3M GHS Update

Some of you may have heard through distributors that the system for labeling chemical products is changing. The rumors
and internet searches are correct, labeling for Chemical Products is changing.

In May 2012, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) aligned its existing Hazard Communication
Standard with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The result is the new
Hazard Communication Standard 2012 (HazCom 2012). As a result of this change, OSHA will now require one
standardized format for safety data sheets (SDSs) and prescribed wording and hazard symbols on labels. This will require
significant changes to all 3M safety data sheets (US) and industrial labels. This change affects professional chemical
products.

Two factors are changing as part of the GHS mandate. The labeling of the chemical product and the change from the old
MSDS is to a more extensive SDS (Safety Data Sheet).

3M is committed to complying with the requirements of HazCom 2012 and will ensure compliance by OSHA’s deadline of
June 1, 2015. 3M will phase in HazCom 2012 compliant safety data sheets (SDSs) and labels over a period of time. During
this period you can expect to see both old and new format SDSs and labels.

This describes the basic situation relevant to this mandated change. The implications of the change go further and there
are factors that we all need to be aware of.

All hazardous chemicals shipped after June 1, 2015 must be labeled with specified elements including pictograms,
signal words and hazard precautionary statements.
Manufacturers may start using the new labeling system before June 1, 2015.
Manufacturers may continue to ship product with the previous labeling requirements (HazCom 1994) until June 1,
2015.
Distributors may continue to ship containers labeled by the manufacturer in compliance with the HazCom 1994
regulations until December 1, 2015.
Product in distributor inventory that was labeled by 3M under the HazCom 1994 standard cannot be sold by the
distributor after December 1, 2015.
Many of our FAC&S part numbered items are not returnable. A listing of these part numbers is included with the
return goods policy portion of A-2 and AW price files. With that said returns of eligible 3M Automotive and Marine
part numbered items will not be accepted after May 1, 2015.
Any returns processed, authorized and received by 3M on or before May 1, 2015 will receive a 20% restocking
assessment if returned in conformance with the 3M AAD Return Goods Policy.
It goes without saying that we do not want returns and the distributor does not want to return and absorb the
restocking charge of 20%. Distribution could effectively lower their selling price by up to 20% and come out equal
to or better than returning to 3M. Add in part numbers that are not in full cases and the original carton and it is
even more compelling to sell out as the new item packaging comes into stock.
This is a case of rotating inventories so the old is the first sold. It applies to store inventories just as much as
warehouse inventories. Distribution has to take this seriously or they run the risk of a severe inventory write off.
Please see the accompanying Power Point presentation for additional information. You can also obtain information
at 3M collision/GHS.com.
The new SDS documents that take the place of the former MSDS documents will be sent to distributors that
ordered an effected part number or order an effected part number for the first time after June 1, 2015.
3M.collision.com is another source for the new SDS documents.
We will NOT be making mass mailings of all the transition SDS documents.
This change in SDS documents and in the package label does not affect consumer part numbered items in the
Auto Care, Auto Care Fillers or Meguiar’s Retail categories.
Each Division of 3M is responsible for changing the labeling and the SDS documents for the products they
manufacture. The details described to you in this marketing message, the power point and the letter to distribution
are applicable to AAD manufactured chemical professional products. Corporate Regulatory has been involved in
this project and we anticipate each Division will be proceeding in a manner similar to AAD.

We know this all seems more complicated than it should be. Complication arises because it is a mandated change and
because of the lead times involved that extend well into 2015 and even to December of 2015. However, if we all are familiar
with how this is intended to work out and counsel distribution to sell out the old before selling any of the new it will turn out well
for us all.

1
We will do a direct mailer to distribution, but your forwarding of the letter to distribution is appreciated. Reminders will come
out on a regular basis. We cannot remind distribution enough. It may actually help that all chemical companies selling in the
automotive aftermarket are subject to the same new regulations.

Regards,

3M AAD Sales and Marketing

GHS FAQ’s

What is GHS?
GHS is the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) developed to promote a universal
standard for hazard communication around the world. However, the standard is not Deletecompulsory and participating
countries are allowed to adopt only portions of it. Therefore, while GHS is a significant step toward the development of a
single global standard, GHS will not lead to true global harmonization of hazard classification and hazard communication.Do
you need the last sentence at all?

Is GHS relevant to North America?

Yes. In May 2012, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) aligned its existing Hazard
Communication Standard with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The result
is the new Hazard Communication Standard 2012 (HazCom 2012). As a result of this change, OSHA will now require one
standardized format for safety data sheets (SDSs) and prescribed wording and hazard symbols on labels. As with the old
standard, HazCom 2012 does not apply to consumer products.
Canada is expected to align its existing hazard communication standard with GHS by early 2014, but as of yet final regulation
and implementation dates have not been published. Canada does not have a specific date for the release of their new
regulation as the change requires parliamentary approval. Differences between US and Canadian adoption of GHS are
expected.

What is the impact on 3M Company?

As a chemical product manufacturer/importer, 3M Company will be required to evaluate the hazards of every industrial and
commercial product according to HazCom 2012 and where appropriate prepare labels and SDSs in the new format to convey
the hazard information to downstream users. 3M is committed to complying with the requirements of HazCom 2012 and will
ensure compliance by OSHA's deadline of June 1, 2015.

As a customer, what changes can I expect to see?

The new HazCom 2012 will lead to significant changes to all 3M Company SDSs and industrial and commercial hazard
warning labels. 3M Company will phase in HazCom 2012 compliant SDSs and labels over a period of time. During this
period you can expect to see both old and new format SDSs and labels. As with the old standard, HazCom 2012 does not
apply to consumer products. Therefore, consumer labels will remain unchanged.

Where can I get more information about 3M Company’s GHS implementation?

This page will provide GHS related information to our customers. We will update the page as new information regarding the
GHS implementation process becomes available. At the bottom of the page you will find important GHS related documents
available to download.
If you have further questions, please contact your sales representative, customer service at 1-800-362-3550, or submit your
inquiry online via the "contact us" button.Is this the right customer service phone? I had 800-524-6429?