation  introduces two types of classification: self -classification and harmonized -
classification.  
 “Self -classification” is a process for determining the hazardous properties of a 
substance. The available toxicological, eco -toxicological and physical -chemical data 
on the substance are compared with the classification criteria in order to determine the 
appropriate hazard classification. This technical regulation  does not require the 
generation of new toxicology and eco -toxicology data in order to perfor m a self -
classification.  
 The “harmonized classification‟ of a substance means that a decision to classify and 
label the substance for particular hazards has been taken by an authority. Harmonized 
classification applies only to certain substances and they  are in general published in 
national lists. The application of a harmonized classification helps suppliers of that 
substance to fulfil their obligations without having to perform the necessary tests. 
Section 6 of this document outlines the provisions adop ted by this technical regulation . 
5.2  Mixtures  
 The responsible party for classification shall identify the relevant available information 
for the purpose of determining whether the mixture is classified. The concept of 
harmonized classification is not ap plicable to mixtures (except for aqueous solutions 
of certain substances), as a consequence a mixture must always be self -classified. For 
mixtures, the same rules apply as for substances; where data are available on the 
mixture as a whole, they should prim arily be used to determine the classification. If 
this cannot be done, further approaches to mixture classification may be applied.  
 A distinction is made depending on the type of hazards. Classification for physical 
hazards is normally based on the resul ts of tests carried out on the mixtures themselves. 
For the classification for health and environmental hazards, available data on the 
mixture as a whole should primarily be used; however no “in vivo” test data should be 
generated for mixtures.   
 Where no  test data are available, alternative approaches are used when classifying a 
mixture for health and environmental hazards. These are: 1) classification based on the 
application of bridging principles which make use of test data on similar tested 
mixtures a nd, if the hazard properties of some or all substances are known, 2) classification done using ingredient concentrations, concentration limits (and M -
factors) and calculations methods.  
 The bridging principles accepted by this technical regulation  are dil ution; batching; 
concentration of highly hazardous mixtures; interpolation within one toxicity category; 
substantially similar mixtures, classification where the composition of a mixture has 
changed and provisions for aerosol. Further details on the bridgi ng principles are 
referred to in section 1.1.3 of CLP.   
 When applying the calculation principles there are two distinct approaches:  additive 
and non -additive. In the first approach, the sum of the concentrations of the 
components is compared to the conce ntration limit and if this is exceeded, the mixture 
will result classified for that particular hazard class. This approach cannot be applied 
for some hazard classes (see CLP Annex I 3.2.3.3.4), for those the non -additive 
approach applies, which means that the concentration of the individual components is 
compared to the concentration limits.  
5.2.1  Concentration limit  
 Concentration limits are the minimum concentrations for a substance which trigger the 
classification of a mixture if exceeded by the individual concentration or the sum of 
concentrations (where the additivity approach is allowed) of relevant substances. Th is 
technical regulation , in accordance to CLP provisions, introduces two types of 
concentration limits: specific (SCL) and generic (GCL). The generic concentration 
limits (or thresholds) are set  out in parts 2 -5 of Annex I to CLP for those hazard classes 
where they apply. The SCLs are substance specific, they are only applicable to health 
hazards, and when available are given in Annex VI to CLP as outlined in section 7 of 
this technical regulation . 
 
