Implementation of GHS - US / NAFTA Activity

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Transport of Dangerous Goods

• The UNSETDG has included GHS implementation as part of its work plan.
• Transport Canada, US Department of Transport (DOT) and others are working on GHS implementation based on the UNSETDG work plan.

Consumer Chemicals

• Chairman of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) has publicly committed to working on GHS implementation.
• US CPSC resources have now been devoted to preparing their Situational Analysis.
• Ongoing bilateral discussion with the US CPSC

Pest Control Products

• Pest Control Products Sector Working Group is now preparing recommendations on which hazard classes and categories to adopt, based on a April 2005 summary document developed by PMRA.
• US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and PMRA have been actively involved in bilateral exchanges of information, ideas and progress reports.
• Document comparing PMRA and US EPA preliminary recommendations for change to implement the GHS in each system has been released.
• NAFTA Technical Working Group on Pesticides has included GHS on its workplan with a goal to achieving a harmonized process among NAFTA countries and to implement the GHS in a coordinated manner

Workplace Chemicals

• NAFTA Occupational Safety & Health Working Group is examining harmonization of hazard classification and communication requirements using the GHS as the basis for the discussion.
• 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.
• Bilateral discussions with US OSHA will start once US OSHA begins its formal considerations of changes to its system.