Oman Updates Paints, Adhesives, Coatings GHS Compliance Framework

Oman has updated its Global Harmonized System (GHS) requirements for Paints, Adhesives, Coatings to align with GCC standards, effective from the distribution date of the regulation.

Compliance Requirements for GHS in Oman: Paints, Adhesives, and Coatings

Oman has aligned its Global Harmonized System (GHS) requirements for paints, adhesives, coatings, and other chemical products with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards, effective from the distribution date of the regulation. These requirements are governed by the GSO 2654:2023 standard, issued by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), and are enforceable under Omani law, including Royal Decree No. 46/95, Royal Decree No. 114/2001, and Administrative Resolution No. 50/2023¹.

1. Scope and Applicability

The GSO 2654:2023 standard applies to all substances and mixtures (including paints, adhesives, and coatings) supplied, used, or manufactured in Oman, except where other GCC legislation imposes more specific rules. Exemptions include:

• Radioactive substances and mixtures,
• Non-isolated intermediates,
• Substances/mixtures for scientific research and development,
• Consumer products (e.g., medicinal/veterinary products, cosmetics, detergents, food, or feedstuffs),
• Articles (though Safety Data Sheets (SDS) may be provided voluntarily)¹.

Key Point: No exemptions exist for paints, adhesives, or coatings—these must comply with GHS classification and labeling requirements¹.

2. Classification Requirements

2.1. Hazard Classes and Criteria

The standard adopts the United Nations GHS (7th Revised Edition, 2017) for classifying substances and mixtures based on:

• Physical hazards (e.g., flammability, corrosivity),
• Health hazards (e.g., acute toxicity, skin corrosion, carcinogenicity),
• Environmental hazards (e.g., aquatic toxicity)^{1, 2}.

Table 1: Key Health Hazard Categories (GSO 2654:2023)¹

Note: Classification must follow GHS criteria and may reference harmonized lists (e.g., Annex VI of the EU CLP Regulation for substances with pre-classified hazards)¹.

3. Hazard Communication Requirements

3.1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Format and Content

• 16 mandatory sections (fixed order), aligned with GSO ISO 11014:2013:
  1. Identification,
  2. Hazard(s) identification,
  3. Composition/information on ingredients,
  4. First-aid measures,
  5. Fire-fighting measures,
  6. Accidental release measures,
  7. Handling and storage,
  8. Exposure controls/personal protection,
  9. Physical and chemical properties,
  10. Stability and reactivity,
  11. Toxicological information,
  12. Ecological information,
  13. Disposal considerations,
  14. Transport information,
  15. Regulatory information,
  16. Other information (including revision history)¹.

Key SDS Requirements

• Language: Arabic and English (or the official language of the GCC country where the product is placed on the market)¹.
• Units: International System of Units (SI) or GCC-appropriate units¹.
• Revisions: Must include:
  • Revision date and version number,
  • Clear indication of changes (either in Section 16 or at the modified section)¹.
• No blank subsections: Subheadings with no information may be omitted¹.

Example: Stability and Reactivity (Section 10)

• Must state:
  • Chemical stability under normal conditions,
  • Hazardous reactions (e.g., polymerization, pressure/heat release),
  • Incompatible materials (e.g., acids, oxidizers),
  • Conditions to avoid (e.g., temperature, shock)¹.

3.2. Labeling Requirements

General Rules

• Label Definition: Written, printed, or graphic material firmly attached to the product container¹.
• Language: Arabic and English (or the official language of the GCC country)¹.
• Hazard Communication Elements:
  • Product identifier (name, CAS number, etc.),
  • Supplier identification (name, address, phone number),
  • Hazard pictograms (GHS symbols),
  • Signal words ("Danger" or "Warning"),
  • Hazard statements (e.g., "H318: Causes serious eye damage"),
  • Precautionary statements (max 6, unless more are necessary due to severity)¹.

Precautionary Statements

• Selected based on hazard statements and product use,
• May be combined for clarity (e.g., "Wear protective gloves/eye protection")^{1, 2}.

Supplemental Information

• Additional national/regional requirements may apply (e.g., Oman-specific storage instructions)¹.

4. Harmonized Classification and Substance Lists

• Substances with harmonized classifications (e.g., listed in Annex VI of the EU CLP Regulation) must use the corresponding hazard statements and labeling elements¹.
• Mixtures must be self-classified (no harmonized classification applies, except for aqueous solutions of certain substances)¹.

Note: Oman does not maintain a national SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) list but may reference the EU Candidate List for guidance.

5. Compliance Timeline and Enforcement

5.1. Effective Date

• The GSO 2654:2023 standard is effective from its distribution date (exact date not specified in sources; stakeholders should verify with the GSO or Omani authorities)¹.

5.2. Enforcement Authorities

• Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) (under Royal Decree No. 114/2001),
• Directorate General of Standards and Metrology (DGSM) (under Royal Decree No. 46/95),
• Other relevant agencies (e.g., customs for import/export controls)¹.

5.3. Penalties

• Non-compliance may result in:
  • Product seizure,
  • Fines (amounts not specified in sources),
  • Legal action under Administrative Resolution No. 50/2023¹.

6. Summary Table: Key Compliance Requirements

Summary Answer

Oman’s GHS requirements for paints, adhesives, and coatings are governed by GSO 2654:2023, which aligns with the UN GHS (7th Revised Edition, 2017) and GCC standards. Key obligations include:

1. Classification of substances/mixtures into physical, health, and environmental hazards using GHS criteria^{1, 2}.
2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with 16 mandatory sections, provided in Arabic and English, and updated to reflect revisions¹.
3. Labeling with GHS pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements (max 6, unless more are necessary)¹.
4. Compliance enforcement by MECA and DGSM, with penalties for non-compliance under Royal Decree No. 114/2001 and Administrative Resolution No. 50/2023¹.

The regulation applies immediately from its distribution date, with no exemptions for paints, adhesives, or coatings¹. Stakeholders should consult the GSO or Omani authorities for the exact effective date and additional national requirements.

Sources

1. ↩ Update of GCC draft regulation for The Global Harmonized system (GHS) in Gulf Cooperation council (GCC) countries. In English (45 pages) & in Arabic (50 pages). https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2024/TBT/OMN/24_03324_00_e.pdf
2. ↩ Update of GCC draft regulation for The Global Harmonized system (GHS) in Gulf Cooperation council (GCC) countries https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2023/TBT/OMN/23_13318_00_e.pdf