The obligation
Manufacturers and importers must determine whether a substance, mixture or article is a hazardous chemical and, if so, correctly classify it using the GHS before first supplying it.
This responsibility is set out in section 329 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, PCBUs are responsible for managing all risks to health and safety posed by hazardous chemicals. Where a hazardous chemical is classified according to the GHS, requirements apply for labelling and for preparing and providing safety data sheets.
- What
- Manufacturers and importers must determine whether a substance, mixture or article is a hazardous chemical and, if so, correctly classify it using the GHS before first supplying it.
- Source
- worksafe.act.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Manufacturers and importers must classify hazardous chemicals before supplying them is a WHS requirement set out in Labelling Workplace Hazardous Chemicals (ACT). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT). The relevant provision is ACT > WHS > Hazardous Chemicals > Classification.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Manufacturers and importers must classify hazardous chemicals before supplying them is a WHS obligation under Labelling Workplace Hazardous Chemicals (ACT). In short, Manufacturers and importers must determine whether a substance, mixture or article is a hazardous chemical and, if so, correctly classify it using the GHS before first supplying it.
What changed recently?
Manufacturers and importers must classify hazardous chemicals before supplying them was last updated on 9 October 2026.
