Implementation of GHS - Canadian Activity

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Objectives of Canadian Implementation of the GHS

• Harmonization to the greatest extent possible between the sectors.
• Harmonization to the greatest extent possible between the NAFTA countries and other trading partners.

Who is involved? - Key Sectors

Health Canada

• Consumer Chemical Products
• Pest Control Products
• Workplace Chemicals (WHMIS)

Transport Canada

• Transport of Dangerous Goods

Governance Overview: GHS Implementation in Canada

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Decision Making

• The Canadian recommendations in each sector may need to be revisited:
  • as the US considers GHS implementation in their respective sectors and as information on their deliberations becomes available,
  • as we work with our US and Mexican colleagues on a NAFTA approach.
• Results of technical consultations and economic analysis will form recommendations for Minister's decision.
• Implementation decisions may require amendments to Regulations via normal regulatory process (CPR, CCCR, Pest Control Products Regulations).

Canadian Implementation - Where are we now...

• Situational Analysis August 2003
  • Comparison of the existing systems in Canada to the GHS.
  • Identify possible issues which require discussion during the implementation of the GHS in Canada
• Multi-stakeholder Workshop October 2003
• Technical consultations with the multi-stakeholder Sectoral Working Groups to develop interim recommendations are almost complete

Workplan - Where are we now?

• Technical Consultations and Interim Recommendations being developed
• Next steps:
  • Consultation on implementation phase-in options
  • Consultation with trading partners
  • Economic analysis
  • Development of final recommendations
  • Decision Making
  • Draft Regulations
  • Regulatory process
• Phasing in implementation

Ad hoc Expert Groups

• Chronic Hazards for Consumer Chemicals
  • Consensus to include chronic hazards for consumer chemicals
  • Consideration of hazard vs. risk based approach
• Environmental Hazard Classification/Labelling
  • Is there a need?

Harmonization Between the Sectors

• Document comparing the interim recommendations or preferred options has been prepared.
  • Represents the status of the discussions as of February 23, 2006.
  • Recognizes that the technical consultations are not complete and the results are subject to change.
• Generally there is harmonization between the sectors.
  • Differences are due to:
    • Sectors wanting to maintain the current levels of protection/coverage.
    • Products that are exempt from a particular piece of legislation.
    • The scope of hazards covered by the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
    • Whether a sector decides to include hazards found in the GHS but not currently covered by their system.
• On March 1, 2006, the document was released to stakeholders and the multistakeholder General Issues Committee.

Canadian GHS Website

• www.healthcanada.ca/ghs
• www.santecanada.ca/sgh

The GHS Document

ST/SG/AC.10/30/Rev.1

Website:

• www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev01/01files_e.html