WHMIS became law effective October 31, 1988 through a series of federal, provincial and territorial legislation.  Changes to WHMIS requirements in the OHS Code to reflect WHMIS 2015, came into force on June 1, 2018.

The majority of the information requirements of WHMIS legislation were incorporated into the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, which apply to all of Canada.  Suppliers, employers and workers all have specified responsibilities in the Hazardous Materials Products Act.

The occupational health and safety components of WHMIS that apply federally are specified in the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Part 10)

The Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 29, Section 395 - 414, apply to workers covered by the provincial jurisdictions.