Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification & labelling of chemicals

GHS is a global system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labelling of chemicals, which has been developed and agreed at UN level. It defines physical, health and environmental hazards of chemicals and creates classification processes that use available data on chemicals and mixtures for comparison with the defined hazard criteria. Further it comprises communication of hazard information with symbols, signal words ("danger" or "warning," depending on the severity of the hazard), hazard statements as well as protective measures on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Although the GHS Document establishes agreed hazard classification and communication provisions with explanatory information on how to apply the system, implementation of GHS will not necessarily result in a uniform classification of substances all over the world. One reason is that the current form of GHS enables Competent Authorities to adapt the system to their individual needs. Countries can determine which of the GHS building blocks will be applied in their national systems. A second reason is that already existing national classification lists as Annex I of 67/548/EEC in Europe will also be part of national GHS.

The GHS implementation status on a country by country basis can be found on the UN website GHS implementation - UNECE