 
5.2.2  Cut-off values  
 The minimum concentrations for a substance (either as additive, impurity or an 
individual ingredient of mixture) to be taken into account for classification purposes 
is called cut -off values (in general 0.1% or 1% depending on the hazard class – 
additional details are provided in section 1.1.2.2.2 of Annex I to   CLP).  
5.2.3  M-factors  
 It is a multiplying factor applied to substances classified as hazardous to the aquatic 
environment acute category 1 and chronic category 1. It is used to derive the 
classification of a mixture where the sub stance is contained  
6.  Hazard Classification: Classes and Categories  
 The hazard classes and their differentiations are provided in section 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3, 
respectively for physical, health and environment hazards. This technical regulation  is 
not a comprehensive description of the GHS hazard classes, their applicability and 
decision logic. References to this information are made through the text.  6.1 Physical Hazards  
 Whilst the general principles to classify substances and mixtures are outline d in section 
5 of this technical regulation , definitions of the physical hazard classes, the criteria for 
classification of substances and mixtures and the hazard communication elements are 
provided in part 2 of Annex I to CLP Regulation.  
6.1.1  Definition  and categorization  
 A substance or a mixture fulfilling the criteria relating to physical hazards is hazardous 
and shall be classified in relation to the respective hazard classes and categories 
provided in the table below.  
Table 3  
Physical Hazard  Categories and subcategories  
Explosives  Unstable 
Explosive  1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 
Flammable gases 
(including chemically 
unstable gases)  1 2 A B 
Aerosols  1 2 3 
Oxidizing gases  1 
Gases under pressure  Compressed gas  Liquefied gas  Refrigerated 
liquefied gas Dissolved gas  
Flammable liquids  1 2 3 
Flammable solids  1 2 
Self-reactive 
substances and 
mixtures  Type A  Type B  Type C & 
D Type E & F  Type G  
Pyrophoric liquids  1 
Pyrophoric solids  1 
Self-heating 
substances and 
mixtures  1 2 
Substances and 
mixtures  which in 
contact with water 
emit flammable gases  1 2 3 
Oxidizing liquids  1 2 3 
Oxidizing solids  1 2 3 
Organiroxides  Type A  Type B  Type C & 
D Type E & F  Type G  
Corrosive to metals  1 6.1.2 Hazard Communication elements   
Explosives  
Table 4  
 
 
 
 
 
Flammable gases (including chemically unstable gases)  
Table 5  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
Flammable  
gases  
(including  
chemically  
unstable  
gases)  1 
 Danger  H220  Extremely 
flammable gas 
2 None  Warning  H221  Flammable gas  Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  
Word  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Explosives  Unstable 
explosive   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Danger  H200  Unstable 
explosives  
Division 1.1  H201  Explosive; 
mass 
explosion 
hazard  
Division 1.2  H202  Explosive, 
severe 
projection  
hazard  
Division 1.3  H203  Explosive; 
fire, blast or 
projection  
hazard  
Division 1.4  Warning  H204  Fire or 
projection 
hazard  
Division 1.5  None  Danger  H205  May mass 
explode in fire  
Division 1.6  None  None  None  None  
A 
(chemically  
unstable 
gases)  None  Danger  H230  Additional hazard 
statement: May 
react explosively 
even in the  
absence of air  
B 
(chemically  
unstable 
gases)  None  Danger  H231  Additional hazard 
statement: May 
react explosively 
even in the  
absence of air at 
elevated pressure  
and/or temperature  
 
Aerosols  
Table 6  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aerosols  1  Danger  H222 
H229  Extremely 
flammable 
aerosol  
Pressurized 
container: may 
burst if heated  
2 Warning  H223 
H229  Flammable 
aerosol  
Pressurized 
container: may 
burst if heated  
3  Warning  H229  Pressurized 
container: may 
burst if heated  
 
Oxidizing gases  
Table 7  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard 
Statement  
Oxidizing  
gases  1 
 Danger  H270  May cause or 
intensify fire; 
oxidizer  
Gases under pressure  
Table 8  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
Gases  
under  
pressure  Compressed  
gas   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warning  H280  Contains gas under 
pressure; may 
explode if heated  
Liquefied 
gas H280  Contains gas under 
pressure; may 
explode if heated  
Refrigerated  
liquefied gas  H281  Contains refrigerated 
gas; may cause 
cryogenic burns or 
injury  
Dissolved 
gas H280  Contains refrigerated 
gas; may cause 
cryogenic burns or 
injury  
 
  
Flammable liquids  
Table 9  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flammable  
liquids  1   
 
 
 
 
Danger  
 H224  Extremely 
flammable liquid 
and vapor  
2 H225  Highly flammable 
liquid and vapor  
3  
 
Warning  H226  Flammable liquid 
and vapor  
4 None  H227  Combustible liquid  
 
Flammable solids  
Table 10  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
 
Flammable  
solids  1 
 
 
 Danger   
 
 
H228  
  
 
 
Flammable 
solid  2 Warning  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Self-reactive substances and mixtures  
Table 11  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Self-
reactive  
substances  
and 
mixtures  Type A  
 Danger  H240  Heating may cause 
an 
explosion  
Type B  
 Danger  H241  Heating may cause 
a fire  
or explosion  
Types C  
and D  
 Danger  H242  Heating may cause 
a fire  
Types E  
and F  Warning  H242  Heating may cause 
a fire  
Type G  None  None  None  None  
 
