December 2018 SPRAY 41
A 16-section Spanish language SDS is required for hazardous
products used in a Mexican workplace. An in-country telephone
number for emergency services must be provided. Additionally,
the standard sets out minimum pictogram sizes that depend on
the distance of the observer from the label or sign. Workers are
required to undergo training yearly, each time a new hazardous
product is introduced and when an SDS or label is updated.
REACH registration period ends
May 31, 2018 concluded the 10-year registration period for existing
chemicals under the European Registration, Evaluation, Authorization
& Restriction
of Chemicals (REACH)
regulation. European
suppliers have submitted
approximately 90,000
registrations to the European
Chemicals Agency
(ECHA) representing
chemicals manufactured
in or imported to Europe at above one tonne per year. Suppliers
with an obligation to register who have not yet submitted a dossier
can no longer legally manufacture or import their substances
in Europe.
While the registration period has technically ended, many
registrations are still taking place for various reasons, such as
late changes in lead registrant, data sharing disputes and delayed
availability of test results. If a valid pre-registration is in place,
the pre-registration number may still be used to contact the Lead
Registrant through REACH-IT. If no pre-registration is in place,
then an inquiry to ECHA needs to be submitted.
Enforcement activities called REACH-EN-FORCE 7 (REF-7)
will be taking place in 2019 to check duties relating to registration
and registrations of intermediates. Enforcement will include cooperation
with customs authorities for imported goods to verify the
registration obligations of companies manufacturing or importing
chemicals.
While the REACH registration period is now over, this is not
the conclusion in terms of obligations under REACH. Suppliers
have a legal obligation to keep their dossiers up to date. Nexreg is
keeping an eye out for new initiatives from ECHA to promote the
maintenance of REACH registrations.
China to fully align with fourth edition of UN GHS
Chinese government organizations have released a national standard
for Annexes 9 and 10 of the GHS 4th revision. The standard
GB 36700, Chemicals Classification Guide for Aquatic Environmental
Hazards, is effective from April 1, 2019. To learn about
chemical classification criteria in China, you may refer directly to
the GHS since all annexes are now covered by Chinese national
standards, which are Chinese translations of the English language
GHS, or feel free to contact a Nexreg representative. Spray