For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

The Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) are applying an agreement on the inland transport of dangerous goods (Acuerdo sobre Transporte de Mercancías Peligrosas en el MERCOSUR, 1994) which is based on the 7th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and which is being updated on the basis of the 12th revised edition.

The Institute for the Standardization and Normalization (IRAM), has published a standard for the elaboration of Safety Data Sheets (IRAM 41400-2006) which is in line with the GHS requirements for SDS.

At regional level, as one of the members of the MERCOSUR Ad Hoc Group on chemicals (Environmental Area, sub-group 6) Argentina has identified GHS implementation as one of the six issues of highest priority in the region.

Safe Work Australia (SWA)
Safe Work Australia (a replacement body for the Office of the Australian Safety Compensation Council) has been tasked by all Australian governments to develop model chemical safety legislation for enactment in all jurisdictions by 2012. It is expected that this legislation will specify the timeline for implementation of the GHS in the workplace sector and grandfather chemicals currently compliant with previous legislation. In the mean time, chemicals imported to Australia compliant with the GHS will be exempted from application of existing (non-GHS) legislation.

National Model regulations for the control of Workplace hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1005(1994)];
National Code of practice for the Control of Workplace hazardous Substances [NOHSC:2007(1994)];
National Code of practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets 2nd edition [NOHSC:2011(2003)];
National Code of practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances [NOHSC:2012(1994)];
Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004)];
List of Designated Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:10005(1999)];
National Standard for the Storage and Handling of Dangerous Goods [NOHSC:1015(2001)];

Objectives:

- To consolidate the requirements for workplace hazardous substances and dangerous goods in a single framework;
- To use the GHS as a classification tool for substances within the scope of the proposed framework;

Endorsement of a new GHS-based framework for the control of workplace hazardous chemicals by Safe Work Australia is expected in the first half of 2009.

Drafting of model legislation is expected to be completed towards the end of 2009 for commencement in 2012, with suitable transition and grandfathering clauses allowing continued use of previous classification criteria and labelling in parallel with GHS requirements.

Dangerous Goods Act 1995;
Model Subordinate Law on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail Regulations 2007;
Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail, 7th edition (ADG7) (introduced January 2009 to become mandatory as from December 2009);

Implemented
ADG7 allows GHS labelling of inner packagings of dangerous goods for transport and is harmonized with the 14th and 15th (for some provisions only) revised editions of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

DG7 may be applied as from 1 January 2009. However, the 6th revised edition of the Dangerous Goods Code, may still be applied until 31 December 2009 (i.e.: there will be a transitional period of 12 months in each State and Territory, commencing when ADG 7 is implemented, where compliance with either the 6th edition or the 7th edition will be acceptable). Start and end dates for this transitional period should be checked with the Competent Authority in the relevant State or Territory. A summary of the key changes in the 7th edition is available here.

Commonwealth State and Territory Explosives Legislation; and
Australian Code for the transport of explosives by road and rail (Australian Explosives Code) (3rd edition);

Implemented
Currently, the 2nd edition of the Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail (AEC 2), applies in all states and territories. Jurisdictions have advised their intention to introduce the revised code (AEC 3) by 30 June 2009, with full implementation to commence on 31 December 2009. This implementation date aligns with the implementation date for the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG 7), which applies for the transport of other dangerous goods within Australia. 

The Primary Industries Ministerial Council’s Product Safety and Integrity Committee (PSIC) is working with government and industry stakeholders to consider the GHS in the agricultural and veterinary chemical sector. PSIC comprises representatives of the agriculture departments in each state/territory, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and the Workplace Relations, Environment and Health Ministerial Councils.

The committee is considering the implications of the GHS for Australia’s risk-based labelling system for agricultural and veterinary chemicals. There are a number of potential options for the implementation of the GHS (or certain GHS components) within the existing regulatory framework and careful consideration of the impacts, costs and benefits of these options for stakeholders is necessary before any final decision is made.

The Department of Health and Ageing supports adoption of GHS in respect to health effects elements. However, GHS has implications for the poisons scheduling of chemical substances and therefore the labelling (signal words, hazard and precautionary statements) of consumer products. A Working Group has been established by the Office of Chemical Safety to identify the implications and to advise the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC).

