Japan has published the JIS Z 7252:2025 and JIS Z 7253:2025 standards, updating its criteria for chemical hazard communication.

These standards regulate how chemicals should be classified, labeled, and documented in MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets, internationally known as SDS) in the Japanese market.

This revision includes changes affecting hazard classification, labeling requirements, and MSDS content, and companies supplying chemicals to Japan may need to review their existing classifications and documentation.

Japan’s GHS System

Japan applies GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) through its National Industrial Standards and Industrial Safety-related Laws.

The hazard communication system is structured around two key standards:

• JIS Z 7252: Defines hazard classification criteria for substances and mixtures.
• JIS Z 7253: Specifies hazard communication requirements, including labeling and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets).

These standards support obligations under Japan’s Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA), which requires hazard information to be communicated to workers handling chemicals.

This revision aligns Japan’s standards with GHS Revision 9, maintaining consistency with international hazard classification criteria.

JIS Z 7252:2025 Update – Hazard Classification

Several hazard classification criteria have been updated in JIS Z 7252.

Key changes include:

Revision of Explosives Hazard Classification

• Explosives Categories (Explosives 1, 2A, 2B & 2C)

Introduction of New Hazard Classifications

• Chemicals under pressure (Category 1–3)

Expansion of Flammable Gas Classification

• Flammable Gas Categories (Flammable Gas Category 1A & 1B)
• Includes pyrophoric gases and chemically unstable gases.

These changes reflect the classification structure introduced in GHS Revision 9, and companies may need to re-evaluate the hazard classification of their existing products.

JIS Z 7253:2025 Update – Labeling and MSDS

JIS Z 7253 has updated several elements of hazard communication requirements.

Key changes include:

• Adjustment of Hazard Statements (H-statements)
• Update of Precautionary Statements (P-statements)
• Clarification of labeling and MSDS hazard communication requirements

Accordingly, companies may need to review the following items:

• MSDS Section 2 (Hazard Identification)
• Label elements and hazard-related phrases
• MSDS templates and internal authoring processes

Even if the hazard classification does not change, MSDS phrases and labeling elements may require updating to comply with the revised standards.

Japan GHS Update Implementation Schedule

These revised standards include a transition period to allow companies to update their documents incrementally.

Although the transition period is relatively long, a large volume of MSDS managing companies are advised to start their review early to avoid large-scale updates at the deadline.

Preparing for Japan GHS Update

Companies supplying chemicals to the Japanese market may consider the following:

• Review hazard classifications based on GHS Revision 9 criteria

• Update MSDS templates and hazard communication phrases

• Verify label elements and precautionary statements

• Update classification systems and regulatory databases

Early preparation can reduce regulatory compliance risks and ensure a smoother transition.

Addressing Japan GHS Updates with an MSDS Authoring Program

Lisam’s ExESS MSDS authoring solution helps efficiently manage these changes through features such as:

• Automated hazard classification based on regulatory criteria
• Centralized management of regulatory data
• Consistent MSDS generation across multiple national standards
• Rapid updates when GHS revisions or country-specific requirements change

For companies managing a large MSDS portfolio, a professional MSDS authoring solution helps apply regulatory changes efficiently and consistently.