The main legislations governing the chemical market in China is Order No. 12 of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), Measures for the Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances, also known as MEE Order No.12. This regulation came into force on 1 January 2021 and the previous regulation (MEP Order No.7) was simultaneously repealed.
Anyone who wants to research, produce, import, or process new chemical substances in China has to register before carrying out their activities. They are:
Chinese manufacturers and importers can register the chemical substances themselves. Overseas enterprises, however, must appoint a Chinese agent (Only Representative (OR)) who will share the legal responsibility with them to fulfil the registration and post-registration obligations. The OR should be acknowledgeable and qualified to carry out the registration activities.
Aug-01-2025
Update: As per scheduled information, mandatory standard GB 30000.1-2024 becomes effective on 1 August 2025. Now from 1 August 2025 onwards, classification and labelling of chemicals must be applicable as per GB 30000.1-2024 (GHS Rev.8) only. More information can be found here.
Original Text:
On 24 July 2024, GB 30000.1-2024 "Specification for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals—Part 1: General Rules" was officially published on the National Public Service Platform for Standards Information. This updated standard, which aligns with the eighth revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 8), will come into force on 1 August 2025 and will replace the existing GB 13690-2009 "General Rules for the Classification and Hazard Communication of Chemicals."
Draft Release and Public Consultation
On 12 March 2024, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a draft of the revised standard GB 30000.1. This update aims to align China's chemical classification and labelling standards with the UN's GHS 8. Public comments on this draft were invited until 12 April 2024.
Key updates to GB 30000.1
The revised GB 30000.1 introduces significant updates and new categories:
Exemptions
Certain products, such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food intended for ingestion, are exempt from these labeling requirements unless workers are likely to be exposed during transport.
Implementation and Compliance
The revised GB 30000.1 will replace the existing GB 13690-2009 standard. Once adopted, it will better align China's chemical safety standards with international practices, improve hazard communication and ensure safer handling and transportation of chemicals within China and in international trade.
The adoption of GB 30000.1 is a significant step in enhancing chemical safety and regulatory compliance in China. By aligning with the UN GHS 8, China is demonstrating its commitment to global safety standards, facilitating smoother international trade and improving overall chemical safety management.
Jul-28-2025
On 30 June 2025, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published the final standard of Desensitized Explosives on the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) portal. MIIT designated new standard GB 30000.30-2025 as Desensitized Explosives. Standard GB 30000.30-2025 refers to the tenth revised edition of the GHS.
Earlier Update in March 2025
MIIT previously on 4 March 2025 opened the public consultation for the updated version of Desensitized Explosives. Consultation ended on 11 March 2025. More information can be found here.
Key Insights from the GB 30000.30-2025
MIIT has included the revised information in the standard of:
Hazard and Precautionary Statements;
Signal word;
Hazard Pictogram;
Classification criteria;
Other provisions
Obligations for Stakeholders
From 1 July 2026 onwards, all manufacturers and importers of chemicals which classified as desensitized explosives are mandatory to reflect revised information in the labels and safety data sheets (SDS).
Transition Period and Enforcement Dates
MIIT has started 1 year transition period for stakeholders to adapt to this standard. GB 30000.30-2025 will come into force on 1 July 2026.
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