U.S. HazCom 2024 Update: Preparing for the January 2026 Compliance Deadline

On May 20, 2024, OSHA published its long-awaited final rule updating the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the 7th revision of the UN GHS. The update brings U.S. regulations closer to international alignment and introduces substantial changes to hazard classification, SDS content, and labelling requirements.

The changes are already in effect, and companies placing substances on the U.S. market have until 19 January 2026 to comply. Mixtures must be updated by 19 July 2027.

What’s New in HazCom 2024?

The revised standard introduces:

• Updated Hazard Classes and Criteria, including revised definitions for flammable gases, aerosols, and desensitised explosives

• Changes to Precautionary Statements and Label Formatting, designed to improve consistency and reduce redundancy

• SDS Format Enhancements, such as expanded Section 9 (Physical and Chemical Properties) and clearer thresholds in Section 3 (Composition/Information on Ingredients)

• New Requirements for Bulk Shipments and Small Containers, affecting labelling strategy and downstream communication

These changes affect chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers across all sectors.

Why It Matters

For industry, the 2024 update is not a minor administrative tweak—it has real operational impact:

• Substance Reclassification: Companies must reassess all hazardous substances under the updated criteria by January 2026.

• Documentation Overhaul: SDSs and labels must be rewritten or reformatted in line with the updated standard.

• Training Obligations: Workers must be trained on the new classifications and label elements to maintain OSHA compliance.

Risk of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply may result in penalties, liability, or delayed product release in U.S. markets.

How Yordas Supports HazCom Compliance

At Yordas Group, our Hazard Communication team supports global companies in aligning with OSHA’s updated standard, on time, and with minimal disruption.

For organisations managing complex portfolios or operating across jurisdictions, our Managed Service provides full-service hazard communication support. This includes:

• Continuous monitoring of regulatory updates (like HazCom 2024)

• Expert reclassification of substances and mixtures

• SDS and label authoring across all required formats

• Proactive stakeholder communication and document distribution

• Integration with your internal systems or platforms

Whether you’re updating SDSs for a U.S. facility, coordinating with global supply chains, or seeking to future-proof your documentation, our Managed Service ensures that nothing is missed—and your team stays focused on core priorities.

Don’t Wait for the Deadline

The 19 January 2026 deadline for substance compliance may seem distant, but updating classification strategies, revising documents, and training staff takes time. Additionally, get ahead, ease your mind and get in touch to discuss how we can update your mixture SDS ahead of the deadline.

Let our Managed Service take the pressure off. Contact our Hazard Communication team to discuss a tailored compliance plan that fits your business. Get in touch today by clicking here.

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