A note from the UL Regulatory Assurance and Data Insights team
Did you know that on October 8, 2018 Mexico will fully implement their version of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS)?
With the publication of NOM-018-STPS-2015 officially adopting the UN GHS Purple Book Revision 5 into Mexican law, this Harmonized System for Identification and Communication of Hazards and Risks from Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace regulates the use of chemicals substances and mixtures in the workplace.
While many companies are accustomed to using a Spanish translation of their OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) compliant SDSs or some North American composite document attempting to meet Canadian, US, and Mexico regulations, with the implementation of NOM-018-STPS-2015, using an OSHA HCS SDS to meet SDS requirements for Mexico is no longer possible.
Highlights of the major differences between other North American countries’ GHS adoption and Mexico’s include:
- the adopted GHS version,
- the adopted building blocks,
- the adopted classification thresholds,
- and the fact that Mexico did not adopt any of the special hazards adopted by the US and Canada.
Details are available on the website here.
The team has also put together a brief online presentation about the 5 Things to Know about Mexico's GHS Implementation. To view, select from one of the options below: