Chemical Labeling and SDS Requirements in Malaysia

Malaysia regulates workplace hazardous chemical classification, labelling, packaging, SDS preparation, and chemical inventory obligations through the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013, commonly known as the CLASS Regulations. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), under the Ministry of Human Resources, is the key authority for occupational chemical hazard communication.

SDS Requirements

Under Malaysia’s CLASS Regulations 2013, suppliers of hazardous chemicals for workplace use must classify the chemical, prepare a compliant Safety Data Sheet, and provide it to recipients. The SDS must use the prescribed 16-section format and include information on identification, hazards, composition, first aid, firefighting, accidental release, handling and storage, exposure controls and PPE, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicology, ecology, disposal, transport, regulatory information, and other information. SDSs should be in Malay and English where required for effective workplace communication and should be updated when new hazard or risk management information becomes available.

Consumer Label Requirements

The CLASS Regulations apply to chemicals supplied for use at a place of work, so consumer chemical products may also be subject to separate consumer protection, product safety, pesticide, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, transport, or environmental requirements depending on their category. For consumer products that are also hazardous chemicals, suppliers should still ensure hazard warnings, safe-use directions, supplier information, and language presentation are appropriate for the Malaysian market and do not conflict with workplace GHS obligations if the same product is supplied into occupational channels.

Workplace Label Requirements

For workplace supply in Malaysia, the CLASS Regulations require hazardous chemical packages to be labelled legibly and indelibly. A compliant label should include the product identifier, supplier identification, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, hazard pictograms, and other required information. Packaging must be suitable and secure, and workplace users should ensure container labels remain consistent with the SDS and any chemical inventory obligations reported to DOSH.

Official Regulatory Resources

• DOSH Malaysia – CLASS Regulations
• Malaysia Attorney General’s Chambers – CLASS Regulations 2013
• Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia