Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 lays down requirements for the compilation of safety data sheets, used to provide information on chemical substances and mixtures in the European Union.

The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), developed within the United Nations structure, sets out internationally harmonised criteria for the classification and labelling of chemicals and rules for safety data sheets.

The requirements for safety data sheets in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 should be adapted in accordance with the fifth revision of the GHS rules for safety data sheets.

On 1 June 2015, two conflicting amendments of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, one made by Article 59(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council2 and one made by Commission Regulation (EU) No 453/20103, will come into force simultaneously. To avoid confusion as to which version of Annex II applies, this Annex, in its amended form, needs to be replaced by a new Annex II.

To require economic operators who have already compiled safety data sheets to update these immediately in accordance with the amended Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 would impose a disproportionate burden. Accordingly, operators should be allowed to continue to use safety data sheets provided to any recipient before 1 June 2015 for a certain period.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established under Article 133 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006,