The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)

Overview

Chemicals, from their production to their handling, transport, and use, can pose a danger for human health and the environment.

Canada has worked with other countries to harmonize existing hazard communication systems on chemicals in order to develop a single, globally harmonized system to address classification of chemicals according to their hazards and communicate the related information through labels and safety data sheets.

After more than a decade of work, the new global system, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), was adopted by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in July 2003.

This GHS system is now ready for worldwide implementation. Many countries, including Canada, are beginning the task of harmonizing existing regulatory regimes within the GHS framework.

What you'll find here

This section has been designed to provide a single window for Stakeholders who are interested in the process and the progress of GHS implementation in Canada.

The Policy and Programme Services Office at Health Canada's Product Safety Programme serves as the national coordinator for the implementation of GHS in Canada. Contact us for more information or to provide your input on GHS.

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Implementation in Canada

Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word and Power Point (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.

Where are we now?

Activities for 2008	Status
Technical Consultations	underway
Development of Interim Recommendations	underway
Consultation with trading partners	underway
Consultation on implementation phase-in options	to be initiated
Economic analysis - baseline study	to be initiated

Next steps to support GHS implementation:

• Economic analysis (full study)
• Development of final recommendations
• Decision Making
• Draft Regulations
• Regulatory process
• Phasing in implementation

Additional Information

• Comparison of Sector Interim Recommendations or Preferred Options (23 February 2006) --- a summary of the results of the deliberations by the sectors affected by the implementation of the GHS. The technical consultations are not completed and the results are subject to change.
•  The GHS System at UN website.
• The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling document itself (the  Purple Book) can be found at the UN website. The third revised edition is now available.
• The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published a  proposed rule for the GHS implementation (PDF Version - 11390 K).
• On December 31st, 2008, the European Commission published  GHS Regulations (PDF Version - 6580 K).