Currently, the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts provides GHS hazard classifications for aquatic toxicity in its assessment reports on industrial chemicals for the Australian Government regulator of industrial chemicals, NICNAS (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme). Use of GHS classifications for ecotoxicity will likely be updated as work progresses on GHS as well as its implementation across other chemical sectors in Australia. NICNAS continues to classify chemicals in accordance with GHS criteria as part of ongoing situational analysis of the potential for the implementation of GHS in Australia.

Department of Health and Ageing. Office of Chemical Safety. Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

State/Territory Poisons Legislation
State/Territory Health Acts (in some jurisdictions)
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1994 (No.36 of 1994)
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (No.47 of 1994)
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical Products (Collection of Levy) Act 1994 (No. 41 of 1994)

The Department of Health and Ageing supports adoption of GHS in respect to health effects elements. However, GHS has implications for the poisons scheduling of chemical substances and therefore the labelling (signal words, hazard and precautionary statements) of consumer products including pesticides.

Implemented (since 20 January 2009)
See European Union and European Economic Area

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

The ANDEAN Community (Comunidad Andina) (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) have developed draft regulations based on the 13th revised edition of the UN Model regulations, the ADR 2005 and the RID 2005, which are still under consideration.

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Development
Ministry of Labor and Employment
Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Health

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

The Brazilian government has been working actively on the implementation of the GHS in Brazil since 2001. As part of the implementation process, the Brazilian government has been involved in a significant number of GHS related activities such as national and regional workshops, training courses, impact analysis studies, awareness raising seminars, preparation and dissemination of information regarding the GHS, translation of the GHS text into Portuguese, etc.
Sectorial diagnostics and comparative studies were carried out by many public and private institutions with the objective of identifying current gaps in existing legislation.
Situation and gap analisys completed during this period.

The President of the Republic of Brazil signed a Decree formalizing the GHS Working Group (“GT-GHS-Brasil”), which is the responsible body for the implementation of the GHS in Brazil.
Implementation of the methodology for the application of the Comprehensibility Testing Study.
Release of the following draft standards based on the GHS for public consultation:
- Project 10:101.05-002: Labelling of chemicals;
- Project 10:101.05-003: Classification of chemicals;
- Project 10:101.05-004: Terminology;
- Project ABNT NBR 14725: Update of the SDS.

From 2006 to 2008, Cambodia participated as a pilot country in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme.

A capacity building programme was established for the development of a draft GHS legislation (Sub-Decree) for four sectors (industrial workplace, agriculture, transport, and consumer products) and the development of a strategic plan for national GHS implementation. The programme also included the organization of awareness raising activities for public interest, labour organizations, business and industry groups.

New legislation (Sub-Decree) for the implementation of the GHS will be developed (applicable to the following sectors: workplace, agriculture, transport and consumer products).

For international transport of dangerous goods see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines.

Implemented
Amendment 6 to the Canadian transportation of dangerous goods regulations entered into force on 20 February 2008, following its publication in Part II of the Canada Gazette.

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)
Ministry of Health (MoH)
Ministry of Commerce (MoC)
Ministry of Transport (MoT)
Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP)
State Environment Protection Administration (SEPA)
State Administration of work Safety (SAWS)
General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ)

Regulations on Safe Management of hazardous Chemicals (revised in 2002)
List of Dangerous Goods (GB12268-2005)
Classification and code of dangerous goods (GB6944-2005)
Classification and labelling of commonly used dangerous chemicals (GB13690-1992) (under revision)
Guidelines for the hazard evaluation of new substances (HJ/T154-2004) (Chinese)
General rules for preparation of precautionary labels for chemicals (GB15258-1999) (under revision)
Rule for storage of chemicals (GB15603-1995)
General specifications for transport of dangerous goods (packages) (GB12463-90)
Labels for packages of dangerous goods (GB190-1990) (under revision)

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

At the 8th session of the Tripartite Environmental Ministers
Meeting (TEMM) held in Beijing, the ministers of the environment of China, Japan and Korea agreed on the establishment of a Tripartite Policy Dialogue on Chemicals Management, which includes holding regular meetings of a working group of experts on the GHS.

