GHS Classification Guidance for the Japanese Government

* Unless a description that definitely denies hazards or recognizes extremely low hazards
is available in List 1, the determination of “Not classified” should be performed
carefully. If there is any question, a given substance should rather be classified in
“Classification not possible” due to insufficient information for judgment.
* When an affected organ can be identified, indicate the applicable category along with the
affected organ in parentheses for “GHS classification.” When such an organ cannot be
identified, put “systemic toxicity” in parentheses. (Example entry:Category 1 (liver,
kidney, blood), or Category 1 (systemic toxicity))
* In a case where a substance can be classified in Category 1 (respiratory organs) or
Category 2 (respiratory organs), it shall be not classified in Category 3 (respiratory tract
irritation).
* When the same substance is classified into different categories depending on affected
organs, indicate the category for each of the affected organs. (Example entry:
Category 1 (liver, kidney), Category 2 (blood), Category 3 (respiratory tract irritation))
* As for substances of which data are available only for a mixture (provided mixed or
diluted with solvents without toxicity), their GHS classification as pure substances are
performed by estimating from concentrations appropriately, and the estimation
processes are to be described as a ground for classification.
B) Regarding classification procedure
1) Substances meeting [Decision criteria 1a] or [Decision criteria 1b] below are placed in
Category 1.
[Decision criteria 1a]: Substances for which evidence of inducing toxic effects in humans are
(Notes)
available in List 1.
a) Effects on organs that are obviously known to be secondary effects shall be excluded
from description. Judgement by experts shall be sought for where necessary about
whether the effects are secondary or not. When such a judgment is difficult, all organs
affected shall be cited.
b) Effects on respiratory system by site of contact are included here, and are placed in
Category 1 (pneumoconiosis, etc.). However, such effects by site of contact other than
respiratory tract, for example, irritation/inflammation reaction in digestive system in a
case of oral administration of a corrosive/irritant, are considered to be subsumed under
other toxicity items such as skin corrosion, and are not classified in specific target organ
toxicity.
c) When only minimal symptoms (slight fever, languor, etc.) are reported, the substance is
placed in “Not classified”.
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