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When does GHS take effect?

Health Canada adopted GHS in 2015 through the amended Hazardous Products Act and the new Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR), WHMIS 2015. The timeline for implementation in Canada is as follows:

Phase 1

From coming-into-force to May 31, 2018
 

During this time manufacturers, importers, and distributors may follow either the requirements of WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 to achieve compliance. They must use a label and SDS that either fully complies with WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015, but not a combination of the two.
 

Employers will need to consult Federal, Provincial and Territorial Regulators for guidance on compliance with training, education, and workplace requirements.

Phase 2

From June 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018
 

Manufacturers and Importers must only sell or distribute products with SDS and labels that are compliant with WHMIS 2015.
 

Distributors may continue to sell products that use either WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 compliant SDS and labels.
 

Employers may comply with WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 requirements.

Phase 3

From September 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018
 

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors are required to sell or distribute only products with SDS and labels that comply with WHMIS 2015 requirements.
 

Employers may comply with WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 requirements.

Phase 4

From December 1, 2018
 

All Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors, and Employers must comply with WHMIS 2015 requirements.
 

Fully Implemented
 

For more information visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/occup-travail/whmis-simdut/transition/index-eng.php
 

Visit the Health Canada website http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/occup-travail/whmis-simdut/ghs-sgh/contact-eng.php for links to the Provincial/Territorial regulators.

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