HazCom Compliance Deadlines for Chemical Industry

Posted on 1/9/2026 by Lion Technology Inc.

1/15/2026 Update:
OSHA published a Final Rule on January 15, 2026, to extend Hazard Communication compliance dates by four months. Find the updated compliance dates below.

Back in May of 2024, OSHA published a Final Rule to revise the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), aligning it primarily with the 7th Revised Edition of the Globally Harmonized System for Classifying and Labeling Chemicals or GHS. The Final Rule took effect July 19, 2024.

For workplaces subject to the OSHA HazCom regulations, like chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers, notable regulation changes relate to hazard classifications, container labels, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements, and more.

Employers need to comply with all revised HCS provisions including providing update training on new requirements for employees who are affected by the changes. There are four key compliance deadlines with regard to the May 2024 Final Rule.

Note: In another Final Rule on January 8, 2025, OSHA officially corrected several errors in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) that may have caused some confusion about chemical classification and errors in labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Two Compliance Deadlines for Manufacturers*

*Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must comply with all revised HCS provisions, including updating Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and container labeling, no later than:

~~January 19, 2026~~ May 19, 2026 (for substances)
- Updated by an OSHA Final Rule on January 15, 2026
~~July 19, 2027~~ November 19, 2027 (for mixtures)
- Updated by an OSHA Final Rule on January 15, 2026

Two Compliance Deadlines for Employers

Employers must update container labeling, employee training, and the workplace hazard communication program no later than:

~~July 20, 2026~~ November 20, 2026 (for substances)
- Updated by an OSHA Final Rule on January 15, 2026
~~January 19, 2028~~ May 19, 2028 (for mixtures)
- Updated by an OSHA Final Rule on January 15, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to HazCom

Get everything from this article and more in Lion’s Ultimate Guide to Hazard Communication which is updated to reflect all changes from the 2024 Final Rule that updated the HCS standard, like:

A new hazard class and four new categories
Revised regulations for labels on small containers
Labels on bulk chemical shipments
Container labels
Written HazCom Plans and Safety Data Sheets

Get the Guide

Updating OSHA HazCom Employee Training

Hazard Communication or “HazCom” training is required for all employees who work with or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals. Training must prepare employees to recognize chemical hazards by reading labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Employees must know how to use proper precautions and protections to prevent chemical exposure and injury at work. OSHA sets out requirements for HazCom training in 29 CFR 1910.1200(h). With the major revision to OSHA"s HazCom regulations taking effect in July 2024, update training is crucial to ensure employees can continue to identify and protect themselves from hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Tags: hazard communication, HazCom, osha, OSHA training

Find a Post

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Look beyond the annual "Top 10 List" to see specifics about the most cited OSHA health & safety Standards and the individual regulations that tripped up employers the most last year.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.