WHMIS 2025: Updating Your SDS Before the Deadline

Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) has been modernized. In January 2023, Health Canada amended the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) to align more closely with the 7th and parts of the 8th revisions of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
These amendments officially took effect on December 15, 2022, and suppliers were given a three-year transition period. That period ends at midnight on December 14, 2025. After that date, every classification, label, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a hazardous product sold or used in Canada must meet the new HPR requirements.

If you handle product compliance, it’s time to make sure your SDSs and labels are updated. Here’s what’s changed and how to prepare.

What’s Changing Under WHMIS 2025

The amended rules bring Canada into closer alignment with international GHS standards. Key updates include:

1. New hazard classes and categories, The HPR adds a new physical hazard class called “Chemicals Under Pressure,” plus a new category for non-flammable aerosols and extra sub-categories for flammable gases.
2. More detailed SDS requirements, Sections 9 and 14 must now list additional physical and chemical data. Other sections require clearer, more specific information to improve accuracy and consistency.
3. Full disclosure of hazardous ingredients, Ingredients above specified cut-off values must be listed even if they don’t change the product’s classification.
4. Improved consistency across documents, SDSs and labels must follow the amended HPR format and wording. During the transition, companies may use either the old or new regulations, but not a mix of both.

These updates strengthen worker protection and simplify global trade, but they also mean you’ll need to review every SDS and label for accuracy.

Why Outdated SDSs Are a Serious Problem

Not updating your SDSs and labels by the deadline can have real consequences:

1. Legal and financial risk, under the Hazardous Products Act, non-compliance is an offence that can lead to fines ($250,000 to $5 million CAD depending on severity of the violation), orders to stop sales, product seizures, or even prosecution.
2. Lost market access, distributors and border inspectors may refuse non-compliant products, causing supply chain delays or retail removals.
3. Worker safety hazards, employees depend on SDSs for information about safe handling and emergency procedures. Outdated data can lead to injuries or environmental incidents.
4. Reputational damage, compliance failures and recalls can undermine trust with customers, regulators and investors.

How to Prepare Before December 14, 2025

1. Do a compliance gap check
   Compare your current product classifications, labels and SDSs to the new HPR requirements to identify what needs updating.
2. Re-classify your products
   Use the amended criteria to review hazards. If you manufacture aerosols or pressurized products, confirm whether they fall under the new categories.
3. Update SDSs and labels
   Include all required information elements and disclose ingredients fully. Ensure your labels use the correct hazard statements, pictograms and precautionary phrases.
4. Verify with qualified SDS authors
   Specialists who understand WHMIS and GHS can simplify the process and produce bilingual (English/French) SDSs and labels that meet Health Canada standards, or review your changes for any technicalities or oversights.
5. Train your team
   Employers must teach workers about new symbols, hazard classes and SDS formats. Good training prevents accidents and builds confidence in the new system.
6. Keep Record
   Maintain clear documentation of classifications, training and product inventories. Inspectors can request proof that your products comply with the chosen regulatory version during the transition.

Why Partner with Nexreg

Navigating Canada’s chemical regulations can be complex. Nexreg helps you stay compliant by offering:

1. Accurate product classification and hazard assessments.
2. SDS development and/or updates in English and French that meet WHMIS 2025 standards.
3. GHS/WHMIS label design with correct pictograms and statements.
4. Ongoing support for SDS translation and international compliance updates.

Final Thoughts

Updating your SDSs and labels for WHMIS 2025 is a legal requirement with a hard deadline. Act now to avoid penalties, protect workers and keep your products on the market.

The transition period ends December 14, 2025,and the next day, inspectors will expect full compliance.
Nexreg can guide you through every step so your documentation is accurate, complete and ready for 2026 and beyond. To get started, Contact Nexreg.