SDS and label compliance: introducing Russian GOST and EU CLP update

GOST compliance
UN GHS standards were already integrated in the EAEU market (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia) on a voluntary basis but become compulsory within the system of national standards on test methods, classification criteria and hazard communication, also known as GOST. 

GOST Safety Data Sheet's (SDS) standards harmonize largely with the European REACH ANNEX II, however differences appear in the official structure and content of the SDS. 

For example, in section 5 of the SDS, fire and explosion hazards indicators such as flammability group, flashpoint and auto-ignition temperature must be specified. 

The new technical regulation has the following impact on labelling:

• Language (Russian, accompanied by other languages, e.g. English)
• Maximum of 6 precautionary statements 
• Names of hazardous substances exceeding concentration limits must be listed
• Market circulation mark, storage conditions and product registration certificate number (if available) will appear
• No minimum label or pictogram size

CLP compliance 
If a chemical hazardous substance or mixture is placed on the EU market, the label must harmonize with specific standards mentioned in Article 17 (1) of the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulation.
Following elements must be present on the label: 

• Name, address and telephone number of the supplier 
• Nominal quantity 
• Product identifier (e.g. trade or chemical name)
• Hazard pictograms 
• Hazard statements
• Precautionary statements UFI-code (January 2021: consumer and professional use, January 2024: industrial use) 

The information on the product label always aligns with the information given in section 2.2 of the SDS. 

To reach full compliance, the supplier needs to provide the label in the official language of the EU-member state where the product enters the market. Extra languages can be added in a fold-out label, however other label criteria do apply.