Chemical regulations

Americas

Colombia - Decreto 1496 de 2018 & Resolucion 773 de 2021

What is the regulatory framework for chemical safety in Colombia?

In Colombia, the management of chemical safety in the workplace is organized through the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), fully adopting its sixth revision (2015).

 

The main regulatory framework is established through two key legal instruments:

 

  • Decree 1496 of 2018: This decree formally adopts the Globally Harmonized System in Colombia, establishing the basis for the classification and hazard communication of chemicals at the national level.

  • Resolution 773 of 2021: Issued by the Ministry of Labor, this resolution defines the concrete actions that employers must implement for the application of the GHS in workplaces, in order to protect workers’ safety and health.

 

The main objective of this regulation is to standardize hazard communication, ensuring that information on chemical product risks is consistent, clear, and understandable for all workers.

What are the mandatory sections of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in Colombia?

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the fundamental technical document for hazard communication. In accordance with GHS guidelines, the SDS in Colombia must be in Spanish and must mandatorily include the following 16 sections, presented in the established order:

 

  1. Identificación del producto.

  2. Identificación del peligro o peligros.
  3. Composición/información sobre los componentes.
  4. Primeros auxilios.
  5. Medidas de lucha contra incendios.
  6. Medidas que deben tomarse en caso de vertido accidental.
  7. Manejo y almacenamiento
  8. Controles de exposición/protección personal.
  9. Propiedades físicas y químicas.
  10. Estabilidad y reactividad.
  11. Información toxicológica.
  12. Información ecotoxicológica.
  13. Información relativa a la eliminación de los productos.
  14. Información relativa al transporte.
  15. Información sobre la reglamentación.
  16.  Otras informaciones.

 

In addition, Resolution 773 of 2021 sets out specific requirements for SDSs in Articles 16 to 19.

How does Resolution 773 of 2021 address workplace labeling requirements?

Resolution 773 of 2021 establishes that all containers and packages of hazardous chemicals in the workplace must be labeled.

 

The label is the first level of information for the worker and must include the following GHS elements in Spanish:

 

  • Product identifier: Name of the substance or mixture.

  • Signal word: “Danger” or “Warning,” depending on the severity of the risk.
  • Hazard pictograms: Graphic symbols that communicate the nature of the hazard.
  • Hazard statements (H phrases): Standardized phrases that describe the nature of the hazards.
  • Precautionary statements (P phrases): Phrases that describe recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects.
  • Supplier information: Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer or importer in Colombia.

 

Additionally, Resolution 773 of 2021 sets criteria for label and pictogram size, criteria for the labeling of products not classified as hazardous, as well as the information sources to be used in the chemical hazard communication process.

What other relevant aspects exist in Colombia?

For Regulatory Affairs professionals, it is important to consider sector-specific regulations that may complement GHS requirements. For example, mass-use products such as pesticides, cleaning products, and cosmetics may be subject to additional regulations from other entities such as the National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (INVIMA) or the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), which establish specific labeling and registration requirements for commercialization.

 

Furthermore, Colombia is moving forward with the creation of a National Inventory of Industrial Use Chemical Substances (INSQUI) through Decree 1630 of 2021, a project that will allow greater control and knowledge of substances manufactured and imported in the country, which will be a key tool for chemical risk management in the future. It is essential to stay up to date on the development and implementation of this inventory, since the first version of INSQUI, the National Inventory of Chemical Substances, was created on May 31, 2025.

What are the mandatory training requirements in Colombia?

Training is a fundamental pillar of the system. In accordance with Article 21.7 of Resolution 773 of 2021 and Article 17 of Decree 1496 of 2018, employers have the inescapable obligation to train all workers who handle chemicals.

 

This training must ensure that employees can:

 

  • Correctly interpret label information and Safety Data Sheets.
  • Understand the specific hazards of the chemicals present in their work area.
  • Know and apply safe work procedures, the correct use of PPE, and the measures to take in case of an emergency.


This training must be periodic and updated whenever new products are introduced or work processes are modified.

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