Health Canada’s Red Tape Reduction and GHS 7 Update: Simplifying Canada-U.S. Hazardous Product Compliance 

Health Canada’s Red Tape Reduction initiative is modernizing the regulatory framework for hazardous products in Canada. A key focus is aligning Canada’s Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) with the United States’ Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS 7). 

This coordinated effort is particularly relevant for Canadian companies importing hazardous products from the United States. It aims to streamline compliance, reduce administrative burden, and ensure consistent hazard communication across borders. With the HPR transition deadline set for December 2025, and the U.S. transition extending into 2026 and 2027, companies should begin preparations now to maintain compliance. 

Dell Tech helps businesses navigate these regulatory updates, from SDS and label alignment to risk assessment and consulting, ensuring seamless compliance across both jurisdictions. 

What is Health Canada’s Red Tape Reduction Initiative? 

The Red Tape Reduction initiative seeks to simplify regulatory requirements and make compliance more efficient for Canadian businesses. For the chemical industry, this involves updating the HPR to align with international standards while maintaining worker safety. 

This initiative forms part of Health Canada’s ongoing regulatory modernization, which focuses on risk-based decision-making and international harmonization. Rather than prioritizing strict enforcement, the department is emphasizing compliance promotion. This approach allows companies to adapt to regulatory changes with practical support and fewer administrative obstacles. 

Aligning Canada’s GHS 7 with the U.S. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 

Under the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council, Health Canada works closely with OSHA to align workplace hazardous product requirements. The goal is a coordinated adoption of GHS 7, the latest version of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. 

While both countries proposed amendments together, the U.S. finalized its updates later than Canada. This delay has resulted in different transition timelines: 

• Canada’s HPR transition ends 14 December 2025 
• U.S. OSHA HCS transition ends January 2026 for substances and July 2027 for mixtures 

These differences present challenges for Canadian importers managing labelling, SDS updates, and transition planning. To reduce disruption, Health Canada will exercise enforcement discretion, postponing proactive inspections until the U.S. transition ends. During this period, the department will focus on compliance promotion rather than enforcement, allowing businesses more flexibility to adjust their documentation and processes. 

How the HPR Amendments Reduce Regulatory Burden 

The updated HPR is designed to make compliance simpler and more efficient. The amendments provide several advantages for Canadian companies, especially those importing products from the U.S: 

1. Unified SDS and Label Requirements – Companies can prepare one SDS and label that meet both Canadian and U.S. regulatory requirements, reducing duplication and potential inconsistencies. 
2. Lower Administrative Costs – Fewer versions of documents mean less time spent updating and maintaining multiple regulatory records. 
3. Supportive Compliance Approach – Health Canada’s emphasis on compliance promotion offers businesses a smoother transition to the updated standards. 

By aligning the HPR with the U.S. system, companies benefit from clearer hazard communication, reduced paperwork, and fewer compliance conflicts between the two markets. 

Steps for Cross-Border Compliance 

To prepare for the upcoming transition deadlines, Canadian companies should follow a structured compliance plan. 

1. Review SDSs and Labels 
   Ensure that all documentation aligns with both the revised HPR and U.S. OSHA HCS requirements. Early identification of discrepancies can prevent last-minute compliance issues. 
2. Engage Regulatory Experts 
   Partnering with regulatory consultants such as Dell Tech can simplify the process. Expert review ensures classifications, SDSs, and labels are accurate and compliant with both jurisdictions.
3. Plan for the Transition Timelines 
   Canada’s transition ends in December 2025, while the U.S. transition continues into 2027. Companies should schedule updates and internal reviews well before these dates to avoid supply chain or documentation delays. 

Proactive planning supports efficiency and ensures regulatory readiness across both Canadian and U.S. markets. 

Why Acting Early Matters for Importers 

Waiting until the final months of the transition increases the risk of compliance gaps and regulatory issues. Acting early provides several advantages: 

• Reduced risk of enforcement actions once transition periods close 
• Consistent cross-border documentation, avoiding confusion for customers and regulators 
• Improved operational efficiency by aligning systems and processes in advance 

Companies that take early action position themselves as reliable and compliant suppliers. They also gain flexibility to respond to any unforeseen changes in enforcement timing or interpretation of the new rules. 

How Dell Tech Supports Canadian Companies in Cross-Border Compliance 

Dell Tech assists companies in managing complex regulatory updates such as HPR and GHS alignment with OSHA’s HCS. Our services include: 

• Regulatory Consulting: Classification, risk assessment, and compliance strategy for cross-border products 
• SDS and Label Review: Updating documentation to ensure compliance with Canadian and U.S. regulatory requirements 

Working with Dell Tech allows companies to stay ahead of regulatory changes and reduce administrative workload while maintaining confidence that their products meet all necessary standards. 

For more information, visit Dell Tech’s Services page.  

Key Takeaways for a Streamlined Compliance Across Borders 

Health Canada’s Red Tape Reduction initiative and the HPR amendments aligning with U.S. OSHA HCS mark a significant step toward harmonized chemical safety standards. These changes are intended to simplify compliance, reduce burden on industry, and improve consistency in hazard communication. 

By reviewing documentation early, engaging regulatory expertise, and planning for upcoming deadlines, companies can smoothly transition to the updated requirements. Acting now helps avoid enforcement challenges and ensures continued access to both Canadian and U.S. markets. 

The key to success is preparation. Start now, seek professional guidance, and establish a compliance strategy that supports both regulatory alignment and long-term efficiency. 

DELL TECH HAS PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTING SERVICES TO THE SPECIALTY CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN CANADA, THE USA, EUROPE AND ASIA FOR THE LAST 40 YEARS.