Release of a draft national standard (“General rule for classification and hazard communication of chemicals”) implementing the GHS classification and labelling criteria (GHS Rev.2). The new standard replaces GB 13690-1992 and makes reference to safety rules GB20576 to 20602 for classification, precautionary labelling and precautionary statements of chemicals, in accordance with the GHS hazard classes and categories adopted.

Release of a draft national standard (“General rules for preparation of precautionary labels for chemicals”) replacing GB/T 15258-94 and GB15258-99 and applying GHS precautionary labelling.

GB/T 16483-2008 “SDS for chemical products - content and order of sections”. Revised to conform to GHS requirements for Safety Data Sheets. Replaces GB/T 17519.1-1998 and GB 16483-2000;

GB/T 22234-2008 “Labelling of chemicals according to the GHS”. Adopts the contents of the Japanese standard “JIS Z 7251:2006”;
GB/T 17159 Guidance for the preparation of SDS in accordance with the GHS.

Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Environment

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

Implemented

For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines
For domestic and intracommunitary traffic, see European Union and European Economic Area

Implemented

For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines
For domestic and intracommunitary traffic, see European Union and European Economic Area

Ministry of Environment

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

At the stage of raising awareness about the GHS. The Ministry of the Environment of the Ecuador organized a workshop on the GHS in March 2006. For more information about the workshop (contents, participation and outcome) see document UN/SCEGHS/11/INF.5.

National legislation for land transport of dangerous goods in Indonesia is based on the 14th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and entered into force on 1 January 2007.
For international transport of dangerous goods see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines.

• Minister of Trade Decree No. 04/2006 on Distribution and Control of Hazardous Substances (covering 54 chemicals potentially misused in food).
• Minister of Industry Decree No. 24/2006 on Control of Production and Usage of Hazardous Substance for Industry (covering 6 chemicals substances)

Peer reviewed of the draft of GHS translation into Indonesian.
Final draft of GHS translation into Indonesian completed and publicized.
Issuance of Presidential Decree on GHS implementation.
Revision of other chemical regulations to be accordance with the Presidential Decree.
Undertaking GHS trainings for industries and government officers.
Developing a new comic on GHS.
Development of technical guidance/material for the implementation of the GHS (industry and consumer products)
Determining a list of priority chemicals for GHS implementation in industry, agriculture and consumer product sectors.
Law enforcement.

All classifications for substances under the Industrial Safety and health law, the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Law and the Chemical Substances Control Law released on the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) website. The Government classification results are not mandatory.
Second revised edition of the GHS available in Japanese.

At the 8th session of the Tripartite Environmental Ministers Meeting (TEMM) held in Beijing, the ministers of the environment of China, Japan and Korea agreed on the establishment of a Tripartite Policy Dialogue on Chemicals Management, which includes holding regular meetings of a working group of experts on the GHS.

First meeting of the Tripartite Policy Dialogue (Tokyo).

On-line tool for the classification of mixtures;  
Revised edition of the GHS classification manual and Technical Guidelines used for the classification project;
Classification results of 1500 substances are available in English on NITE website.
Additional 149 substances were classified and the results are available in Japanese.

Second meeting of the Tripartite Policy Dialogue (Seoul).

Publication of the National Standard JIS (Classification of chemicals based on GHS);
Revised edition of the GHS available in Japanese;
Electronic GHS training tools available for download from the website (both in Japanese and in English);
Classification for 355 substances.

Lao People's Democratic Republic has drafted the Hazardous Chemical Strategic Plan for 2006-2020 and the Hazardous Chemical Action Plan for 2006-2010. These Plans are designed to provide a framework for the safe and effective management of chemicals.

In terms of the GHS, Lao People's Democratic Republic has begun to draft a project proposal and has set up a National Steering Committee.

During 2006-2008, Cambodia participated as a pilot country in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme, with support from the Government of Switzerland and European Union.

The results of the comprehensibility training (held in October 2006) as well as those of the situation and gap analysis were used for the development of GHS implementation activities during 2007.

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines
For national transport of dangerous goods: The 12th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations has been adopted as a national standard.

