Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1519439
In December 2022, Canada made amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulation (HPR) to be in alignment with revisions to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Suppliers of hazardous products have a 3-year transition period to put in effect the amended HPR. Employers that receive hazardous products with labels and SDSs that are compliant with the amended HPR are responsible to ensure their workers receive chemical specific WHMIS training to work safely with these chemicals and ensure they understand the changes in the information on the SDS and supplier labels. This transition period ends on December 14, 2025. These amendments impact key changes to WHMIS (previously known as WHMIS 2015). A summary of these amendments are as follows: Improved clarity and precision for certain provisions New information elements required on safety data sheets (SDS) Adoption of a new physical hazard class (Chemicals Under Pressure) Adoption of a new hazard category for non-flammable aerosols and new subcategories for flammable gases The changes resulting from the amendments will better protect workers by providing more comprehensive and detailed health and safety information on supplier labels and safety data sheets. These amendments are designed to enable workers to better protect themselves against the hazards posed by products they use and handle in their workplaces. Transition Period During this 3-year transition period, suppliers of hazardous products can choose to comply with either the former HPR or the amended HPR, but not both. It's important to ensure that the hazard classification, safety data sheet, and label of a hazardous product be fully compliant with the version of the regulation chosen. This requirement means that for a product to be compliant with the amended HPR, both the safety datasheet and the label must meet the requirements of the amended HPR. WHMIS – HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS REGULATION (HPR) AMENDMENT December 14, 2025 transition period ends Suppliers of hazardous products are required to bring their safety data sheets and labels into compliance with the amended Hazard Products WSPS.CA