Are you aware of the hazards of chemicals labeled with a flame or a skull? To help consumers and industry stakeholders better recognize the dangers of chemical products and to ensure the safety of users, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has revised the CNS 15030 "Classification and labelling of chemicals."
Chemicals has become an inseparable part of life. We benefit greatly from products made with chemical substances, such mobile phones, pharmaceutical drugs, household paint, plastic products and drinking water (polluted water). However, improper handling of chemicals from the production stage to the disposal stage can cause harm to the human health and the environment.
In view of this, the BSMI has announced the new CNS 15030 series of standards. The CNS 15030 include 28 compositions of which 11 have been revised to date. Please refer to the attached list for details.
The CNS 15030 is modeled after the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and includes harmonized criteria for classifying and labelling substances according to their health (inhalation hazard, carcinogen, etc.), environment (water contamination) and physical hazards (flammable liquids, gas, etc.).
According to the GHS pictograms, flames stand for flammable substances and skulls for toxicity. Precautionary statements and warning words are also listed on the labels.
The revision aims to bring Taiwan in line with international practice. After the revision, the classification and labelling of products produced or imported into Taiwan will be harmonized with international standards. Decision logic has also been added for further guidance. Industry stakeholders can follow the logic for fast classification and provide accurate safety information to consumers.
For more information, please visit the CNS website at http://www.cnsonline.com.tw.
Hazardous substance pictograms (as according to CNS 15030)
Agency in charge: Standards Division (1st Division) Contact person: Mr. Kuo-Lung Wu Telephone: (02)3343-5111