WHMIS Update: Compliance Promotion Extended to 2027

Canadian businesses have additional time to work with Health Canada on implementing updated WHMIS requirements—but the regulations are already in effect. Health Canada has confirmed that it will continue focusing on compliance promotion for the amended Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) until November 19, 2027.

Why Health Canada Extended Its Approach

The announcement follows a decision by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to extend certain compliance deadlines under its updated Hazard Communication Standard.

For manufacturers, importers, distributors, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) authors supplying products to both Canada and the United States, this is a welcome development that helps support regulatory alignment between the two countries.

The Amended HPR Requirements Already Apply

The amended Canadian Hazardous Products Regulations were published in January 2023, incorporating the seventh revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), along with selected provisions from the eighth revised edition. The amendments included a three-year transition period that ended on December 14, 2025. As of December 15, 2025, hazardous products sold or imported into Canada must comply with the amended HPR, subject to applicable exemptions. Health Canada’s latest announcement does not change this legal requirement.

What Compliance Promotion Means for Businesses

Instead, Health Canada has indicated that it will continue emphasizing education, guidance, and compliance promotion with regulated parties until November 19, 2027. The Department has also made it clear that it retains the authority to take enforcement measures whenever warranted.

Health Canada’s decision to continue its compliance-promotion approach until November 19, 2027, is a positive development for companies navigating the implementation of updated Canadian and U.S. hazard communication requirements. The alignment provides additional time for regulatory education, communication, and coordination across North American supply chains.

Support for Your Hazard Communication Requirements

Keeping up with changes to Canadian WHMIS and U.S. OSHA HazCom requirements can be challenging, particularly for companies supplying products across international borders. ICC The Compliance Center can assist with SDS authoring and review, GHS classification, workplace label compliance, and hazard communication training to help businesses understand and meet their regulatory obligations.

Do your SDSs meet current requirements? Explore ICC’s SDS authoring and review services for support with WHMIS and OSHA HazCom compliance.