Translation of the GHS into Malay;

ANIQ participates in 2 groups:

Implemented
For national land transport of dangerous goods: Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005  (Rule 45001/1)

The requirements for controlling the transport of dangerous goods on land are based on the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations (UNRTDG). The principal New Zealand legislation in this area is the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO) and the regulations made under that Act. These impose requirements for all phases of the life cycle of hazardous substances. Generally, regulations made under the HSNO recognise compliance with the Rule as compliance with HSNO for land transport.

The “Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005” (Rule 45001/1) is aligned with the 14th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. It covers the packaging, identification and documentation of dangerous goods, the segregation of incompatible goods, transport procedures and the training and responsibilities of those involved in the transport of dangerous goods.

An amendment to the 2005 Dangerous Goods Rule (“Draft Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods Amendment [2009] Rule 45001/2”) is under preparation.

The objectives of this proposed amendment Rule are to ensure its consistency with the 15th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Implemented since 2 July 2001, for new hazardous substances (for existing substances, a transitional period of five years (up to end June 2006) was established).

Applicable to all (new and existing) substances since 1 July 2006.

For labelling, in order to better align New Zealand’s implementation timetable for GHS with those of its major trading partners, an additional provision will allow for acceptance of labelling in accordance with the requirements of specified overseas jurisdictions until the end of 2010.

The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 and related regulations control the import, manufacture or use (including disposal) of manufactured chemicals that have hazardous properties. The hazardous properties (defined in accordance with GHS criteria) are: explosive; flammable; oxidizing; toxic; corrosive; and ecotoxic.
HSNO controls apply at all stages in the manufacture, use and disposal of hazardous substances. Regulations cover: packaging; disposal; tracking; personnel qualifications; emergency management; and identification.
A chemical classification information database (CCID) containing chemicals classified by ERMA New Zealand in accordance with HSNO regulations (which are based on the GHS) is available. Classifications are provided for both the physical hazards (explosiveness, flammability, oxidizing capacity, metal corrosiveness) and biological hazards (toxicity, biological corrosiveness and ecotoxicity) of a chemical.  
The HSNO hazard classification system is substantially equivalent to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for classification of chemicals (GHS): see the correlation of the HSNO classification categories with those of the GHS.

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

Ministry of Labor (MOL)
Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA)
Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS)
Ministry of Environment (MOE)
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy;
Ministry of Health and Welfare;
Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs

Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA);
Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA);
Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act (DGSMA);
Standard KSM 1069:2006 (Labelling of Chemicals based on GHS)

Implemented
For national transport: Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act (DGSMA), which addresses classification and labelling of dangerous goods, and is based on the 15th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations.

For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

Implemented
Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA), revised in accordance with the GHS in Dec. 2006 (Notice No.2006-36), (classification and labelling and GHS-SDS),
Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA), revised in accordance with the GHS in Nov. 2007 (Classification and labelling for toxic chemicals). Apply to health and environmental hazardous substances
Standard KSM 1069:2006 (Labelling of Chemicals based on GHS)

Transitional periods:
Deadline for classification of chemicals under the ISHA: 30 June 2010 for substances and 30 June 2013 for mixtures; (classification and labelling and GHS-SDS).

During the transitional period, users may choose to use the revised ISHA (Notice 2006-36), which is based on the GHS, or continue using the previous notice (ISHA, Notice No. 1997-27)

The following GHS hazard categories are not adopted:

• Flammable liquids: Category 4;
• Acute toxicity: Category 5;
• Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Sub-categories 1A, 1B, 1C (only Category 1 is adopted) and Category 3;
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation: Sub-category 2B (only Category 1 and sub-category 2A are adopted);
• Aquatic toxicity: Acute 2 and 3.

Deadline for classification of existing chemicals according to the revised TCCA: 30 June 2011 for substances and 30 June 2013 for mixtures. Classification and labelling of new chemicals under the revised TCCA is mandatory since 1 July 2008.

