China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released a draft revision of the mandatory national standard 'General Rules for Preparation of Chemical Safety Label' for public comment. The update, which will replace GB 15258-2009, aligns with GHS Revision 10 and introduces new requirements such as a Hazardous Chemical Safety Information Code (QR code) and simplified labels for small packaging. Overseas chemical suppliers exporting to China should monitor these changes to ensure label compliance and avoid distribution delays.
Key changes in the draft standard
The draft standard specifies terms, definitions, label content, preparation, and use of chemical safety labels. It applies to the writing, preparation, and use of such labels. The revision is drafted according to GB/T 1.1-2020 and based on the UN GHS (Rev. 10), combined with domestic work practices. Notably, it removes the appendix on precautionary statements (Appendix C of the 2009 version).
New Hazardous Chemical Safety Information Code requirement
A Hazardous Chemical Safety Information Code must be added to the label. This stipulates that hazardous chemicals circulating domestically must provide a QR code or an integrated alternative before entering the distribution chain. This new element complies with GHS (Rev. 10) sections 1.4.6.3 and 1.4.10.5.4.2, which allow supplementary information as long as it does not contradict or reduce the effectiveness of standardized hazard information.
Simplified labels for small packaging
Chemicals in packages with a volume ≤ 100 mL may use simplified labels. For packages ≤ 5 mL, label elements can be simplified to include only the chemical identifier, but the outer packaging must bear a full safety label and state that the small package should be stored within this outer packaging when not in use. Inner packages within a kit must bear safety labels, while the outer packaging must include the kit name, supplier identification, emergency phone number, and reference information prompt, plus the safety label for each hazardous chemical inside.
Compliance and logistics signals
The technical content of this standard is consistent with GHS (Rev. 10). The EU's CLP Regulation was revised in 2024 to introduce digital labels, and the US HCS was updated in 2024 to align with GHS Rev. 7, incorporating some elements from Rev. 8. China's move signals a tightening of label requirements, particularly with the QR code mandate, which may affect logistics and warehousing for imported chemicals.
What buyers should watch
Overseas chemical exporters to China should review their current labels against the draft standard, especially the new QR code requirement and simplified label provisions. The public comment period is open, and final adoption could impact compliance timelines. Companies should also monitor updates to related GB 30000 series standards for classification and labelling, as these are also proposed for revision.
Source: Read the original report | Published: August 18, 2025