UN GHS - Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

The UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an international system created by the UN to address the classification of chemicals by types of hazard and harmonize hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets. It aims at providing a basis for harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals at national, regional and worldwide level, an important factor also for trade facilitation. GHS has been introduced to many countries/regions such as Europe, USA, China, Japan and Korea, etc via their own legislation or standards.

UN GHS comprises standards for:

• Classification of chemicals based on their hazards;
• Labeling requirements;
• Safety Data Sheet Requirements;.

UN GHS is updated frequently and the latest version was the 9th revised edition released in 2021. Please click to know more information about the GHS 9th Revised Edition.

Classification

GHS classifies chemicals based on physical hazards, health hazards and environmental hazards. The latest edition of UN GHS contains criteria for the following classifications of hazards:

For example, the classification criteria for flammable liquids are listed as follows:

After a chemical has been classified, standard hazard statements and codes will be assigned to describe the hazards of a hazardous product and the degree of hazard. The hazard statements will then be used in Safety Data Sheet and on the label.

Note: GHS classifications for different chemical substances can be searched via CIRS's ChemRadar GHS Classification Search Tool.

Building Blocks

GHS provides the flexibility to allow countries to adopt the building blocks that they require to meet domestic requirements. There may be differences in categories adopted by different countries. However, the overall information such as label elements (pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements) are harmonized.

One example is listed as follows:

Labelling

A typical GHS label shall contain the following elements at least:

• Product identifier;
• Supplier identification;
• Signal word;
• Hazard pictogram (black symbol with a white background and red frame);
• Hazard statements;
• Precautionary statements;
• Other additional information required by different authorities.

Notes:

• In case of small and awkward packaging, some elements may be omitted.
• For inner packaging, only GHS labels are required;
• For outer packaging, transport marks and labels are usually required; Some authorities may also require GHS labels if there is no transport label;
• For single packaging, transport label and hazard pictogram may appear on the same GHS label; In the event that transport label and GHS hazard pictogram represents the same hazard, GHS hazard pictogram can be omitted.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Safety Data Sheet is very important hazard communication document to inform its audience of the hazards of a substance or mixture and provide information on the safe storage, handling and disposal of the substance or a mixture. GHS provides guidance on a SDS shall be prepared.

The information in SDSs should be presented in the following 16 headings:

• Identification;
• Hazard(s) identification;
• Composition/information on Ingredients;
• First-aid measures;
• Fire-fighting measures;
• Accidental release measures;
• Handling and storage;
• Exposure controls/personal protection;
• Physical and chemical properties and safety characteristics;
• Stability and reactivity;
• Toxicological information;
• Ecological information;
• Disposal consideration;
• Transport information;
• Regulatory information;
• Other information.

Usually, a SDS needs to be prepared in the official language of a destination country.

Transitional Period

Different countries have given different transitional periods for substances and mixtures. GHS compliant labels and SDS must be provided when the transition period is over. Some examples are listed as follows:

About CIRS

CIRS Group is a leading product safety and regulatory consulting firm providing expert regulatory information, tailored scientific research solutions, valued product regulatory compliance service as well as product testing to help our clients gain a competitive advantage by reducing business risks associated with regulatory affairs.

With its headquarters based in China and subsidiaries located in the Republic of Ireland, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, CIRS Group utilizes its technical expertise, various resources and international network to provide global strategies and local approaches to regulatory compliance across multiple industries such as chemicals, plant protection products, biocides, cosmetics and ingredient, medical devices, food, beverage and consumer goods.

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