Singapore Adopts GHS 7th Edition into its Labelling and SDSs

By Thuy Dang, senior regulatory specialist, Supply Chain Team, UL Solutions 

The Singapore Standards Council recently issued the revision of Part 2 and 3 of the SS 586 series - Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods. 

Upon the release on Feb. 6, 2023, the new SS 586 (Part 2 and 3) transitioned from the 2014 version to the 2022 version. According to the Ministry of Manpower, SS 586-2 and SS 586-3 is in the course to be gazetted as Approved Code of Practices. Companies will have a transition period of up to 24 months from the release date to comply. However, companies are strongly encouraged to adopt the revised standards as soon as possible.

The most recent SS 586 series consists of 3 parts:

• SS 586 - 1: 2021 (first released in 2008, revised in 2014 and 2021) Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods - Part 1: Transport and storage of dangerous goods
• SS 586 - 2: 2022 (first released in 2008, revised in 2014 and 2022) Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods - Part 2: Globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals - Singapore’s adaptations
• SS 586 - 3: 2022 (first released in 2008, amended in 2014 and revised in 2022) Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods – Part 3: Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS)

SS 586 Part 2 and 3 provides Singapore’s adaptation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Rev 7, in comparison to the previous version which aligned with GHS Rev 4.

Highlights include but are not limited to:

SS 586 - 2: 2022

• Desensitized explosive adopted as a new physical hazard class
• Updates to multiple training and labelling requirements
• New annex, Annex B, which includes examples on small containers

SS 586 - 3: 2022

• Updated to aligned with GHS Rev 7
• Addition of a new Annex which assists in determining the empirical data for physical and chemical properties of substances or mixtures included in SDS Section 9. 

Recommended actions

• Review the free preview of the standard for more content of interest.
• Follow this standard if it applies to you (manufacturers, importers, suppliers, users and service providers). 
• *Please note that this copyrighted standard must be purchased directly from Enterprise Singapore, the official governmental agency distributing Singaporean standards.*

Sources (available for purchase at Singapore standards Eshop)

Singapore Standards - SS 586 - 2: 2022 - Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods - Part 2: Globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals - Singapore’s adaptations

Singapore Standards - SS 586 - 3: 2022 - Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods – Part 3: Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS)