CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION
SERVICE
Chemical classification is the systematic process of identifying and assigning hazard categories to substances and mixtures based on their physical, health, and environmental properties.
In Malaysia, classification follows the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) under the CLASS Regulations 2013, enforced by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
WHY CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION MATTERS IN MALAYSIA
Legal Obligation Under OSHA 1994
- Required under Section 37 of OSHA 1994 and the CLASS Regulations 2013.
- Failure to classify, label, or supply an SDS for hazardous chemicals is a compoundable offense under DOSH enforcement.
Penalties Up To RM500,000
- OSHA Amendment 2022 raised maximum fines to RM500,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment for non-compliance.
- Directors and safety officers can be held personally liable.
Mandatory Chemical Inventory Submission
- Manufacturers and importers handling 1 metric tonne or more per year of any hazardous chemical must submit an inventory to DOSH by 31 March annually.
- Inventory must include identifier, name, composition, hazard classification, and total quantity.
WHO NEEDS A CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION SERVICE
- Chemical Manufacturers: Local producers of industrial, specialty, or formulated chemicals supplied to Malaysian workplaces.
- Importers and Distributors: Companies importing hazardous chemicals where the importer carries CLASS labeling and SDS responsibility at point of entry.
- Formulators and Repackagers: Businesses re-labeling, re-packaging, or reformulating chemicals for downstream supply.
- Manufacturers Using Hazardous Substances: Electronics, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food processing facilities that handle chemicals in their production lines.
WHAT OUR CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION SERVICE COVERS
Hazard Classification
- Classification of substances and mixtures under ICOP CHC 2014 (aligned with UN GHS Rev. 3).
- Assignment of hazard class, category, signal word, H-statements, and P-statements.
- Pre-screening against the 662-substance list in Part I of ICOP CHC for direct classification.
GHS Label Preparation
- Bilingual labels in Bahasa Melayu and English as required under CLASS Regulations.
- Correct pictogram sizing (one-fifteenth of label surface area, minimum 10 mm x 10 mm).
- Small package labeling solutions for containers 125 mL and below.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Translation
- 16-section SDS prepared in line with ICOP CHC 2014 format.
- Bilingual SDS preparation (BM and English) for compliant supply to Malaysian workplaces.
- Confidential Business Information (CBI) handling for trade secret substances.
WHAT OUR CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION SERVICE COVERS
| Required Element | Specification under CLASS Regulations |
|---|---|
| Product identifier | Must match the identifier used in the SDS |
| Supplier identification | Mandatory; local importer details required for imported products |
| Signal word | “Danger” or “Warning” based on hazard category |
| Hazard pictograms | Red-bordered diamond, minimum 10 mm x 10 mm, one-fifteenth of label area |
| Hazard statements (H-codes) | All applicable H-statements from ICOP CHC 2014 |
| Precautionary statements (P-codes) | Maximum 6 unless additional are needed to reflect severity |
| Languages | Both Bahasa Melayu and English required |
OUR CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION PROCESS
- Step 1 — Initial Consultation and Scoping Review chemical inventory, intended use, supply chain context, and confirm classification scope.
- Step 2 — Data Gathering Collect compositional data, supplier SDS, toxicological references, and physical-chemical test results.
- Step 3 — Classification and Hazard Determination Cross-check against ICOP CHC 2014 listed substances. For unlisted substances, apply UN GHS classification criteria.
- Step 4 — Label and SDS Preparation Draft GHS-compliant label and 16-section SDS in Bahasa Melayu and English. Review with client before finalizing.
- Step 5 — Delivery and Inventory Submission Support Provide final deliverables and advise on the annual 31 March DOSH inventory submission for hazardous chemicals at or above 1 tonne per year.
OUR CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION PROCESS
- ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory: SAMM under Skim Akreditasi Makmal Malaysia, with ILAC-MRA recognition for cross-border acceptance.
- DOSH-Registered Chemists: In-house Registered Chemists under the Malaysia Institute of Chemistry and DOSH-recognized Hygiene Technicians.
- 48 Years of Local Expertise: Operating since 1977. Branches in Penang, Johor Bahru, and Selangor for local sample integrity and faster mobilization.
- End-to-End CLASS Compliance: Classification, GHS label, and SDS authoring delivered as a single workflow. No need to coordinate multiple vendors.
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