GCC STANDARDIZATION ORGANIZATION (GSO)
 
 
Second  Draft Standard
  
 
GSO/TC 01  
 
Prepared by GSO Technical Committee  No. GSO/TC0 1
 
 
 
GSO/TC0 1 /DS2/ GSO2654  :2023  
 
 GHS
The Global Harmonized system (GHS) in Gulf Cooperation council (GCC) countries  
 
 
ICS:   71.100 
 
لائحة فنية
كلائحة فنية 
 
 
 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.  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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GSO 2654  :2023  .
 ( GHS ) 
‘The Global Harmonized system(GHS) in Gulf 
cooperation Council (GCC) Countries   
 (GSO 2654:2021 ) 
GSO/TC 01
 
  
 GSO 2654 :2021  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Standard 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 placed on the market are made in a workplace, handled 
during storage, shipment and transport by workers, this Standard does not provide 
exemptions from the scope of the GHS for any particular type of chemical product.  
 This Sta ndard 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 sub stances and mixtures, non -isolated intermediates, substances and 
mixtures for scientific research and development. It shall not apply to substances and 
mixtures in the form of consumer products such as  medicinal and veterinary products, 
cosmetic products,  detergents, air fresheners , food or feeding stuffs. This Standard 
shall not be applied to articles, however SDSs can be provided for articles on a 
voluntary basis.  
 This Standard does not include the establishment of test methods or promotion of 
further te sting on chemicals  
 Target audiences for this standard 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 standard, the following definitions apply, which are relevant to 
the classification and labelling terminology addressed in this Standard:  
3.1   The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals 
(GHS) :  is a system created by the United Nations (UN) “7th revised edition of G HS 
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 on 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 and 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 whi ch may be separated without 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 industry, for example;  
3.4 Article:  an object which during production is given a special shape, surface or  
geomtric and spatial design which determines its function to a greater degree than does 
its chemical composition. Examples includes  cartridge, filter  tube and condensing tube  
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 
Standard [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 according to this Stand ard; 
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 describes the 
nature of the hazards o f 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 shou ld 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 threshol d 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 established within a GCC country wh o 
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 . 
213.  Supplier: Any natural or legal person who trades a commodity or provides a service 
to a consumer. . 
   3:22            Hazardous materials : Any substance that may negatively affect human health and    
                     public safety.  
  3:23           Mixture:  It is a mixture between two or more substances, such that there is no connection 
or chemical interaction between them.   
3:24          Hazard : A potential source of harm . 
3: 25           Risks:  The possibility of the emergence of a risk causing harm, linked to the severity 
of the degree of damage.   
3:26             Accident: An unplanned and unwanted event that results in injuries, deaths, or property 
loss. 
  3:27            Near miss: An unplanned and unwanted event that could have resulted in injury,  death, 
or property loss  
 3:28          Labels:  It is written, printed, or drawn material that is tightly attached to the product 
container and includes a coordinated signal word, a diagram, and a risk statement for 
each category and risk category. Precautionary data must also be provided.   
 
 
 
3.29            Risk classification: These are specific criteria for classifying health and physical risks, 
as well as classifying mixtures . 
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 standard.  
 This GSO Standard 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. Comprehensibility of components of the system should take into a ccount  
 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 standard.  
 Guidance on the preparation of SDS and labels are outlined in sections 4.1 and 4.2 of 
this Standard  
4.1  Safety data sheet  
 The SDS is an efficient and effective document for tr ansmitting 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) fr om 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 are 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 institutions, services 
and other bodies that play a role in dealing with chemical product s 
 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 and, as such it is consistent with  standard mentioned in clause (2.2) . Whenever, 
the GHS text refers to competent authorities that may require additional information 
or further define a requirement, this Standard 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 Standard is to ensure 
consistency and accuracy in the content of ea ch 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 r equirements  
 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 derived 
from physicochemical properties or environmental effects, on the use, sto rage, 
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 classification as dangerous in 
accordance with this Standard, the supplier shall provide : 
                  1. THE  recipient of such substance or mixture with a safety data sheet compiled in 
accordance with paragraph 4.1.2 of this Standard, free of charge.  
                  2. The supplier shall provide the recipient with a safety data sheet w here 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 
concentration 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).  
                  3. 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.  
 4. 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  Language  
 As the SDS is meant to inform w orkers, employers, health and safety professionals, 
emergency personnel, relevant government agencies, as well as members of the 
community, the information in the SDS  must include:  
1.  shall be written in a clear and concise manner.  
2.  Language used in the SDS should be simple, clear and precise, avoiding jargon, 
acronyms and abbreviations.  
3. Vague and misleading expressions should not be used.  
4. In the GCC countries, safety data sheet should be written in English ( and Arabic  if 
available)  and the supplier shall p rovide the recipient with an SDS in  in English ( and 
Arabic  if available) . 
5.  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 the 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 informat ion might be 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/person al protection  
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 envir onment are considered r elevant changes. In these cases:  
1.  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 1 8 months.  
2. If no new and significant information 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 bu siness information (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 Inform ation service for additional information”. CBI 
should be disclosed the competent authority(ies) of the GCC countries upon request.  
4.1.1.7  SDS authoring,  training  and responsibilities  
- The author of an SDS shall be a competent person. This is a person (or combin ation 
of persons) – or a coordinator 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 appropr iate training.  
- The supplier shall have 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 environm ent, regulatory information, and other 
information . The following table provides the requirements for each section of the 
SDS. Additional details can be found in Annex IC of GHS.  
 The following table 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 r estriction on use, 
the name of the supplier with the contact 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 pic tograms, 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 the 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 numerical 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 of 
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 hazardous 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. Advice shall be provided o n 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 relating 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 safe ty 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 currently recommended Engin eering 
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 personal 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), product 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 point, 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  , D ecomposition 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 the statement “not availa ble”. 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 su bstance 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 mixture 
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 t he 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 re act or polymerize, releasing 
excess pressure 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, vibrat ions 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 s pecific substances, such 
as water, air, acids, 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 description 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 products 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 concise 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, carcino genicity, 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. In the addition of information 
on acute toxicity, where acute toxicity is measured by LD50 
(oral and skin) or LC50 (inhalation).  
LD50: It is the “lethal dose” of a substance that will cau se 50% 
death within 24 hours of exposure.  
LC50 is the “lethal concentration” of a chemical in the air that 
will cause a 50% death over a 4 hour exposure.  
LLC50 is the “lethal concentration” of the chemical in water 
that will cause a 50% fatality over a 4 h our exposure.  
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 plants 
shall be inc luded. 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 appropriate 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 potential 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 informat ion 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 rel evant 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 
concerning 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 Technical 
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 Standard 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 
produc t 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 standard, a label  is the written, printed, or graphic material 
firmly attached in the product container.  
 This Standard 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 information or further 
define a requirement, this Standard 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 Standard where a substance or a mixture 
meets the criteria for classificati on as dangerous in accordance with this Standard.   
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, codification of hazard 
pictograms and examples of p recautionary statements')  
4.2.1.3  Format and size  
1. As a general principle, the label should be large enough to contain all the label elements 
defined by this Standard. The exact size is not designated in this standard.  
2.  However, the size and spacing used to displa y the signal words, hazard statements, 
precautionary statements and supplemental information laid down in section 4.2.2 below, 
must use the appropriate size and spacing to be easily read.  
3.  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 various 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 pr inciples of precedence  
 Where a substance or mixture presents more than one GHS hazard, precedence for the 
allocation of symbols, signal words, hazard statements apply to reduce the num ber of 
information on the label The applicable provisions are laid down  in paragraph : 
1. For the precedence of allocati on of symbols ,  1.4.10.5.3.1   
2. For the precedence for allocation of signal words , clause  1.4.10.5.3.2  
3. For the precedence for allocation of hazard statements , clause  1.4.10.5.3.3  of GHS  
 For substances that are in cluded 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 requirem ents apply to special cases.  
1. 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 labelling, the label information may be reduced. The label elements that may 
be omitted from the label of p ackages 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.  
2. Exemptions from the labelling req uirements apply also to metals in massive form, alloys, mixtures 
containing polymers, mixtures containing elastomers if they do not present a hazard to human 
health by inhalation, ingestion or contact with skin, or to the aquatic environment in the form th ey 
are placed on the market.  
 
