Chemical Management

A: GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. It is an international system for chemical classification, labeling, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The goal is to ensure that countries share a consistent understanding of chemical hazards, which reduces the complexity and costs of chemical testing while ensuring that chemicals are handled safely without harming human health or the environment.

A: SDS stands for Safety Data Sheet. Prepared by manufacturers or importers, it provides detailed information about a chemical’s hazards, toxicity, handling procedures, storage, transportation, and disposal. Most SDSs are developed in accordance with GHS standards.

A: You can submit a Chemical Consultation for Confidential Business Information (CBI). Please note that the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) typically takes approximately 10 months or more than a year to review such cases.

A: You must verify the product's information from its SDS against the official List of Hazardous Substances. A good starting point is to submit a Chemical Consultation request to the DIW.

A: There are 4 types, categorized as Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 Hazardous Substances.

A: Procedures differ for Type 1, 2, and 3 substances depending on the activity (production, import, export, or possession). However, Type 4 substances are strictly prohibited for any activity, except when authorized for use as standard substances in laboratory analysis.

A: Yes, it can. However, it is mandatory to complete the filing before the hazardous substances are moved or released from Customs.

A: This applies to anyone involved with any of the 206 items listed in the Ministry of Industry's annex, including those who currently or previously possessed such substances in quantities that meet the conditions specified in the Ministry's notification.

A: These are Type 1 Hazardous Substances categorized under List 5.6 based on their properties, such as:

1. Explosives
2. Flammable substances
3. Oxidizing agents or Peroxides
4. Toxic substances
5. Mutagens
6. Corrosives
7. Irritants
8. Carcinogens
9. Reproductive toxins
10. Environmentally hazardous substances

These fall under the condition: "Specific to single substances or mixtures not yet regulated by other agencies regarding production or import." In the industry, they are commonly referred to simply as "List 5.6" or "5.6" rather than "Type 1" to avoid confusion, as they have different operational procedures and exemptions compared to Type 1 substances in other lists.

A: It is a mandatory notification for List 5.6 hazardous substances that meet the criteria specified in the Ministry of Industry's notification. This requirement specifically applies only to manufacturers of single substances and importers of single substances or mixtures.

To comply, you must calculate the total annual volume of the List 5.6 products by breaking them down into the specific quantity of each individual substance (single substance) contained within those products. Once calculated, you must verify if these quantities meet the conditions for notification as prescribed by the Ministry of Industry.

A: No. Certificates cannot be renewed after the expiration date. Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiry date, with the required lead time varying depending on the type of certificate.