WHMIS Now Aligned with GHS 7 & 8: How Quantum SDS Keeps You Compliant
As of December 2022, Canada has updated WHMIS to align with the 7th edition—and parts of the 8th edition—of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
This means new requirements for hazard classification, SDS formatting, and ingredient disclosure. Companies must update their Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) before the transition deadline in December 2025.
If you create or supply hazardous products in Canada, your SDSs must now reflect these changes. Quantum SDS makes it easy—whether you need expert authoring services or self-serve SDS software that’s always up to date.
What Changed: Key WHMIS Updates from GHS 7 and 8
Physical Hazards – What’s New
- Flammable Gases split into:
- Category 1A: Pyrophoric/unstable gases (more severe)
- Category 1B: Less severe flammable gases
- Aerosols updated to include Category 3 (non-flammable) → Previously labeled "Flammable Aerosols"
- New Hazard Class: Chemicals Under Pressure → With new pictograms and hazard statements
- Expanded Criteria for:
- Oxidizing Solids
- Combustible Dust
Health Hazards – Key Revisions
- Updated definitions and thresholds for:
- Acute Toxicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Mutagenicity
- Respiratory Sensitization
- Skin Corrosion/Irritation, and more
- Better clarity in testing and classification guidelines
SDS Formatting Changes You Must Make
Section 3 – Composition
Now requires all hazardous ingredients above cut-off values, even if they don’t contribute to classification.
Section 9 – Physical & Chemical Properties
New field: Particle Characteristics
Removed: Evaporation Rate
Renamed fields:
- “Appearance” → “Physical State” and “Colour”
- “Vapour Density” → “Relative Vapour Density”
- “Viscosity” → “Kinematic Viscosity”
These changes are mandatory by December 2025.
Quantum SDS: GHS 7/8 Ready Software & Authoring Services
SDS Authoring Software
- Automatically applies GHS 7/8 classification rules
- Supports multi-region SDS generation (OSHA, WHMIS, REACH)
- Built-in automation to reduce authoring time by up to 80%
Professional SDS Authoring Services
- Fully compliant with updated WHMIS regulations
- Ideal for companies without internal regulatory staff
- Fast turnaround, fully customized for your products and markets
Don’t Wait Until the Deadline
Canada’s 3-year transition period ends in December 2025. By then, your SDSs must be fully compliant with the new WHMIS standards aligned with GHS 7 and GHS 8.
Let Quantum SDS take the stress out of compliance.
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Whether you're updating 10 SDSs or 10,000, we’ll help you stay compliant—fast.
