The ABNT NBR 14725:2023 standard governs the regulation and safety of chemical products. Learn about the changes in the version published in July of this year. 

Safety in the transportation and handling of chemicals is of the utmost importance in various industrial sectors: in logistics, in the preservation of human health, and in environmental protection. It is essential that chemicals be properly identified, classified, and labeled.
 
The ABNT NBR 14725:2023 standard governs the regulation and safety of chemical products. On July 3, 2023, a new version was published, titled: 
 
(ABNT) NBR 14725:2023 Chemicals—Safety, Health, and Environmental Information—General Aspects of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), Classification, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and Labeling of Chemicals.  

Under this new version, all chemical manufacturers and companies that handle chemical waste must take note of the changes to ensure their operations remain in compliance with current regulations. 

Key Changes 

In line with international standards, including guidelines from the Purple Book, the Orange Book, and the GHS (Globally Harmonized System), this revision presents guidelines in seven sections and seventeen appendices. Information on new hazard classes, subcategories, and harmonized classification criteria has been added.  

One of the main changes is the new terminology for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), which will now be called the SDS (Safety Data Sheet).  

Two new hazard classes—Desensitized Explosives and Ozone-Depleting Substances—have been added to the classification system. In addition, new labeling rules have been included, involving changes to or the addition of hazard or precautionary statements. 

Here is a summary of the changes: 

• New classification criteria for mixtures, commonly known as “blends.” 
• From 16 to 17 hazard classes. 
• Changes to some hazard and precautionary statements. 
• A new environmental hazard class, in addition to the inclusion of an ozone-depleting hazard class. 
• New subcategory for flammable gases. 
• Provision of a 24-hour hotline in case of accidents. 
• Products weighing 250 mL or less must now be labeled in accordance with GHS. 
• Assessment of operators’ understanding, in accordance with NR 26. 

Deadline for adjustment 

Companies have 24 months from the publication of the standard to comply. Planning the review of documents is an excellent way to meet the deadline. 

A thorough review of the standard is essential for preparing the SDS, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Involving the relevant departments in the preparation process underscores the importance of classifying and labeling chemicals and allows for a more thorough review of the document. 

Count on Macler as your chemical partner committed to following regulations 

Macler recognizes its responsibility toward human health and the environment. For this reason, we remain vigilant regarding current regulations and are preparing to begin the review process by training a multidisciplinary team that includes professionals from R&D, Logistics, Marketing, Quality, and Technical Support, in order to effectively our documentation and strive for excellence in this process.