New requirements for WHMIS labels
Changes to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)—including new requirements for product labels—officially take effect on December 15, 2025. These updates enable business owners and health and safety professionals to take proactive measures while also improving workplace safety and supporting employee wellbeing.
Properly labelled hazardous materials are the first defence against workplace accidents. This guide walks you through the essential updates to WHMIS label requirements, explains the different types of labels, and details the specific information each must contain. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to navigate the transition and maintain a safe, compliant workplace.
What’s new with WHMIS?
On December 15, 2022, an updated version of Canada’s Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) came into force with a three-year transition period for workplaces to comply. Until December 15, 2025, businesses can adhere to either version of the HPR (but not both). From that date on, all workplaces must follow the most recent version of the HPR. The biggest changes are changes to hazard classes and categories and updates to what must be included in safety data sheets (SDSs).
Key classification changes to note
- Flammable gases: Flammable Gases – Category 1 is now subdivided into 1A for pyrophoric and unstable gases and 1B for less flammable gases. Also, the “Pyrophoric Gases” hazard class is repealed.
- Aerosols: The “Flammable Aerosols” class has been renamed “Aerosols,” and a new Category 3 for non-flammable aerosols has been added.
- Chemicals under pressure: A new physical hazard class has been established for “Chemicals Under Pressure,” distinct from “Gases Under Pressure.”
WHMIS label information
The two types of WHMIS labels
A WHMIS label is the first warning to an employee about the potential hazards of a product and the necessary safety precautions. There are two types of labels: WHMIS supplier labels and WHMIS workplace labels. Both are essential for hazard communication, but they serve different purposes.
WHMIS supplier labels
Suppliers of hazardous products must apply labels that meet the requirements of the HPR. If the product is always used in its original container with the supplier label intact, no additional label is needed. A compliant supplier label must include six key pieces of information, provided in both English and French:
- Product identifier: The brand name, chemical name, or trade name of the product. This must match the identifier on the SDS.
- Initial supplier identifier: The name, address, and telephone number of the Canadian manufacturer or importer.
- Pictograms: Standardized hazard symbols within a red square set on one of its points.
- Signal word: Either “Danger” for high-risk hazards or “Warning” for less severe hazards.
- Hazard statements: Standardized phrases describing the nature of the hazard (for example, “Fatal if inhaled”).
- Precautionary statements: Standardized phrases describing measures to prevent or minimize harm (for example, “Wear protective gloves”).
Some classifications of WHMIS controlled substances require additional supplemental label information as well. Labels are essential for employers and workers to understand a product’s risks and how to handle it safely. Suppliers must update labels within 180 days of the supplier becoming aware of “significant new data” that changes the product’s hazard classification.
WHMIS workplace labels
A WHMIS workplace label is required when a hazardous product is created and used onsite, decanted into a new container, or when a supplier label is lost or damaged. The requirements for a workplace label are generally less detailed than for a supplier label, but are vital for onsite safety.
A workplace label must clearly display the product name, which should match the information found on the SDS. It also requires information about safe handling, which can include pictograms or other vital safety details. Additionally, it should refer to the SDS, informing users where they can locate more detailed information.
When is a workplace label not required?
There are only two situations when a workplace label isn’t necessary:
- Immediate use: The hazardous product is transferred to another container and used immediately.
- Personal control: The person who pours or decants the product uses it only during their shift, and it stays under their care and control. In these cases, the container must still display the product identifier.
Important notes for employers
An organization may have specific rules for container labelling that exceed the requirements of WHMIS. Also, remember that your provincial or territorial jurisdiction sets out workplace label requirements. Always check with your local regulatory authority for all the details.
Struggling to keep up with each new round of WHMIS updates?
WHMIS updates are ongoing, and further changes can be expected in the future. Although future updates might seem far off, having a plan to monitor legislation and adapt to changes is crucial. It helps reduce stress and makes implementing necessary changes easier for HR teams when new legislation introduces new requirements. Understanding the differences between supplier and workplace labels, keeping up with classification and safety data sheet (SDS) requirements, and grasping hazardous product labels helps protect your team and business. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about creating a safer, better-informed workplace for everyone.
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Confused by all the WHMIS updates in effect as of December 15, 2025?
Don’t worry. Our health and safety consultants have created a straightforward downloadable WHMIS Bulletin for 2025 that outlines everything you need to know. Download it today and see how easy it is to maintain compliance with the upcoming changes to WHMIS!