2. Revision  
 Suppliers shall update the label following any change to the classification and labelling 
of that substance or mixture. 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 Standard apply.  
4. Label author and training  
 The same provisions laid down for SDS in section 4.1 of this Standard apply.  
4.2.2  GHS labelling elements  
 A list of mandatory GHS labeling elements is given be low  
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 internationally 
recognized identification number (CAS number preferred).  
The product identifier of a mixture shall consist (in addition to the name of 
the product) of the identi ty of all substances in the mixture that contribute to 
the classification of the mixture as to acute toxicity, skin corrosion or serious 
eye damage, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, 
skin or respiratory sensitization, or speci fic 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 sub stance or mixture determines the hazard pictograms that have to be 
displayed on a label. Currently there are nine different pictograms as some 
pictograms cover several hazard classes and categories. All hazard 
pictograms used in this Standard 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 accordanc e with the classification of the 
hazardous substances or mixtures. The signal words assigned to each of the 
hazard class/categories is provided 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 determines 
the hazard statement that have to be displayed on a label.  
If a substance is included in part 3 of Annex V I 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 taking into 
account the hazard statements used and the use(s) of the substance or 
mixtures. Normally, a maximum of six pr ecautionary statements shall appear 
on the label, unless more precautionary statements are necessary due to the 
nature and the severity of the 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 Standard is th e 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 Standard. 
Statement 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 classification 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 Standard.  
 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) of a substance or mixture;  
 examinatio n 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  Standard 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 ha zardous 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 and shall be classified in relation to the respect ive 
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 identify the 
relevant available information for the purpose of determining whether the substance is 
classified. The information must be compared with the criteria for classificati on for 
each hazard class or differentiation within the hazard class. Differentiation 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 classificati on. When 
this is the case, the responsible party for classification should assign one or more 
hazard categories for each relevant hazard class or differentiation. The substance is 
then assigned the appropriate hazard communication elements.  
 This Standard requires testing only for the purpose of classification for physical 
hazards unless reliable and adequate information is already available. This Standard 
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 th e classification of the substance, in addition to 
the other 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 provis ions developed under the CLP regulation, this Standard 
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 tox icological, eco -toxicological and physical -chemical data 
on the substance are compared with the classification criteria in order to determine the 
appropriate hazard classification. This Standard does not require the generation of new 
toxicology and eco -toxicology data in order to perform 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 docume nt outlines the provisions adopted by this Standard.  
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 class ification is not applicable 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 whol e, they should primarily 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 results 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 mi xtures.   
 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 simila r tested 
mixtures and, 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 Standard are dilution; 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  bridging 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 th e concentration 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 mean s 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. This 
Standard, in accordance to CLP provisions, introduces two types of concentration 
limits: specific (SCL) and generic (GCL). The ge neric 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 
Standard.  
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 substance 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 Standard 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 outlined in section 
5 of this Standard, 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 
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   
Hazard 
Class  Hazard 
Categories  Pictogram  Signal  
Word  Hazard  
Statement  
Code  Description 
of Hazard 
Statement  
 
 Unstable 
explosive   
  
 H200  Unstable 
explosives  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  
A 
(chemically  
unstable 
gases)  None  Danger  H230  Additional hazard 
statement: May 
react explosively 
even in the  
absence of air   
 
 
 
 
Explosives  Division 1.1   
 
 
  
 
Danger  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  
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 (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)  
 
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 provided 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  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hazardous to  
the aquatic  
environment,  
short -term 
(Acute)  Acute 1  
 
 Warning  H400  Very toxic to aquatic 
life 
Acute 2  None  None  H401  Toxic to aquatic life  
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 Sta ndard 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 that 
started i n 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 (International Chemi cal 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 Class and C ategory 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 mi xture 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 Cor r. 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. 1B - 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 accordance with Art icle 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 Harmonized classification indicated by an asterisk (*) corresponds to the minimum 
classification, meaning that the manufacturers or importers should apply this classific ation, but must classify in a more severe hazard category in case further 
information is available 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 marke t 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 includ es: incorporating amendments made on a biannual 
working rhythm at UN level to the GHS, considering the developments in 
internationally recognized chemical programs (e.g. REACh) and of the data from 
other scientific sources accident databases. The updates t o the list shall  include a new 
entry (i.e. a decision has been taken to harmonize the classification 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 Standard, 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 se ctions (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 f or The Control of Hazardous Chemical 
Substances in The GCC Countries 2002”  
 
Saudi Arabia  
 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  
 Chemicals Management System issued by Royal Decree No. (M/10) dated 
18/1/1443 AH  
 The environmental system issued by Royal Decree No. (M/165) dated 19/11/1441 
AH 
 Environmental regulations of the Royal Commission in Jubail and Yanbu 2015  
United Arabs Emira es 
 
 Code of Practice AD EHSMS CoP 1.0 - Hazardous Materials - Version 3.1 - June 
2018 - classification should be done according to inte rnational model regulations 
(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 Permitting of Traders of Hazardous Materials 
(EAD -EQ-PCE-SOP-07) 
 Federal Law No. (24) of 1999 regarding environmental protection and development 
and its amendments  
 Regulatory rules for radioactive waste management in the United Arab  Emirates 
(UAE RRUUM 57/2004)  
 Federal Law No. (12) of 2018 regarding integrated waste management   
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  
 Royal Decree No. 114/2001 issuing the Environmental Protection and Pollution 
Control La w. 
 Administrative Resolution No. 50/2023 issuing a regulation regulating hazardous 
chemicals  
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. Globa lly Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of 
Chemicals (GHS), https://www.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/da ngerous -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 Dire ctives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and 
amending Regulation (EC) no. 1907/2006. 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 commonly 
referred to as the '11th ATP to CLP'.  
12. Chapter 1.4 (Hazard Communication: Labelling) of the GHS