Brazil - GHS Status

Brazil currently implements chemical classification and labelling according to the Fifth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS5). GHS at the workplace has been implemented in Brazil since 2009 via Ordinance No. 26. The technical provision for implementing the GHS is developed by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT). The ABNT released the first version of standard ABNT 14725 in 2009 to address the terminology, hazard classification system, labelling, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). In June 2019, the ABNT updated the second part of the standard including several corrections and amendments. GHS is obligatory for substances from 27 February 2011 and for mixtures from 1 June 2015. The hazard classification, labelling, and authoring of SDSs are established by the following standards:

• ABNT NRB 14725-1:2009 Terminology (corrected in 2010)
• ABNT NRB 14725-2:2019 Hazard Classification System
• ABNT NRB 14725-3:2017 Labelling
• ABNT NRB 14725-4:2014 Safety Data Sheets

In September 2022 the ABNT published the third draft for revision of standard ABNT NBR 14725 Chemicals – Information about Safety, Health and Environment – General Aspects of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), Classification, SDS, and Labeling of Chemicals. This proposed version is set to adopt the 7th revision of the UN GHS. The consultation period ended in October 2022. Once adopted the latest proposed revision would replace the current four-volume series and be the first comprehensive standard to regulate the GHS implementation in Brazil.

Local Adaptation of GHS

The following GHS building blocks are not implemented in Brazil:

• Explosives, all categories
• Chemicals under Pressure, all categories
• Flammable Gas, Category 1 B
• Flammable Gas, Category 1 A (Pyrophoric Gas)
• Desensitized Explosives, all categories
• Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation, Category 2

GHS Labelling Requirements

Labelling of chemicals in Brazil under the ABNT standard NBR 14725-3 must include the safety information related to the chemical product without using a fixed format. Suppliers of chemical products, must review the information on the label whenever necessary or periodically, based on updated safety data sheet information. Labelling information must be written in Brazilian Portuguese.

Article 5 of the ABNT NBR 14725-3 standard establishes the safety information that must be included in the label. The label of hazardous chemical products must include:

• The trade name and technical name of the product  
• Chemical composition
• Hazard pictograms (minimum size 1 cm x 1 cm; black symbol on white background with a red border)
• Warning words
• Hazard statements
• Precautionary phrases (maximum number of p-phrases: 6)
• An emergency contact number of the supplier
• Other related information

Safety Data Sheets

In Brazil the abbreviation FISPQ (Ficha de Informação de Segurança de Produtos Químicos) is used for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). SDSs must be prepared in accordance with Standard ABNT NBR 14725‑4:2014. The SDS must be written in Brazilian Portuguese and contain the 16 standard sections.

GHS in Work-Environment

Ordinance No. 26 of the Ministry of Labour implemented the GHS in the work-environment was implemented in Brazil in 2009. The ordinance established that chemical products used in the work-environment must be classified, labelled, and have SDSs in accordance with the GHS criteria.

GHS in Transportation

The governing regulation for transportation of hazardous goods in Brazil is Resolution 5323 of 14 December 2016, which is based on the 19^th revised edition of the United Nations Model regulations. Within Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay there is a special regulation from the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR).