December 2025 issue: Workplace Hazardous Products Program newsletter
On this page
- End of transition period for the amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations
- November 2025 multi-stakeholder workshop: Summary
- UN GHS Sub-Committee of Experts 49th session: Postponed
- Reminders for claims for exemption under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act
- Future newsletter content
- Important WHMIS websites
End of transition period for the amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations
The 3-year transition period for the amended Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) ended on December 14, 2025.
Now, all hazardous products must have hazard classifications, safety data sheets (SDSs), and labels (if applicable) that fully comply with the amended HPR.
SDSs or labels submitted with claims for exemption under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act must also comply with the amended HPR. If these documents are prioritized for in-depth compliance review, they will be assessed based on the amended HPR.
Claimants who submitted SDSs and labels based on the former HPR prior to the end of the transition period may be required, at Health Canada's request, to provide a revised SDS and/or label based on the amended HPR.
As previously communicated, Health Canada plans to take the following approach to compliance with, and enforcement of, the amended HPR requirements:
- Until July 19, 2027, (the U.S. implementation deadline for mixtures), Health Canada will focus on compliance promotion with regulated parties; and,
- From July 19, 2027, onwards, compliance and enforcement will follow a risk-based approach as per standard Departmental and program guidance.
Throughout this period, Health Canada may take measures to induce or compel compliance with the HPR, if warranted.
Please bookmark the Guidance on the WHMIS supplier requirements, as it reflects the requirements of the amended HPR. Health Canada will remove the Technical guidance and its errata from Canada.ca, but these will remain available via publications.gc.ca.
Various webpages in the WHMIS section of Canada.ca have been updated to reflect the end of the transition period.
November 2025 multi-stakeholder workshop: Summary
On November 20, 2025, WHPP hosted its third annual multi-stakeholder workshop with more than 150 participants from across the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) community.
Health Canada and an American industry representative from the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) delivered a joint presentation on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), explaining its purpose, international role, and Canada–United States regulatory alignment.
The workshop also featured a presentation from a Hazardous Products Act (HPA) inspector, who shared insights on how inspections are conducted, common areas of non-compliance, and supplier responsibilities, providing organizations with practical guidance for meeting regulatory requirements.
There was active engagement following each presentation, with particular interest in:
- SDSs and label requirements
- Hazard classification and validation resources
- Enforcement, timelines, and compliance approach
Materials were shared with all participants following the workshop. A summary of questions and answers from the workshop is also now available. If you would like to receive a copy of any of these documents, please contact us: whmis-simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca.
The intent of this forum is to facilitate engagement and dialogue across the WHMIS community to improve participation and the exchange of knowledge. We encourage all stakeholders and partners to consider leading agenda topics and discussions for future multi-stakeholder workshops.
UN GHS Sub-Committee of Experts 49th session: Postponed
The 49th session of the United Nations GHS Sub-Committee of Experts (UNSCEGHS), originally planned for December 3 to 5, 2025, has been postponed and is now planned for July 8 to 10, 2026.
If you have already prepared comments further to the October 23, 2025, call-out for comments on Working and Informal Documents, you are welcome to send them to whmis-simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca before May 2026. We will also issue a call for comments before the July 2026 meeting.
Reminders for claims for exemption under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act
Claimants must keep their contact information up to date for all active claims. If your contact details change—such as your name, phone number, email address, or mailing address—you must notify Health Canada by email at whmis.claim-demande.simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Claimants are also responsible for keeping accurate records for each claim submitted. Please save a copy of your application form and all supporting documents before you submit your claim. Instructions for saving your application are available in Section 6 of the Guide for Using the Claim for Exemption Online Application Form.
Future newsletter content
Is there a topic that you would like us to include in a future newsletter? We would love to hear from you. Email us at whmis-simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca.