On 16 July 2025, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) announced amendments to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).  The amendments to the tenth revised edition of the GHS were approved by the UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the GHS at its twelfth session on 6 December 2024. They will form the basis of the upcoming eleventh revised edition of the GHS. 

The tenth revised edition of the GHS was released on 27 July 2023 on the UNECE portal. More details can be found here. 

Key Updates from the UN Purple Book 2025  

• Aerosols and Chemicals under Pressure (Chapter 2.3): 
  New provisions provide clearer criteria for the classification of aerosols and chemicals under pressure, ensuring consistency in hazard communication. 

• Skin Sensitization (Chapter 3.4): 
  Introduces new guidance supporting classification based on non-animal test methods, advancing animal-free toxicology approaches. 

• Global Warming Hazards (Chapter 4.2): 
  Classification criteria are added for substances and mixtures that are hazardous due to their contribution to global warming, reflecting environmental hazard concerns. 

• Precautionary Statements: 
  Enhanced rationalization of precautionary statements to improve clarity for users and usability for labelling professionals. 

• Annex 11 – Simple Asphyxiants: 
  A new section provides guidance for identifying simple asphyxiants to help ensure their proper recognition and risk management. 

The electronic version of GHS Rev. 11 will be available for free on the portal in September 2025.