Research projects to analyse the impact of GHS implementation;
Creation of an inter-ministerial Committee to coordinate the process of harmonization of existing legislation with the GHS;

Launching of a GHS classification and labelling project for 2500 chemicals;
Publication of the first revised edition of the GHS in Korean;
Development of a new government official GHS-dedicated website providing information on revision of applicable laws, frequently asked questions, training programmes, etc;
Revision of the Toxic Chemical Control Act in accordance with the GHS;

At the 8th session of the Tripartite Environmental Ministers Meeting (TEMM) held in Beijing, the ministers of the environment of China, Japan and Korea agreed on the establishment of a Tripartite Policy Dialogue on Chemicals Management, which includes holding regular meetings of a working group of experts on the GHS.

Extension of the transitional period for reclassification of substances (until 30 June 2010) and mixtures (until 30 June 2013) under the ISHA for classification and labelling and GHS-SDS.

Revision of public notice of the Ministry of Labor on “Standards for classification and labelling of chemical substances and Material Safety Data Sheets” in accordance with the second revised edition of the GHS;

Release of a list of 3410 substances classified and labelled according to the GHS (for information only; classification not mandatory) at www.kosha.net (for members only);

Editing tools for creating SDS according to the GHS (Korean only) and labels (English and Korean) available at www.kosha.net (for members only);

Launching of a GHS classification and labelling project for mixtures;

Amendment of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act in accordance with the GHS;

Second meeting of the Tripartite Policy Dialogue (Seoul).

Expected release of the classification and labelling results and SDS (according to the GHS) for 6314 substances (for information only; classification not mandatory) at www.kosha.net (for members only);
Provision of a SDS editing program for mixtures;
Capacity building activities: Intensive course on classification and labelling and preparation of SDS;
Launching of a GHS classification and labelling and SDS project for 5000 chemicals.

GHS is implemented through national standards applying to the classification and labelling of substances and mixtures. It is expected that all GHS hazard classes and categories be implemented.

A transitional period for classification and labelling according to the new standards will be defined in the Technical regulation on chemical safety (which is expected to be approved by the end of 2010).

Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and related Regulations
Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 and subsidiary legislation
Dangerous Goods, Petroleum and Explosives Regulations, 2007
Singapore Standard SS 586 (Parts 1, 2 and 3)

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

Transport of Dangerous Goods legislation in Singapore is based on the UN Model Regulations and related international instruments.

Publication of Singapore Standard SS 532:2007 (Code of practice for the storage of flammable liquids).

Publication of Singapore Standard SS 586 to provide guidance on the classification and labelling of hazardous chemicals in accordance with GHS criteria.

SS 586 is the result of the revision of two earlier standards – SS 286: 1984 on “Caution Labelling for Hazardous Substances” (5 parts) and CP 98: 2003 on “Preparation and Use of Material Safety Data Sheets” (MSDS).

SS586 - 1: 2008 “Transport and storage of dangerous goods”
Adopts the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and provides standard hazard communication labels. Applies to the transportation and storage of dangerous goods by road in Singapore.

SS586 - 2: 2008 “Globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals- Singapore’s adaptations”
Adopts the United Nation Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, which provides an international system for the classification of chemicals by the types of hazards that they present. Also provides standard hazard communication elements including labels and safety data sheets.

SS 586 - 3: 2008 “Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods - Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS)”.

Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Department of Transport
Department of Labour
South Africa Bureau of Standards
Department of Trade and Industry

Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations (1995) of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act No.55 of 1993
National Environmental Management Act No. 10 of 1998,
National Road Traffic Act No. 93 of 1996

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

Transport of dangerous goods legislation in South Africa is based on the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and related legal instruments.

South Africa participated as a pilot country in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme. As part of the programme a study on the implications of implementing the GHS and the development of an implementation strategy for South Africa was concluded in December 2003.

Review of legislation (for classification and labelling of chemicals and Safety Data Sheets) as well as policy instruments to ensure alignment with the GHS requirements.

Development of a national standard on the GHS (SANS 10234) intended to be referred to in the above-mentioned legislation and to be used as the basis for the development of a harmonized SADC standard by the Southern African Community Standardization body (SADCSTAN). Release of a draft regulation on Classification and Labelling of Chemical Substances for public comment.