Pyrophoric liquids  
Table 12  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
Pyrophoric  
liquids  1 
 Danger  H250  Catches fire 
spontaneously 
if exposed to 
air 
 
 
 
 
Pyrophoric solids  
Table 13  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
Pyrophoric  
solids  1 
 Danger  H250  Catches fire 
spontaneously 
if exposed to 
air 
 
Self-heating substances and mixtures  
Table 14  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
Self-heating  
substances  
and 
mixtures  1  Danger  H251  Self-heating; 
may catch 
fire 
2 Warning  H252  Self-heating 
in large 
quantities; 
may catch  
fire 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substances and mixtures, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases  
Table 15  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
Substances  
and 
mixtures,  
which in  
contact  1  Danger  H260  In contact 
with water 
releases 
flammable  
gases which 
may ignite 
spontaneously  
with water,  
emit 
flammable  
gases  2 Danger  H261  In contact 
with water 
releases 
flammable  
gases  
3 Warning  H261  In contact 
with water 
releases 
flammable  
gases  
 
Oxidizing liquids  
Table 16  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
Oxidizing  
liquids  1  Danger  H271  May cause 
fire or 
explosion; 
strong  
oxidizer  
 
2 Danger  H272  May 
intensify 
fire; oxidizer  
3 Warning  H272  May 
intensify 
fire; oxidizer  
 
 
 
Oxidizing solids  
Table 17  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
Oxidizing  
solids  1 
 Danger  H271  May cause 
fire or 
explosion; 
strong  
oxidizer  
 
2 Danger  H272  May 
intensify 
fire; oxidizer  
3 Warning  H272  May 
intensify 
fire; oxidizer  
Organic peroxides  
Table 18  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
Organic  
peroxides  Type A  
 Danger  H240  Heating may 
cause an  
explosion  
Type B  
 Danger  H241  Heating may 
cause a fire 
or 
explosion  
Type C and 
D 
 Danger  H242  Heating may 
cause a fire  
Type E and 
F Warning  H242  Heating may 
cause a fire  
Type G  None  None  None  None  
 
Corrosive to metals  
Table 19  
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
Corrosive  
to metals  1 
 Warning  H290  May be 
corrosive to 
metals  
 
6.2  Health hazards  
 Whilst the general principles to classify substances and mixtures are outlined in section 
5 of this Code of Practice, definitions of the health hazard classes, the criteria for 
classification of substances and mixtures, and the hazard communication elements are 
provided in part 3 of Annex I to CLP Regulation.  
6.2.1  Definition and categorization  
 A substance or a mixture fulfilling the criteria relating to health hazards is hazardous 
and shall be classified in relation to the respective hazard classes and categories 
provided in the table below.  
Table 20  
Health Hazard  Categories and subcategories  
Acute Toxicity  Oral 1 2 3 4 
Dermal  1 2 3 4 
Inhalation  1 2 3 4 
Skin Corrosion/Irritation  
1 1A 
2   1B 
1C 
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation  1 2   
Respiratory sensitization  1 1A    1B 
Skin sensitization  1 1A    1B 
Germ cell mutagenicity  
 1A    1B 
Carcinogenicity  
 1A 2   1B 
Reproductive  toxicity  1A 2   1B 
Lactation  No category or sub -category  
Specific target organ toxicity 
— single exposure  1 2 3  
Specific target organ toxicity 
— repeated exposure  1 2   
Aspiration hazard  1    
6.2.2  Hazard Communication elements  
 Acute toxicity  
Table 21   
 
 
 
 
 
Skin corrosion/irritation  
Table 22  Hazard 
Class  Hazard Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acute 
Toxicity  1 Oral 
  Danger  H300  Fatal if 
swallowed  
Dermal  
 H310  Fatal in contact 
with skin  
Inhalation  H330  Fatal if  inhaled  
2 Oral 
 H300  Fatal if 
swallowed  
Dermal  
 H310  Fatal in contact 
with skin  
Inhalation  H330  Fatal if inhaled  
3 Oral 
 H301  Toxic if 
swallowed  
Dermal  
 H311  Toxic  in 
contact with 
skin 
Inhalation  H331  Toxic  if inhaled  
4 Oral 
 
