What is GHS
GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) is a technical guidance published in 2003 by the United Nations (UN), also referred to as the UN GHS/purple book, which is used to address the classification of chemicals by types of hazard and harmonized hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets. Now the lastest version is the 10th rev. UN GHS. It aims at providing a basis for harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals at national, regional and worldwide level.
Global GHS Implementation
GHS provides the flexibility to allow countries to adopt the building blocks that they require to meet domestic requirements. There may be differences in categories adopted by different countries. However, the overall information such as label elements (pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements) are harmonized.
The main areas and countries like Europe Union, US, Japan, Korea, China, Brazil, etc. have continuously implemented GHS. In the other words, almost all the industrial countries in the world have implemented GHS or will implement GHS very soon. Even though it is called a "harmonized system", every country or area still has its own specific requirement, such as language or some differences in regulation details.
Areas |
Implementation Time |
Standards/Regulations |
Specific Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
November 1st 2014 |
GB 30000.2-29-2013 GB/T 16483-2008 GB/T 17519-2013 |
Mandatory classification for chemicals listed in the Hazardous chemical inventory (2015). A 24H Emergency Phone Number. Language in Chinese. |
|
2010.12.1 (Substance) 2015.6.1 (Mixture) |
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 |
Refer to CLP Annex VI for mandatory classification of listed chemicals. Languages of member states are required. |
|
US |
2015.6.1 |
Hazcom 2012 |
First Aid and Fire Prevention Information are required on the label. Language in English. |
Japan |
2017.1.1 |
JIS Z 7252-2019 JIS Z 7253-2019 |
Some substances have recommended classifications. Language in Japanese. |
Korea |
2010.6.30 (Substance) 2013.6.30 (Mixture) |
MOEL NO. 2023-9 |
Refer to mandatory classification list for toxic subtances. Language in Korean |
Canada |
2015.2.11 (grace period until 2017.5.31) |
WHMIS 2015 |
Language in English and French. |
Turkey |
2015.6.1(Substance) 2016.6.1(Mixture) |
SEA No. 31330 |
Refer to CLP Annex VI. |
Brazil |
2015.6.1 |
NBR 14725:2023 |
Language in Portuguese. |
Mexico |
Not mandatory |
NOM-018-STPS-2015 |
Language in Spanish. |
Malaysia |
2015.4.17 |
CLASS 2013 ICOP 2019 |
Refer to ICOP 2014 mandatory classification list. Language in English and Malay. |
2013(Substance) 2017.3.13(Mixture) |
B.E.2555 |
Language in Thai. |
|
Indonesia |
2010(Substance) 2017.12.31(Mixture) |
Regulation No. 23/M-IND/PER/4/2013 |
Language in Indonesian |
Taiwan |
2014.7.3 |
CNS 15030 |
Language in Traditional Chinese |
Our Services
- SDS/Label Authoring
- EU CLP-REGULATION (EC) No 1272/2008
- China GHS-GB/T 17519-2013&GB/T16483-2008
- Japan GHS-JIZ Z 7253:2019
- Korea GHS-MOEL NO.2023-9
- Taiwan GHS-CNS 15030
- US GHS- Hazcom 2012
- Canada GHS- WHMIS 2015
- Turkey GHS- SEA No. 31330
- Brazil GHS- NBR 14725:2023
- Mexico GHS- NOM-018-STPS-2015
- Malaysia GHS- CLASS 2013
- Thailand GHS- B.E. 2555
- Indonesia GHS- Regulation No. 23/M-IND/PER/4/2013 & Order No. 04/BIM/PER/1/2014
- Vietnam GHS - Circular No. 04/2012/TT-BCT & Decree No. 43/201/ND-CP & Circular No. 32/2017/TT-BCT
- Singapore GHS - SS586: 2022
- Australia GHS - WHS Regulations 2023
- New Zealand GHS - Hazardous Substances (Hazard Classification) Notice 2020 & Hazardous Substances (Safety Data Sheets) Notice 2017 & Hazardous Substances (Labelling) Notice 2017
- GHS of other countries and areas: Russia, South-East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, etc.