GHS - the status quo

The protection of human health and the environment by way of an internationally harmonised approach, and to provide a basis to ensure safe use of chemicals, is the objective of the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS).

It is more than a decade since the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) encouraged countries to adopt the first edition of GHS in 2002 to implement the system as soon as possible. Since then, the pace of implementing has varied across countries. Despite harmonised hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets (SDSs), when it comes to compliance with national requirements, the details are still what matter.

Read the full article by Dr Judith Breuer, published by Chemical Watch, Global Business Briefing, REACH & CLP Hub, November 2016.