 Warning  H302  Harmful if 
swallowed  
Dermal  
 H312  Harmful in 
contact with 
skin 
Inhalation  H332  Harmful if 
inhaled  
5 Oral 
  
 
None  Warning  H303  May be harmful 
if swallowed  
Dermal  
 H313  May be harmful 
In contact with 
skin 
Inhalation  H333  May be harmful 
if inhaled  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
Skin 
corrosion/irritation  1 
 Danger  H314  Causes 
severe skin 
burns and  
eye damage  
2 
 Warning  H315  Causes skin 
irritation  
3 None  Warning  H316  Causes mild 
skin 
irritation  
 
Serious eye damage/eye irritation  
Table 23  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
Serious eye  
damage/eye  
irritation  1 
 Danger  H318  Causes 
serious eye 
damage  
2/2° 
 Warning  H319  Causes 
serious eye 
irritation  
2B None  Warning  H320  Causes eye 
irritation  
 
 
 
 
Respiratory sensitizer  
Table 24  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
Respiratory  
Sensitization  1  Danger  H334  May cause 
allergy or 
asthma 
symptoms or 
breathing 
difficulties if 
inhaled  
1° Danger  H334  May cause 
allergy or 
asthma 
symptoms  
or breathing 
difficulties if 
inhaled  
1B Danger  H334  May cause 
allergy or 
asthma 
symptoms  
or breathing 
difficulties if 
inhaled  
 
Skin sensitizer  
Table 25  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 
Skin 
sensitization  1  Warning  H317  May cause 
an allergic 
skin 
reaction  
1° Warning  H317  May cause 
an allergic 
skin 
reaction  
1B Warning  H317  May cause 
an allergic 
skin 
reaction  
 
Germ cell mutagenicity  
Table 26  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
Germ cell  
mutagenicity  1 
(both 1A  
and 1B)   Danger  H340  May cause genetic 
defects (state route 
of exposure if it is 
conclusively 
proven that no 
other  
2 Warning  H341  Suspected of 
causing genetic 
defects (state route 
of exposure if it is 
conclusively 
proven that no 
other routes  
of exposure cause 
the hazard)  
 
Carcinogenicity  
Table 27  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carcinogenicity  1 (both 1A  
and 1B)   Danger  H350  May cause cancer 
(state route of 
exposure if it is 
conclusively proven 
that no other routes 
of exposure cause 
the hazard)  
2 Warning  H351  Suspected of 
causing cancer (state 
route of exposure if 
it is conclusively 
proven that no other 
routes of exposure 
cause the hazard)  
 
 
 
Toxic to reproduction  
Table 28  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
Reproductive  
toxicity  1 (both 1A  
and 1B)   Danger  H360  May damage 
fertility or the 
unborn child (state 
specific effect if 
known) (state route 
of exposure if it is 
conclusively proven 
that no other routes 
of exposure cause 
the hazard)  
2 Warning  H361  Suspected of 
damaging fertility 
or the unborn child 
(state specific effect 
if known) (state 
route of exposure if 
it is conclusively 
proven that no other 
routes of exposure 
cause the hazard)  
Additional  
category for  
effects on or  
via lactation  None  None  H362  May cause harm to 
breast -fed 
children  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specific target organ toxicity following single exposure  
Table 29  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
Specific  
target  
organ  
toxicity – 
repeated  
exposure  1 
 
  Danger  H372  Causes damage to 
organs (state all 
organs affected, if 
known) through 
prolonged or repeated 
exposure (state route 
of exposure if it is 
conclusively proven 
that no other routes of 
exposure cause the 
hazard)  
2 Warning  H373  May cause damage to 
organs (sta te all 
organs affected, if 
known) through 
prolonged or repeated 
exposure(state route 
of exposure if it is 
conclusively proven 
that 
no other routes of 
exposure cause the  
hazard)  
 
Aspiration hazard  
Table 30  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
Aspiration  
hazard  1 
 
  Danger  H304  May be fatal if 
swallowed and 
enters airways  
2 Warning  H305  May be harmful if 
swallowed and 
enters airways  
 
