The Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (The GHS) - Implementation of the GHS in Canada

Report from the Rapporteurs

WHMIS

Training

• Consistency
• Certification

Timing

• Synchronization with the U.S.
• Realistic milestones

Classification

• Eliminate WHMIS specific requirements
• (IDL, hatched border, 3 year review)

Cost & Benefit

• No benefit if no U.S.
• Impact Analysis with Industry

Label Text

• Library of standardized phrases
• No hatched border

CBI

• HMIRC

Harmonization

• Provinces and NAFTA
• Reciprocity agreement between countries

Consumer Chemicals

THEMES

• Harmonization
  • Sectors, departments, NAFTA
• Minimization of Impact
  • Costs, retailer impact
• Communication
  • Training, education
• Co-ordination/Timing
  • NAFTA, sectors, process

THEMES

• Classification Basis
  • Testing, hazard & risk, which building blocks, professional judgement
• Transition
• Risk-based Communication
• Scope
  • Harmonizing issues outside of GHS

SOLUTIONS/OPTIONS

• Develop workplan with timelines, goals and scope
• Harmonize timelines with NAFTA
• Immediately approach U.S. for proactive discussions, e.g. HC/CPSC effort
• Develop regulatory options paper
• Need multinational/sectoral/departmental forum

SOLUTIONS/OPTIONS

• Identify differences that are "show-stoppers" and address now
• Identify approach for risk-based labelling using existing systems
• Identify differences and similarities between sectors - one regulation for common elements, separate reg'n for differences

Pest Control Products

Pesticides - GHS themes

• Harmonization/Coordination
• Resources (Industry & Gov't)
• Implementation mechanism & timing
• Education
• Consultation process
• Classification criteria

Pesticides - solutions/options

• Harmonization/coordination
  • Between sectors: timelines, standard label/SDS
  • Between countries: NAFTA TWG to add GHS... .
  • F/P/T: regulations, timelines, high-level consultation

Pesticides - solutions/options

• Resources
  • Cost/benefit analysis
  • No cost-recovery
  • Self certification
  • Implement only mandatory items
  • Suspend ongoing labelling regulations

Pesticides - solutions/options

• Implementation mechanism and timing
  • Industry discretion for impl. of changes
  • No deadline on "sell-through"
  • Self certification
  • Adequate transition period

Pesticides - solutions/options

• Education
  • Training across all sectors (national standard)
  • Effective consumer training programs
• Consultation process
  • Sectoral working group (broad participation)
  • Coordination among sect. wg

Pesticides - solutions/options

• Classification criteria
  • Make available central classification lists
  • Analyze existing data meets GHS criteria

Transportation of Dangerous Goods

[TDG file was corrupted and then rescued - may not be complete]

THEMES

Classification
Implementation/Transition
Reciprocity / Harmonization
Safety Marks
Training / Capability / Resources
Cost Management
Documentation & Communication

Options / Solutions

Wish List

• many wishes, primarily centered around minimal change impacts and provisions to ease transition (like 3-year lead-in time for classification changes, grandfathering of containment and pre-marked packages, phased-in training across the existing 3-year cycle, etc.)
• common desire for complete, thorough and timely communication and understandable interpretation of requirements (e.g. websites with FAQs, interpretations of requirements, newsletters, etc.)
• central co-ordination across all Canadian sectors
• GHS implementation at minimal cost
• Retention of current TDG exemptions in classification, documentation, and safety marks
• implementation at the same time and in the same way across all Canadian F/P/T and globally
• if we cant get harmonization with major trading partners, theres no point in proceeding in Canada

Other Issues

GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME !!