UPDATED: January 2026
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: June 10, 2025
Big Changes Are Here: OSHA Aligns with GHS Revision 7
If your business deals with hazardous chemicals, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has officially updated its Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), aligning with the 7th revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). These changes took effect on July 19, 2024, and represent one of the most significant updates to workplace chemical safety protocols in recent years.
Whether you're a manufacturer, importer, distributor, or employer, understanding these updates—and the revised compliance timeline—is critical for maintaining compliance, protecting workers, and reducing liability.
Regulatory Update: OSHA Extends HazCom Compliance Deadlines
OSHA has announced a four-month extension to each of the upcoming Hazard Communication compliance deadlines. The agency cited the need for additional time to finalize guidance and to allow regulated entities sufficient time to review and implement the new requirements. While these extensions provide additional flexibility, the underlying compliance obligations remain unchanged.
Key Updates to the HazCom Standard
Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful changes you need to know:
- Enhanced Labels for Small Containers: Labels are now easier to read and more informative, even on small packaging, improving hazard awareness at the point of use.
- Improved Trade Secret Disclosure: Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) must now provide greater hazard transparency, ensuring workers and emergency responders can access critical safety information.
- Clearer Hazard Classification Process: Revisions streamline and clarify classification requirements to improve consistency between labels and SDSs.
- Revised Classification Criteria for Certain Hazards: Updated criteria apply to aerosols, desensitized explosives, and flammable gases.
- New Hazard Category Added: “Chemicals Under Pressure” has been introduced within the aerosols class to address emerging workplace risks.
- Updated Precautionary Statements: Revised guidance improves instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal.
- Better Alignment with Canadian and Federal Regulations: OSHA’s updates further harmonize with other U.S. agencies and Health Canada, supporting cross-border compliance.
Updated Transition Timeline – Know Your Deadlines
To support implementation, OSHA has established a phased compliance schedule. All deadlines below reflect OSHA’s most recent four-month extension.
Substances
- Manufacturers, importers, and distributors:
Labels and SDSs must be reviewed and updated by May 19, 2026 - Employers (workplace labeling, written programs, training):
Compliance deadline extended to November 20, 2026
Mixtures
- Manufacturers, importers, and distributors:
Labels and SDSs must be reviewed and updated by November 19, 2027 - Employers (workplace labeling, written programs, training):
Compliance deadline extended to May 19, 2028
Although these dates may appear far off, SDS updates, hazard reclassification, label revisions, and downstream distribution often require significant time and coordination—especially for organizations with large or complex product portfolios.
What This Means for Your Business
For manufacturers and suppliers:
- You may need to reclassify products, update SDS authoring to reflect new hazard criteria, revise labels, and reissue documentation to customers and distributors.
For employers:
- It’s essential to review your chemical inventory, ensure updated SDSs are received and accessible, and revise HazCom programs and employee training to align with the updated standard.
These changes present an opportunity to strengthen chemical safety practices while reducing compliance and enforcement risk.
How MSDS Source Can Help
Keeping up with regulatory changes like OSHA’s HazCom updates can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to manage it alone. MSDS Source simplifies compliance with a comprehensive SDS management solution that evolves alongside changing regulations.
With MSDS Source, you can:
- Automatically receive updated SDSs from manufacturers
- Track compliance with OSHA’s revised hazard classifications and labeling requirements
- Ensure accurate, accessible SDS records for workers and emergency responders
- Stay ahead of training and program update deadlines
Don’t let regulatory changes catch you off guard. With MSDS Source, you’ll have the tools, visibility, and support needed to meet OSHA’s updated HazCom requirements—confidently and efficiently.
