WHMIS 2015 Significance and 2026 HPR Update

WHMIS 2015 was a major Canadian GHS milestone

On February 11, 2015, Canada published the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR), creating the federal supplier classification, safety data sheet, and label requirements commonly called WHMIS 2015. The change aligned Canada more closely with the United Nations GHS and the U.S. Hazard Communication Standard while retaining Canadian requirements.

WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015

When the regulations were released, suppliers could transition from WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015 in phases. That transition ended years ago. The original roles remained: federal law governs supplier hazard communication, while federal, provincial, and territorial occupational health and safety authorities govern workplace implementation, education, and training.

What changed after WHMIS 2015?

Canada amended the HPR in December 2022 to align with the seventh revised edition and selected provisions of the eighth revised edition of GHS. Changes included revised classification criteria, a new Chemicals Under Pressure hazard class, updated aerosol provisions, and new information elements. Suppliers received a three-year transition period.

What businesses should know today

The amended-HPR transition ended at midnight on December 14, 2025. As of 2026, hazardous products sold or imported for Canadian workplaces must comply with the amended requirements; the earlier option to use the former HPR ended. Suppliers should confirm that classifications, bilingual labels, and 16-section SDSs are aligned. Employers should ensure workplace labels, training, and accessible SDS inventories reflect updated supplier information.

How Nexreg can help

Nexreg can review and update Canadian SDSs and workplace labels for the amended HPR, including bilingual documentation and multi-jurisdiction projects. Contact Nexreg if products were not updated before the transition deadline.