Implementation of GHS - International Activity

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International Mandate

• 1992 UNCED Agreement, endorsed by the UN General Assembly:
  
  A globally-harmonized hazard classification and compatible labelling system, including material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000.
  
  Programme Area B, Chapter 19, Agenda 21

Global Implementation Objective

• UN Economic and Social Council endorsed the GHS in July 2003
• The World Summit on Sustainable Development:
  Encourage all countries to implement the GHS as soon as possible with a view to have the system fully operational by 2008.

Linkages with Other Initiatives

• The GHS is a good example of applying the federal initiative of Smart Regulation, namely of international regulatory cooperation.
• Included in the Security and Prosperity Partnership.
• Included in the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).

North America

• NAFTA
  • NAFTA Technical Working Group on Pesticides has included GHS on its work plan with a goal to achieving a harmonized process among NAFTA countries and to implement the GHS in a coordinated manner.
  • NAFTA Occupational Safety & Health Working Group is examining harmonization of hazard classification and communication requirements using the GHS as the basis for the discussion.
• US
  • Chairman of the US CPSC has publicly committed to working on GHS implementation. Resources have now been devoted to preparing their Situational Analysis.
  • Document comparing PMRA and US EPA preliminary recommendations for change to implement the GHS in each system has been released.
  • The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US OSHA) has included GHS implementation in its Regulatory Agenda. An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected in the near future.
• Mexico
  • Participating in the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the GHS (UNSEGHS).
  • Ongoing discussions concerning which Ministry should take the lead for this file.
• Canada - to follow...

Europe

European Union

• Goal: GHS will be implemented as close as possible to REACH (new chemicals legislation).
• Public internet consultation on draft legal text and technical annexes expected by July 2006.
• Formal Commission proposal expected Fall 2006.

The Russian Federation

• The Russian Federation participates in the UNSEGHS.
• Workshop on Implementation of the GHS in the Russian Federation was held in 2005 to provide an overview of the GHS and its requirements, to discuss GHS implementation in the Russian Federation and to identify capacity building needs in industry and state authorities for successful GHS implementation. Central & Eastern European Countries
• GHS implementation workshop to held in 2006-2007.

Central & Eastern European Countries

• GHS implementation workshop to held in 2006-2007.

Asia

• Japan
  • Japan is a member of the UNSEGHS.
  • Established an inter-Ministerial committee.
  • Translated the GHS into Japanese.
  • Many activities working towards GHS implementation.
  • Japan has been actively involved in a number of GHS training initiatives in the ASEAN region.
• China
  • GHS Implementation Workshop in March 2005 which brought all relevant Ministries together for the first time to discuss GHS implementation.
  • China is a member of the UNSEGHS.
• ASEAN Region
  • Region is working together toward regional GHS implementation.
  • Regional Workshop on GHS implementation held in October 2005.
  • Two-year project (2005-2007) to strengthen capacities in ASEAN countries for implementing the GHS executed by UNITAR with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland and the European Union.
  • UNITAR pilot country projects in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia
• Arabic Speaking Countries
  • GHS implementation workshop planned for 2006-2007.

Australia and New Zealand

• Australia
  • Workplace chemicals sector is currently developing a new National Standard and Code of Practice which will be the basis for workplace chemical regulations in each of the Australian, State and Territory governments.
  • The code of practice will provide guidance on labelling workplace chemicals consistent with the GHS.
  • Ongoing progress in other chemical sectors with regular consultation between policy developers and the regulators of the different sectors.
• New Zealand
  • GHS has been introduced into New Zealand law.
  • Final implementation of all GHS requirements will be completed in 2008.

Africa

• SADC held GHS Implementation Workshop with both national and regional focus.
• South Africa views the implementation of the GHS as part of its Chemicals management system and are actively working toward a harmonized legislative implementation strategy, nationally and regionally.
• Zambia was the first UNITAR pilot country and is working toward GHS implementation but will be waiting for a SADC regional approach.
• Nigeria, Senegal and the Gambia are UNITAR pilot countries and as such have developed a detailed National Action Plan and are actively working on GHS implementation.
• GHS workshop for the West African Regions (ECOWAS) is under consideration for this fiscal year.

South America

• South American GHS Implementation workshop held in 2004 with both a national and regional focus.
• Involved both the countries of MERCOSUR and the ANDEAN communities.
• Brazil is vice-Chair of the UNSEGHS
  • Conducted many awareness-raising and training seminars
  • Have established a national coordinating committee which is working on GHS implementation in the various sectors.