Latest Updates on the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals in China: Five Chemicals Proposed for Inclusion, Public Comments Solicited

On January 21, 2026, China's Ministry of Emergency Management, in conjunction with nine other departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, jointly issued an announcement. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals, the announcement proposes to include five chemicals into the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals, aiming to further strengthen the control of safety risks associated with hazardous chemicals. Public comments are now being solicited on this proposal. Furthermore, the Ministry of Emergency Management will correspondingly supplement and improve the Hazardous Chemicals Classification Information Table.

Information on the Chemicals Proposed for Addition to the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals:

Background

With the rapid development of the economy and society, many new chemicals continue to emerge, some of which possess high hazards and urgently require enhanced management. From June to September 2025, the Ministry of Emergency Management organized research on these five chemicals. Considering factors such as their hazardous properties, risks in production, storage, and transportation, as well as their production and usage both domestically and internationally, the Ministry proposed to include these chemicals in the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals for management. Subsequently, from September to December 2025, opinions were sought and consensus was reached with nine departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and provincial-level emergency management departments. Concurrently, the National Development and Reform Commission was requested to conduct an assessment on the consistency of the proposal with macro policy orientations.

Definition of Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals refer to highly toxic chemicals and other chemicals that possess properties such as toxicity, corrosiveness, explosiveness, flammability, or combustion-supporting qualities, and are hazardous to human health, facilities, and the environment. Any chemical included in the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals, or that conforms to the principles for confirming hazardous chemicals, is classified as a hazardous chemical.

The latest version of the Catalog of Hazardous Chemicals can be accessed via the following website:

https://www.chemradar.com/tools/cis/inv/6489651dbc1d7cdaf02f0ab6

Management Requirements

According to the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals, enterprises involved in the production, storage, use, trade, or transportation of hazardous chemicals must legally complete relevant procedures such as hazardous chemical registration and license applications. They are also required to implement necessary safety measures, equip specialized facilities and protective equipment to prevent safety risks at the source.

Solicitation of Comments and Implementation Arrangements

The specific implementation date of this announcement has not yet been determined. If you have any opinions or suggestions, please fill out the opinions and reasons in the attached Comment Form and submit your feedback through the officially announced channels by February 21, 2026.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Further Information

MEM