GHS Regulations

GHS is an acronym for the Globally Harmonized System. The GHS regulations are international regulations created by the United Nations for the Classification and Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals.

The expectation is that the majority of countries globally will adopt and enforce most elements of the GHS regulations through their regulatory agencies having jurisdiction for this public safety concern.

Why were the GHS Regulations created?

The Globally Harmonized System was the result of a 1992 international mandate adopted at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit. This mandate strengthened global efforts concerning environmentally sound chemical management.

Prior to the GHS regulations, countries were left to determine their own standards for what chemicals are hazardous – and how to properly communicate those hazards. Classification and labeling systems varied at the national, regional and international levels. This created confusion and complexity for international manufacturers, who were often required to supply multiple MSDS’s and chemical labels for the same product.

The GHS regulations are intended to create a worldwide, universal format for hazard communication and container labeling across the globe.

Countries are beginning to implement the GHS regulations. Learn more about the GHS regulations to see where the GHS is being implemented around the world.