GHS Chemical Classification System

Currently, the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) has become an international standard adopted by many countries. Its formal promotion began with the Implementation Plan approved at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held in Johannesburg on September 4, 2002, which urged countries to implement GHS as soon as possible.

Since then, GHS adoption has spread quickly worldwide. Countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Korea, the United States, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay, and the entire European Union have already incorporated the system into their regulatory frameworks. Although its application is global, significant differences exist in implementation timelines and adaptations made by each country.

The GHS was developed based on major existing regulatory frameworks, such as those of the United States, Canada, and the European Union, as well as the United Nations Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods.

Many governments have adjusted the GHS to align with their previous national legislation. A notable example is the European Union, which integrated the GHS through Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, incorporating elements from previous classification and labeling directives. Additionally, it was complemented by the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) regarding the content of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Despite these adaptations, the ongoing evolution of the GHS aims to achieve more complete and coherent regulatory harmonization globally. Over time, these differences are expected to disappear, facilitating a universal language for managing hazardous chemical products.

For more detailed information about the GHS, its applicable regulations, and implementation in the European Union, it is recommended to visit the official website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).