6.3 Environmental hazards  
 Whilst the general principles to classify substances and mixtures are outlined in section 
5 of this Code of Practice, definitions of the environmental hazard classes, the criteria 
for classification of substances and mixtures, and the hazard communication elements 
are provid ed in part 4 of Annex I to CLP Regulation.  
6.3.1  Definition and categorization  
 A substance or a mixture fulfilling the criteria relating to health hazards is hazardous 
and shall be classified in relation to the respective hazard classes and categories 
provided in the table below  
Table 31  
Environmental Hazard  Categories and subcategories  
Hazardous to the aquatic 
environment – Acute 
hazard  1 
Hazardous to the aquatic 
environment – Chronic 
hazard  1 2 3 4 
Hazardous to the ozone 
layer  1 
                                       
6.3.2  Hazard Communication elements  
 Hazardous to the aquatic environment, short -term (acute).  
Table 32  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Acute 1  
 
 Warning  H400  Very toxic to aquatic 
life 
Acute 2  None  None  H401  Toxic to aquatic life  
 
 
Hazardous to  
the aquatic  
environment,  
short -term 
(Acute)  Acute 3  None  None  H402  Harmful to aquatic 
life 
Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long -term  (chronic)  
Table 33  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hazardous to  
the aquatic  
environment,  
long-term 
(Chronic)  Chronic 1  
 Warning  H410  Very toxic to 
aquatic life with 
long lasting effects  
Chronic 2  
 None  H411  Toxic to aquatic life 
with long lasting 
effects  
Chronic 3  None  None  H412  Harmful to aquatic 
life with long 
lasting effects  
Chronic 4  None  None  H413  May cause long 
lasting harmful 
effects to aquatic 
life 
 
Hazard to the ozone layer  
Table 34  
Hazard Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description of 
Hazard Statement  
 
 
Hazardous  
to the  
ozone  
layer  
 1  Warning  H420  Harms public health 
and the environment 
by destroying ozone 
in the upper 
atmosphere  
 
 
 
 
 
7.  List Of Substances  With Harmonized  Classification  and Labelling  
 As GHS is being implemented around the world, a number of competent authorities 
have adopted lists of GHS classification for chemicals. Countries with their own 
substance classification lists include Europe (mandatory), Japan (non -mandatory), 
South Korea ( mandatory), Malaysia (mandatory), Australia (non -mandatory) and 
New Zealand (non -mandatory). Competent authorities of some of these countries have 
made such list mandatory.  
 A global list would facilitate worldwide trade and would represent a step forward  
toward harmonization; the UN GHS Sub -Committee developed a set of guiding 
principles that would govern the development of such a list and started exploring the 
process and resources that are required to prepare a global classification list [10].  
 This technical regulation  adopts the list implemented by the CLP Regulation, namely 
the list of substances with an entry in Table 3.1 of Part 3 of Annex VI to CLP 
Regulation. This is the most comprehensive and consolidated list, which is the result 
of a process th at started in Europe in 1967. The list is updated both with GHS and 
with scientific and technical advancements as outlined in this section.  
 In this list each substance is represented by an entry. The substance is identified by 
the Index No., name (Interna tional Chemical Identification), EC No, and CAS No. 
For each substance the Classification, Labelling, Specific Concentration Limits/M -
factors and Notes are provided as shown in the table below  
Table 35  
 
Ind
ex 
No Internatio
nal 
Chemical 
Identifica
tion E
C 
N
o CA
S 
No Classification  Labelling  Speci
fic 
Conc. 
Limit
s, M -
factor
s Not
es Hazard 
Class 
and 
Categ
ory 
Code(
s) Hazard  
statem
ent 
Code(
s) Pictogra
m, 
Signal  
Word 
Code(s
) Hazard 
statem
ent 
Code(
s) Suppl.  
Hazard 
statem
ent 
Code(
s) 
 
