WHMIS 2025 Deadline: Compliance Required Before December 15
On December 15, 2025, Canada will have reached the end of the three-year transition period for the latest Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulations that were first introduced in December 2022.
All workplaces that manufacture, import, distribute, or use hazardous products must meet the updated requirements to avoid penalties for non-compliance.
The Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) were amended in 2022 to align Canada’s hazard communication system with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System (GHS). If you’re a supplier, employer, or worker, now is the time to act.
What Is the Meaning of WHMIS?
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, which is Canada’s national standard for hazard communication. It ensures that hazardous products used in Canadian workplaces are properly classified and labelled, and that workers have access to up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
By aligning with GHS, WHMIS helps create global consistency in how chemical hazards are communicated. That means clearer information, better education, and safer workplaces across Canada.
From WHMIS 2015 to WHMIS 2022: What’s changed?
The original WHMIS 2015 system aligned with an earlier version of GHS. In December 2022, Canada updated the HPR to reflect the latest GHS standards. These updates modernize how hazardous products are classified and labelled.
Key changes include:
- New hazard classes, such as "chemicals under pressure"
- Updated flammable gas definitions
- Expanded SDS requirements (Sections 9 and 14)
- Mandatory disclosure of all hazardous ingredients above cut-off levels, even if they do not change the product’s classification
These changes aim to make hazard information more accurate, transparent, and accessible.
What Is the WHMIS 2025 Compliance Deadline - And Who Does It Apply To?
The transition to WHMIS 2022 began December 15, 2022, with a three-year transition period. That period ends at midnight on December 14, 2025. After this date:
- Only WHMIS 2022-compliant SDS and labels will be accepted
- Suppliers must fully adopt the new standards
- Employers and workers must have up-to-date certification to align with the new standards
Who Is Affected?
- Suppliers: Manufacturers, importers and distributors of hazardous products must ensure all products are properly classified, labelled, and supplied with compliant Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Employers: Responsible for ensuring all workplace labels and SDS are compliant
- Workers: Must be trained on the new hazard classes, symbols, and documentation
What Happens if You Don’t Comply With WHMIS 2025?
Non-compliance can carry serious legal and financial consequences:
- Fines of up to $5 million (on indictment) or $250,000 (summary conviction)
- Imprisonment of up to two years
- Product recalls or bans at the border
- Inspections, audits, and seizures by Health Canada or OHS regulators
- Civil liability for damages resulting from improper hazard communication
Officers and directors of non-compliant companies may also face personal legal responsibility.
What Should Employers and Workers Do?
Employers should:
- Audit current SDS and workplace labels
- Replace documents that do not align with WHMIS 2022
- Confirm suppliers are compliant
- Facilitate WHMIS education for all staff
Workers should:
- Participate in an up-to-date WHMIS course
- Learn to interpret new pictograms and SDS fields
- Be alert for product updates or revised labels
Why WHMIS Education Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Understanding the revised WHMIS system is critical for safety and compliance. With new hazard classes, stricter ingredient disclosure requirements, and updated label formats, up-to-date WHMIS education is a must-have for many roles.
Userve's WHMIS Certification course is updated for the latest federal and provincial standards, including new hazard classes and labelling formats.
Whether you're an individual worker or managing a team, staying compliant with WHMIS 2022 is essential. Userve helps you:
- Get certified quickly and efficiently
- Train multiple employees at once
- Track completion and download certificates
Don’t wait until the deadline arrives. Start your WHMIS compliance journey today with trusted, recognized WHMIS Certification from Userve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WHMIS stand for?
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.
Who enforces WHMIS in Canada?
Health Canada regulates suppliers; provinces and territories enforce employer compliance.
Do you need a WHMIS Certificate to comply with WHMIS 2022?
Yes. Changes made to labels, classifications and SDS under WHMIS 2022 mean up-to-date WHMIS Certification is required for anyone who uses or comes into contact with hazardous materials at work.
What happens after the WHMIS deadline?
From December 15, 2025, only WHMIS 2022-compliant products, labels and SDS are allowed. Non-compliant suppliers may face penalties or enforcement actions.
