The Importance of GHS

A common set of classification and communication

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. GHS is a system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates health and safety information on labels and safety data sheets). The goal is that the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) will be adopted and used around the world.

Many member states of the UN have already introduced GHS into national law and some of them with further country specific requirements. In the European Union, GHS is implemented in Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP). The CLP Regulation is phasing in new classification categories, hazard pictograms, signal words and hazard statements / precautionary statements through a transitional period.

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