Update Your Canadian SDSs: Compliance with the Amended Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR)
Keeping your Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and labels up-to-date is crucial for regulatory compliance in Canada. With the end of the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) transition period on December 14, 2025, manufacturers and suppliers must ensure that all hazardous products have SDSs, labels, and hazard classifications that fully comply with the amended regulations.
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to seizure, detention or disposal of the hazardous product, refusal of imports of at the border or suspension or cancellation of an exemption under the HMIRA. For chemical companies operating in both Canada and the U.S., aligning your documentation with the Canadian GHS and US OSHA standards is also important to maintain seamless operations across markets.
Understanding the Amended Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR)
HPR Updates
The amended HPR introduces updates to SDSs, labels, and product classifications to improve hazard communication for hazardous products. Key changes include revised hazard classifications, updated labeling requirements, and standardized formats for SDSs.
Health Canada emphasizes alignment with GHS implementation and recognizes the benefits of harmonization with OSHA, particularly for SDSs and labels for chemical mixtures.
Transition Period and Deadlines
The HPR included a 3-year transition period to give companies time to update SDSs and labels. This period ends December 14, 2025, after which all hazardous products sold in Canada must fully comply with the amended regulations.
Any SDSs or labels submitted under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA) for exemption claims on or after December 15, 2025, must meet the amended HPR requirements. Health Canada may request updated SDSs or labels for products previously submitted under the former HPR, so companies should proactively review their documentation.
What YOU Need to Do
- AuditExisting SDSs and Labels
- Start by reviewing your current SDSs and labels to identify documents that may be outdated or were previously submitted with HMIRA exemption claims. Ensure that all documentation aligns with the amended HPR, including any hazard classifications, precautionary statements, and label elements.
- Update Product Classifications
- Verify that all product classifications accurately reflect the amended HPR requirements. This includes reviewing mixtures and hazardous products to ensure proper classification under the updated system. Maintaining accurate classifications helps reduce compliance risks and ensures clear communication of hazards to downstream users.
Conclusion
The December 14, 2025 HPR compliance deadline is fast approaching. Proactively reviewing and updating your SDSs and labels ensures that your company remains fully compliant, avoids potential enforcement actions, and aligns with North American regulatory standards.
Dell Tech can help you review SDSs, update labels, and develop compliance strategies to meet Health Canada’s requirements. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your products are ready for full compliance with the amended HPR.
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.
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