GHS nonanimal testing working group
OSHA is leading efforts in the U.S. to update and expand the use of nonanimal test data for the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA participated in meetings convened by the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS in 2024 and 2025 to harmonize international standards on safe handling of chemicals. OSHA held multiple public meetings to receive input from U.S. stakeholders in advance of the international meetings. The most recent hazard classes to be updated for use of nonanimal methods include skin sensitization and germ cell mutagenicity. Updates were also made to the introductory chapter that provides overarching principles to be considered when developing chemical hazard classifications. The update of the GHS chapter on skin sensitization was finalized in 2024, which included new in vitro tests and nontesting methods for classifying hazards. Guidance on the use of in silico methods and defined approaches was also included in the updated chapter. The update to the germ cell mutagenicity chapter is expected to be finalized by the end of 2026 and will include enhanced use of in vitro methods and other NAMs. Guidance of the use of these methods is being included in this update.