GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government

possible, and to classify the substance in question as moderate(corresponding to PII3-5)or
severe(corresponding to PII 6-8). Also, it is preferable to determine the corresponding category
at least upon confirming which classification criteria the given existing classification is based
on since substances classified as “moderate” based on different classification criteria may cause
different degrees of skin reaction. Category 1 is applied to substances that cause irreversible
lesions such as necrosis within observation period of Skin Corrosion/Irritation test. There is an
opinion to the effect that a substance evaluated as “severe” corresponds to Category 2 if no
irreversible lesion is observed. This judgment, however, may be subjective and should be
considered only for reference. It is preferable for GHS classification to refer to the original
literatures, to examine the validity of data, and to perform classification based on scientific
evidence and methods of GHS.
Findings of test reports
GHS Category
(*)("Not classified in JIS Classification)
Substances considered as strong acids(pH≤2) or strong alkalis (pH≥11.5)based on their
physicochemical properties shall be classified as Category 1. However, in this case, as
described in the UN GHS the second revised edition, it must be shown that its buffer power
maintains pH on exposure. In classification, buffering capacity of acids and bases should be
taken into account.
(4)Guidance for classification and judgment
A) Background of this item and points to be noted
Corrosive Severe Moderate Mild
+irreversible
effects
Skin Corrosion/Irritation 1(1A,1B,1C) 2 3 (*)
Regarding background of this item, refer to Part 1, Introduction.
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