The classification for each entry is provided by means of a code representing the 
hazard class and the category or categories and code(s) of the Hazard statement. For 
each hazard class, the hazard class and category code are shown in following Table.  
Table 36  
 Hazard class  Hazard Cla ss and Category Code  
Explosive  Unst. Expl. - Expl. 1.1 - Expl. 1.2 - Expl. 1.3 - Expl. 1.4 - 
Expl. 1.5 - Expl. 1.6  
Flammable gas  (including 
chemically unstable gases)  Flam. Gas 1 - Flam. Gas 2 - Chem. Unst. Gas A - Chem. 
Unst. Gas B  
Aerosol  Aerosol 1 - Aerosol 2 - Aerosol 3  
Oxidizing gas  Ox. Gas 1  
Gases under pressure  Press. Gas (Comp.) - Press. Gas (Liq.) - Press. Gas (Ref. Liq.) 
- Press. Gas (Diss.)  
Flammable liquid  Flam. Liq. 1 - Flam. Liq. 2 - Flam. Liq. 3  
Flammable solid  Flam. Sol. 1 - Flam. Sol . 2 
Self-reactive substance or 
mixture  Self-react. A - Self-react. B - Self-react. CD - Self-react. EF - 
Self-react. G  
Pyrophoric liquid  Pyr. Liq. 1  
Pyrophoric solid  Pyr. Sol. 1  
Self-heating substance or 
mixture  Self-heat. 1 - Self-heat. 2  
Substance or mixture which in 
contact with water emits 
flammable gas  Water -react. 1 - Water -react. 2 - Water -react. 3 
Oxidising liquid  Ox. Liq. 1 - Ox. Liq. 2 - Ox. Liq. 3  
Oxidising solid  Ox. Sol. 1 - Ox. Sol. 2 - Ox. Sol. 3  
Organic peroxide  Org. Perox. A - Org. Perox. B - Org. Perox. CD - Org. Perox. 
EF -Org. Perox. G  
Substance or mixture 
corrosive to metals  Met. Corr. 1  
Acute toxicity  Acute Tox. 1 - Acute Tox. 2 - Acute Tox. 3 - Acute Tox. 4  
Skin corrosion/irritation  Skin Corr . -Skin Corr. 1A - Skin Corr. 1B - Skin Corr. 1C - 
Skin Irrit. 2 
Serious eye damage/eye 
irritation  Eye Dam. 1 - Eye Irrit. 2  
Respiratory/skin sensitization  Resp. Sens. 1, 1A, 1B - Skin Sens. 1, 1A, 1B   
Germ cell mutagenicity  Muta. 1A - Muta. 1 B - Muta. 2  
Carcinogenicity  Carc. 1A - Carc. 1B - Carc. 2  
Reproductive toxicity  Repr. 1A - Repr. 1B - Repr. 2 - Lact.  
Specific target organ toxicity 
— single exposure  STOT SE 1 - STOT SE 2 - STOT SE 3  
Specific target organ toxicity 
— repeated exposure  STOT RE 1 - STOT RE 2  
Aspiration hazard  Asp. Tox. 1  
Hazardous to the aquatic 
environment  Aquatic Acute 1 - Aquatic Chronic 1 - Aquatic Chronic 2 - 
Aquatic Chronic  -Aquatic Chronic 4  
Hazardous for the ozone layer  Ozone 1  
  For each substance, the labelling elements provided in this table are the Pictograms 
(Signal Word Code(s)), Hazard statement Code(s) and Suppl. Hazard statement 
Code(s). The signal word code ‘Dgr’ for ‘Danger’ or ‘Wng’ for ‘Warning’, the codes 
for the supplemental statements in a ccordance with Article 25(1) and the rules 
specified in Annex II, part 1.  
 A harmonized classification shall include a Specific Concentration Limit (SCL) or a 
multiplication factor (M -factor), SCLs are concentration limits that are specific to the 
substance, and they can be lower or higher than the generic concentration limits. 
Substances classified in the list for the aquatic environment may have been assigned 
an M -factor which is the equivalent to an SCL. The Notes provided in the last column 
of the table provides special instructions in relation to the identification and 
classification of the substance.  
 A Har monized classification indicated by an asterisk (*) corresponds to the minimum 
classification, meaning that the manufacturers or importers should apply this 
classification, but must classify in a more severe hazard category in case further 
information is a vailable which shows that this is more appropriate.  
 The classifications in the list are not exhaustive for all hazards; the person placing the 
substance on the market must perform a self -classification in hazard classes 
and differentiation not covered by the elements of the Annex VI entry for the 
substance . 
 In Europe this list is updated by adapting the CLP Regulation to technical and 
scientific progress. This includes: incorporating amendments made on a biannual 
working rhythm at UN level to the GHS, con sidering the developments in 
internationally recognized chemical programs (e.g. REACh) and of the data from 
other scientific sources accident databases. The updates to the list shall include a new 
entry (i.e. a decision has been taken to harmonize the clas sification of a substance), 
deletion or revising an entry for that purpose.  
 Adaptation to the CLP regulation are made through the publication of the "Adaptation 
to Technical Progress (ATP)", which are Commission Regulations amending the CLP 
Regulation. At  the time of writing the first edition of this technical regulation , the 
ninth Adaptation to Technical Progress to CLP Regulation applies [11].  
 
