GHS in Singapore
Updated in April 2014
Singapore Standard Specification (SS 586:2014) for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemical and Dangerous Goods, which serves as a reference standard for acceptable practices for the preparation and use of an MSDS recommended by key Singapore government agencies including National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF), etc., consists of 3 Parts as follows:
Part 1: Transport and Storage of Dangerous goods
- Adopts the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and provides standard hazard communication labels.
- Applies to the transportation and storage of dangerous goods by road in Singapore.
Part 2: Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals - Singapore Adaptations
- Adopts the United Nation Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, which provides an international system for the classification of chemicals by the types of hazards that they present.
- Also provides standard hazard communication elements including labels and safety data sheets.
Part 3: “Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods - Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS)”
- The standard gives recommendations for the preparation, review, issue and use of SDS in accordance with the GHS.
The standards can be purchased here.
Transition Period
The newly published Singapore Standard SS 586:2008 provides a transitional period for chemical manufacturers/suppliers and users of chemicals.- For manufacturers and suppliers
Single substances: 2 years transitional period (by the end of 2010)
Mixtures: 4 years transitional period (by the end of 2012)
- For end users
Single substances: 3 years transitional period (by the end of 2011)
Mixtures: 5 years transitional period (by the end of 2013)
Labeling
Singapore follows the UN dangerous goods recommendations on hazardous substances labeling requirements. The H and P phrases can be found in the Singapore Guidelines on Prevention and Control of Chemical Hazards.- Black border pictogram may be used for non-export items.
- The size requirements of labels are the same with CLP regulation in EU.
SDS
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is mandatory in Singapore under the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations 2006.- The format and types of information required on an SDS can be found in SS 586: Part 3.
- SDS must be provided for all substances and mixtures which are classified in accordance with the appropriate GHS hazard classes and categories listed in the SDS Singapore Standard: Part 2, Tables 1, 2 and 3.
- SDS in Singapore should be in English. If the SDS comes in other language, an English version or translation of it from the chemical manufacturer should be obtained.
- Generic names are not permitted (except under certain Confidential Business Information (CBI) conditions).
- Permissible exposure limits (PEL) of ingredients must be specified
- The SDS should be reviewed every 5 years.
- The information in the SDS should be written in a concise and clear manner, and it should not contain any blanks (it should be stated clearly when the information is not available).
About Us
CIRS a leading provider of comprehensive chemical compliance services for companies doing businesses in/with EU and Asia with a strong focus on chemical compliance.
We have provided one-stop chemical notification and GHS services for many companies doing business in/with Asia (for example, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Philippines). We help them find out how their chemicals are regulated in those countries or regions and offer free initial consultations about how to comply. If notification is required, we help them submit chemical registrations. We also prepare or translate GHS compliant SDS and label in accordance with their national chemical legislation at affordable prices.
If you have any questions about chemical compliance in the EU and Asia-pacific region, please contact:
- CIRS China
11F Building 1, Dongguan Hi-Tech Park, 288 Qiuyi Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310052, China
Tel: +86-571 8720 6555 | Fax: +86-571 8720 6533
Email: service@cirs-reach.com