Publication of the national standard on the GHS (SANS 10234:2008 - "Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals")

Completion of the new regulation on Classification and Labelling of Chemical Substances: Comments provided during the public comment period were considered and incorporated into the draft regulation as appropriate. The new regulation has been recommended for promulgation to the Minister of Labour. It provides that compliance with the national standard on the GHS and the current national system is allowed during the transition period so that the transition at a national level is facilitated while at the same time accommodating international trade requirements. The transitional period has been aligned with that of international trading partners and is now 3 years (2012) for substances and 7 years for mixtures (2016).

Publication of a list of classified chemical substances as a supplement to SANS 10234 (SANS 10234 Supplement: 2008 “List of classification and labeling of chemicals in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)”).

Following the promulgation of the GHS regulation, an inter-departmental committee will be established in 2009 by the Department of Labour to develop a coordinated legislative implementation strategy to ensure elimination of overlap of jurisdictional mandates. The harmonized legislative implementation strategy will include compliance and enforcement requirements, appropriate budget allocations, support to industry for transition and establishment of a permanent approach to ongoing input into international discussions and alignment of the effective dates of all legislative amendments.

GHS training will form an integral part of the safety, health and environment (SHE) unit standards currently being developed by a Working Group established by the Chemical Industries’ Education and Training Authority (CHIETA). The training issues raised in the implementation strategy should be referred to the SHE Unit Standard Working Group.

Awareness raising is to be undertaken at all forums dealing with chemical safety and once the Regulations have been promulgated, programmes focused on employers will be launched.

Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Federal Roads Office (FEDRO)
Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG)

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines
For domestic and intracommunitary traffic, see European Union and European Economic Area

On 1 February 2009, entry into force of the amended Swiss chemicals ordinance with a view to facilitate trade of chemicals that are already labelled according to GHS.

The main element of this amendment is an option for Swiss manufacturers/importers to classify and label their chemicals according to the current system or according to the GHS. Once they choose the GHS-option the GHS standard of the EC according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 is mandatory. However, additional hazard classes of the GHS are accepted on product labels.

At present, the GHS option is limited to products sold to professional users but an extension of the option to consumer products is planned at a later stage and will be supported by additional information for consumers.

• An obligation to classify and label all substances and mixtures according to GHS, including consumer products, biocides and pant protection products.
• The introduction of transitional provisions for the reclassification of substances and mixtures and the abrogation of the current system (by 2015).
• Amendment of Swiss downstream legislation acts (e.g. major accidents, cosmetics, toys, workplace requirements).

National legislation for the transport of dangerous goods in Thailand is based on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous goods:

Thai Provision Volume I (TP-I) Re: General requirements for multi-modal transport of dangerous goods 2000 (B.E. 2543);
Thai Provision Volume II (TP-II) Re: Requirements for the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail 2004 (B.E. 2547).
Thai Provision Volume III (TP-III) Re: Requirements for the transport of dangerous goods by inland waterways

Expected entry into force of the Hazardous Substance Committee’s Notification on GHS
Target date for the implementation of the GHS. (Proposed transitional periods: 1 year for substances and 3 years for mixtures and products (by 2011) controlled under the Hazardous Substance Act).
Publication of the first revised edition of the GHS in Thai.
Development of GHS training kits, manuals and other guidance material for different sectors.
Development and/or revision of the relevant Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative Notifications affected by GHS implementation (Data requirement for product registration, labelling, SDS requirements).
Development and/or revision of the relevant Ministry of Public Health’s Notifications affected by GHS implementation (Data requirement for product registration, labelling, SDS requirements).
Explore the possibility of developing/revising other laws and regulations, to extend the scope of GHS implementation to other substances and consumer products currently outside of the Hazardous Substance Act.
Development of a database for classification and hazard communication of chemicals (industrial sector) according to the GHS.
Development of a database of GHS compliant SDS.
Development of a database for classification and labelling of agricultural chemicals according to the GHS.
Development of a database for classification and labelling of hazardous chemicals (consumer sector) according to the GHS.
Capacity building and awareness raising activities for all sectors and audiences.

Department of Labor: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Occupational Safety and Health Standards

Publication of a detailed comparison of the provisions of the GHS to the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).
Publication of a guide to the GHS.
Publication of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) on September 12, 2006. D evelopment of a notice of proposed rule-making based on the comments received is under way. This is a priority rule-making activity, for which an economic analysis has been drafted and subject to peer review. The agency is currently preparing both the economic analysis and proposed rule for public comment.

