Classification and labelling of chemicals
It is the responsibility of governments to establish systems and specific criteria appropriate for classifying chemicals, as well as requirements for marking and labelling chemicals using an internationally harmonized system. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon system to standardize chemical hazard classification and communication.
It includes:
- Criteria for classifying substances and mixtures according to their physical, health and environmental hazards.
- Requirements for communication of the hazards, through labels and safety data sheets (SDS).
Objectives of the GHS:
- Enhance the protection of human health and the environment by providing an internationally comprehensible system for hazard communication.
- Provide a recognized framework for those countries without an existing system.
- Reduce the need for testing and evaluation of chemicals.
- Facilitate international trade of chemicals.