Background of the Globally Harmonized System for the Labelling and Classification of Chemicals

The GHS system was developed at UN-level. Its ultimate goal is to create a Globally Harmonized System for Classification and labelling of chemicals, with Safety Data Sheets and easily understandable symbols. The GHS system includes substances and preparations and it also covers biocides and pesticides. GHS is a hazard based system with 4 classes: consumers; transport; emergency; and workplace. Within the 4 classes hazard categories are established. The GHS system in fact brings together the EU, US, Canadian and transport sector system into one system.

The GHS system allows each country to decide which categories of GHS they want to implement into their national legislations, this is called the Building Block Approach (GHS 2005, chapter: 1.1.3.1.5). The European Commission has stated that they do not want to implement all categories, despite the fact that many countries outside EU also developing countries without any existing classification systems are introducing the complete GHS system.

The European Commission wants the GHS system to enter into force parallel to the implementation of the new EU chemical legislation (REACH). REACH will enter into force 1 June 2007.