A comprehensive worldwide harmonised system was required as countries have different rules on classification and labelling – a chemical could be classified as ‘toxic’ or ‘explosive’ in one jurisdiction but not in another.  There was also a lack of consistency with use of symbols, with different symbols being used to indicate the same hazards. However, as GHS is based upon a ‘building block’ approach, countries are permitted to select criteria they consider the most appropriate (e.g. China C&L). In the EU, the criteria chosen are those that most closely match the DSD and DPD systems. So it is important to bear in mind that this may result in different classifications for some products in the EU compared to other parts of the world.

Contact us for our CLP services.