Global GHS SDSs and Labelling - Global GHS - Chemicals

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.

GHS hazard pictograms

GHS hazard pictograms means a graphical composition that may include a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern or colour that is intended to convey specific information.

GHS pictograms for sectors other than transport are assigned a unique alphanumerical code (a total of 9 from GHS01 to GHS09). The pictogram code is intended to be used for references purposes. It is not part of the pictogram and should not appear on labels or in section 2 of the safety data sheet (SDS).

More details about the GHS hazard pictograms could be found here.

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
China	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.
EU	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.
Thailand	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

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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.

Further Information

Singapore to Implement UN GHS Rev.7

U.S. OSHA Amends Hazard Communication Standard to Align with GHS Rev. 7

What Do You Know About the GHS Hazard Pictograms?

Are You Ready for the Latest Approved GHS Regulation (UA CLP) in Ukraine？