Australia uses the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) to classify and label chemicals.

Australia has now adopted the 7th Revised edition of the GHS (GHS 7). Only GHS 7 can be used to classify, label and prepare safety data sheets (SDS) for newly manufactured or imported hazardous chemicals. 

This information sheet explains the changes between GHS 3 and GHS 7, including: 

• requirements for labels and SDS 
• additional hazard categories and classes 
• updates to precautionary statements. 

It will be useful for people who classify hazardous chemicals for use in the workplace.  

For more information on Australia’s adoption of GHS 7, see our adoption to GHS 7 webpage.