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined initial thinking on the potential application of the GHS to pesticide labels in a “White Paper” and solicited public comment on their plans through a notice published in the U.S. Federal Register. In October 2006, the EPA conducted a public meeting with stakeholders to review the issues raised in the White Paper and comments, and to solicit additional input on possible ways forward. EPA is reviewing next steps in light of the input received, seeking additional data, and exploring possibilities for GHS pilot activities. In 2007, EPA made major revisions in its communications materials and overhauled its GHS web site. Results of initial pilot activities were expected to become available in 2008.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Consumer Product Safety Act
Federal Hazardous Substances Act

In 2007, CPSC compared selected portions of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) regulatory requirements to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classification and labeling. This comparison identified some of the technical differences between the FHSA and GHS. A preliminary legal feasibility assessment was also conducted to assess what, if any, changes would be needed to the FHSA should certain provisions of the GHS be adopted and implemented. The staff work indicated that a more complete technical comparison is needed.

Decree 406/88 (workplace);
Decree 294/04 (agriculture);
Decree 560/03 (transport of dangerous goods)
Decree 158/85 (transport of dangerous goods)
Decree 180/00 (MERCOSUR/GMC/RES.49/99) (Consumer’s protection)

Implemented
For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

GHS side event (organized by the Government of Uruguay, in collaboration with UNITAR) during the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-1) of the Stockholm Convention in 2005. The establishment of a classification and labelling system based on the GHS was identified as a priority during the process of elaboration of a National Plan of implementation of the Stockholm Convention.

First national workshop on chemical hazard communication (August 2005);

GHS included as part of the courses on chemical safety for undergraduates (mandatory) and graduates (Faculty of Chemistry, National University).

At regional level, as a member of the MERCOSUR Ad Hoc Group on Chemicals (Environmental Area, Sub-Group 6), Uruguay identified GHS implementation as one of the six issues of highest priority for the region. Launching of the project “National awareness raising and capacity assessment for GHS implementation” with the support of UNITAR/ILO and the government of Switzerland.

Second national workshop on chemical hazard communication (April 2009);

Draft decree on protection of health and safety of workers from chemical risks, based on the GHS (includes provisions for labelling and preparation of SDS in accordance with the GHS).

Promotion of the adoption of the GHS at MERCOSUR level, including the amendment and/or development of regional standards and capacity building activities.

Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General
Energy and Transport Directorate-General
Environment Directorate-General
Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

For supply and use sectors:
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)

For transport of dangerous goods:
within or between EU Member States: Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods
For international transport of dangerous goods between EU and non-EU Member States: see, Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

Implemented

Directive 2008/68/EC applies to the transport of dangerous goods by road, by rail or by inland waterways within or between EU Member States. It makes direct reference to the relevant legal instruments implementing the provisions of the UN Model Regulations on the transport of Dangerous Goods by road, rail and inland waterways (i.e.: the European Agreement on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by road (ADR) and by inland waterways (ADN) and the Regulation concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail (RID)). 

The Directive entered into force on 20 October 2008 and, following its adoption, the following directives were repealed:

Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC (as amended) on the transport of dangerous goods; Directives 96/35/EC and 2000/18/EC on dangerous goods safety advisers; and

Commission Decisions 2005/263/EC and 2005/180/EC (as amended) on national derogations from Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC.

Implemented since 20 January 2009

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (hereafter referred to as “the Regulation”) defines a transitional period during which both the current legislation and the new Regulation will be in place. It stipulates that after entry into force the deadline for reclassification is 30 November 2010 for substances and 31 May 2015 for mixtures. The Directives on classification, labelling and packaging, i.e. Council Directive 67/48/EEC and Directive 1999/45/EC, will be definitively repealed on 1 June 2015.