  8.  Appendix :  Hazard  Communication  In The GCC  
Appendix all the SDSs and Labels standards/regulations that are still active in the GCC 
are provided for reference  
 
Gulf Cooperation Council  
 
 GSO 01/ ISO 11014:2012 - Safety data sheet for chemical products – Content and 
order of sections (ISO 11014:2009)  {Regulation is in Harmony with the latest 
GHS SDS}  
 GSO 1810  / 2007 Labelling – Labelling of Chemical Products {Four 
Categories:   Applications, Identification, General Conditions, Support 
Documents}  
 GCC “Unified Guiding Regulation for The Control of Hazardous Chemical 
Substances in The GCC Countries 2002”  
 
Saudi Ar abia 
 Royal Commission Environmental Regulations – 2015 Volume 1 (Limited to the 
industrial areas of Yanbu and Jubail)  
 Royal Decree M/34 Concerning General Environmental Law and Rule for 
Implementation (Oct. 15, 2001)  
 Royal Decree No. M/38, 12 June 2006, Law of Chemicals Import and 
Management  
United Arabs Emirates  
 
 Code of Practice AD EHSMS CoP 1.0 - Hazardous Materials - Version 3.1 - June 
2018 - classification should be done according to international model regulatio ns 
(e.g. GHS)  
https://www.oshad.ae/en/Pages/Code -Of-Practice.aspx       
 Technical Guidance Document for Storage of Hazardous Materials (EAD -EQ-PCE-
TG-16) 
 Standard Operating Procedure for Pe rmitting of Traders of Hazardous Materials 
(EAD -EQ-PCE-SOP-07) 
 
Kuwait  
 Law No. 42 of 2014 - Promulgating The Environment Protection Law  
 Technical Regulation No. 5/ 2016 "Chemicals Management"  
 
Bahrain  
 
 Resolution No.4 - Management of Hazardous Chemicals, 2006  
 Bahrain Resolution No.7 - Control of Importing and Use of Prohibited and 
Restricted Chemicals, 2002   
 
 
Oman  
 
 Royal Decree No. 46/95  
 Ministerial Decision No. 317/2001 (Based on Royal Decree No. 46/95)  
 Ministerial Decision No. 248/97 (Based on Royal Decree No. 46/95)  
 
Qatar  
 Decree No. 30 of 2002 Promulgating the Environment Protection Law  
 Decree No. 11 of 2000 Establishing the Supreme Environment Commission (SEC)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY  
1. United Nations Conference on Environment & Development, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3 -
14 June 1992, https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/outcomedocuments/agenda21  
 
2. Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, http://www.saicm.org/  
 
3. United Nations. Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of 
Chemicals (GHS), https://ww w.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_welcome_e.html  
 
4. The UN GHS subcommittee is a body of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), 
http://www.unece.org/transport/areas -of-work/dangerous -goods/meetings -and-
events/ecosoc -bodies/ghs -sub-committee.html  
 
5. United Nations. Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of 
Chemicals (GHS). Seventh revised edition. New York and Geneva: UN; 2017. Available 
from https://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev07/07files_e.html#c61353  
 
6. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemical – 
Explaining the Legal Implementation Gap, Sustainability, 2017, 9, 2176.  
 
7. Commission Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances 
and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and 
amending Regulation (EC) no. 1907/20 06. Official Journal of the European Union L 
353, 31/12/2008  
 
8. GSO ISO 11014:2013 Safety data sheet for chemical products - Content and order of 
sections 
https://www.gso.org.sa/store/gso/standards/GSO:613079/GSO%20ISO%2011014:2013?
lang=en  
 
9. The official SVCH list is maintained here: https://echa.europa.eu/candidate -list-table  
 
10. ST/SG/AC.10/C.4/2017/4  -  (United States) Assessing the potential development of a 
global list of chemicals classified in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System 
of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, 
https://www.unece.org/trans/main/dgdb/dgsubc4/c42017.html  
 
11. Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/669 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008  on the 
classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. It is com monly 
referred to as the '11th ATP to CLP'.  
12. Chapter 1.4 (Hazard Communication: Labelling) of the GHS