Topics
	Implementing GHS in Canada
	Committees & Working Groups

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

PDF Format (51K)

Next steps:

• Economic analysis
• 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 first revised edition is now available.

A draft GHS Situational Analysis Document (Canada) provides a description of the current hazard information communication requirements in each sector and those of the GHS.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a White Paper on GHS Implementation Planning Issues.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published the GHS-OSHA Hazard Communications Systems Comparison and has added a revision in the Hazard Communication Standard in the Federal Register Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. Refer to Sequence Number 1931 Hazard Communication.

The European Commission has published a document entitled Comparison between EU and GHS Criteria , Human Health and Environment.