Regulations on classification, labeling and packaging of chemicals in Vietnam

What are chemicals?

Chemical means an element, a compound or a mixture which is exploited or created by humans from natural or artificial raw materials.

- Substance means an element or a compound, including any impurities deriving from the processing process and any additives necessary to preserve the stability of physical and chemical properties, excluding any solvents which may be separated without changing the characters of the substance.

- Mixture means a combination of two or more substances which do not react under normal conditions.

Regulations on classification, labeling and packaging of chemicals in Vietnam (Internet image)

Regulations on classification and labeling of chemicals in Vietnam

Pursuant to Article 27 of the Law on Chemicals 2007, regulations on classification and labeling of chemicals are as follows:

- Organizations and individuals producing or importing chemicals are obliged to classify and label chemicals before using or marketing these chemicals are used or marketed.

- Chemicals are classified in accordance with technical principles and guidance of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

- Chemicals are labeled in accordance with the law on goods labeling.

- Hazardous chemicals are labeled in accordance with the law on goods labeling and guidance of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

- The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall guide the classification and labeling of chemicals according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals and determine a roadmap for application of regulations on classification and labeling of substances and mixtures of substances.

Regulations on packaging of chemicals in Vietnam

Pursuant to Article 28 of the Law on Chemicals 2007, regulations on packaging of chemicals are as follows:

- Packages of marketed chemicals must meet the following requirements:

+ Satisfying requirements on classification and labeling of chemicals specified in Article 27 of the Law on Chemicals 2007;

+ Preventing leakage and dispersal of chemicals in the process of transportation, preservation or storage;

+ Not being corroded or destroyed by contained chemicals;

+ Complying with technical regulations on packaging promulgated by competent agencies or with international standards announced by competent state agencies for application.

- Line ministries shall provide for specifications, materials and requirements on the examination and evaluation of packages of each kind of chemical.

Regulations on chemical safety data sheets in Vietnam

Pursuant to Article 29 of the Law on Chemicals 2007, regulations on chemical safety data sheets are as follows:

- Hazardous chemicals include hazardous substances or mixtures with the content of hazardous substances exceeding the prescribed limit. For hazardous chemicals, chemical safety data sheers must be made.

- Organizations and individuals producing or importing hazardous chemicals, before using or marketing these chemicals, shall make chemical safety data sheets.

- A chemical safety data sheet contains the following contents:

+ Identification of the chemical;

+ Identification of hazardous properties of the chemical;

+ Information on the composition of substances;

+ Physical and chemical properties of the chemical-

+ Stability and activity of the chemical;

+ Information on toxicity;

+ Ecological information;

+ First-aid measures;

+ Fire-fighting measures;

+ Incident prevention and response measures;

+ Storage requirements;

+ Effects on humans and requirements for personal protection devices;

+ Requirements on disposal of the chemical;

+ Requirements on transportation:

+ Applicable technical regulations and laws;

+ Other necessary information.

Mai Thanh Loi

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