The Regulation:

• Is intended to be primarily a self-classification system for enterprises;
• Applies the general principles of the GHS;
• Uses the “building block approach” of the GHS and a few other options to adapt the system to the EU’s needs;
• Keeps the scope as close as possible to the existing EU system. The scope of the proposed regulation for supply and use includes GHS classification and labelling of Plant Protection Products and Biocides consistent with the current EU system;
• Maintains the current level of protection by including EU “left-overs” that are not yet covered by the GHS, e.g. EUH014 (“reacts violently with water”) or EUH066 “repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking”);
• Ensures consistency with transport legislation. It incorporates the following hazard classes/categories, which are not included in current EU legislation for supply and use but which are part of the existing EU transport legislation or which will be implemented in transport: “gases under pressure”; “self-reactive substances and mixtures” (Types C to G); “self-heating substances and mixtures”; “oxidizing liquids” (Category 3); “oxidizing solids” (category 3); and “corrosive to metals”;
• Does not includes the following hazard categories (as they are not part of the current EU legislation and are not needed for consistency with transport legislation): “flammable liquids” (category 4); “acute toxicity” (category 5); “skin corrosion/irritation” (category 3); “aspiration hazard” (category 2); and “acute aquatic toxicity” (categories 2 and 3);
• Takes over Annex I of Council Directive 67/548/EEC (see Part 3 of Annex VI to the Regulation);
• Takes over Title XI (Classification and Labelling Inventory) from the REACH Regulation (see Article 42 of the Regulation);

Guidance on how to apply the provisions of the new Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging is currently being developed at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) within REACH Implementation Project 3.6 (RIP 3.6). It is expected that the RIP 3.6 guidance document will be finalized during the first half of 2009.
Directive 2008/112/EC and Regulation (EC) 1336/2008 implement the GHS in the following areas by amending the Directives listed hereafter:

• Council Directive 76/768/EEC (cosmetic products);
• Council Directive 88/378/EEC (safety of toys);
• Council Directive 1999/13/EC (limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations);
• Directive 200/53/EC (end-of-life vehicles);
• Directive 2002/96/EC (waste electrical and electronic equipment); and
• Directive 2004/42/EC (limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products);
• Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 (detergents)

Amendment 34-08 is harmonized (except as otherwise specified in table 1) with the 15th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and entered into force on 1 January 2009 (with application being applicable on a voluntary basis as from 1 January 2008). The IMDG Code is of mandatory application for 159 countries parties to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO TI)

The 2009-2010 edition of the ICAO TI is harmonized (except as otherwise specified in table 1) with the 15th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and entered into force on 1 January 2009. The ICAO TI are of mandatory application for 190 countries parties to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Regulations concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID)
(43 Contracting Parties) (also of mandatory application for domestic traffic in EU and EEA countries through European Directive 2008/68/EC (see note 1)).

European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN)
At present, the Agreement has 11 Contracting Parties and entered into force on 29 February 2008, although the annexed Regulations did not become applicable until 28 February 2009 (twelfth months after the entry into force of the Agreement).

The Annexed regulations are also applicable on the Rhine (ADNR) and on the Danube (ADND) and are of mandatory application for domestic traffic in EU and EEA countries trough European Directive 2008/68/EC (see note 1).

The 2009 edition of RID/ADR (applicable since 1 January 2009) and of the ADN 2009 (applicable since 28 February 2009), is harmonized except as otherwise specified in table 1 with the 15th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations.

Note 1: Directive 2008/68/EC applies to the transport of dangerous goods by road, by rail or by inland waterways within or between EU Member States. It makes direct reference to the relevant legal instruments implementing the provisions of the UN Model Regulations on the transport of Dangerous Goods by road, rail and inland waterways (i.e.: the European Agreement on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by road (ADR) and by inland waterways (ADN) and the Regulation concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail (RID)). 



      The Directive entered into force on 20 October 2008. It continues to make ADR and RID applicable to road/rail transport of dangerous goods in the EU, and requires those States with inland waterways linked, by inland waterways, to waterways of other member States to apply the regulations annexed to ADN as from 1 July 2009 and at the latest by 1 July 2011 whether or not they are Parties to the ADN.

Following its adoption, the following directives were repealed:

1. Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC (as amended) on the transport of dangerous goods;
2. Directives 96/35/EC and 2000/18/EC on dangerous goods safety advisers; and
3. Commission Decisions 2005/263/EC and 2005/180/EC (as amended) on national derogations from Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC.