Activities of the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme Strengthening National and Regional Capacities for GHS Implementation Activities of the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme Chemicals and Waste Management Programme UNITAR www.unitar.org/cwm

What is the GHS? Harmonized System for Chemical Classification and Labelling International standard adopted 2002 and endorsed by ECOSOC 2003 Objectives of the GHS: Protection of human health and the environment Facilitating trade of chemicals WSSD GHS Implementation Target: 2008

What the GHS is NOT A legally binding international convention A list of products that customs officers could use to accept or refuse shipments A barrier to trade – GHS labelling is not specifically for restricted or banned chemicals A system of harmonized “codes” (e.g. GHS labels are not customs forms!)

What is the GHS? What is the GHS?

Why is the GHS Important?

Why is the GHS Important?

Purpose of the GHS To enhance the protection of human health and the environment by providing an internationally comprehensible system for hazard communication; To provide a recognized framework for countries without an existing system; To reduce the need for testing and evaluation of chemicals; and To facilitate international trade in chemicals whose hazards have been properly assessed and identified on an international basis.

Scope of the GHS The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals: Is a comprehensive tool that harmonizes chemical hazard classification criteria and hazard communication tools (label elements, SDS) Covers all hazardous chemical substances, solutions and mixtures Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food will not be covered at the point of consumption (e.g., where a patient is taking a pharmaceutical) but will be covered in the workplace and in transport

Scope of the GHS “Purple Book” (GHS) for chemicals in supply and use (rev. 2, 2007) Classification is based on the hazardous properties of the substance (not risk based) “Orange Book” for chemicals in transport (UN RTDG - Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, rev. 15, 2007)

Key Elements of the GHS The GHS includes: Harmonized criteria for the classification of substances and mixtures according to their physical, health and environmental hazards; and Harmonized hazard communication elements (including requirements for labels and safety data sheets)

Target Audiences Consumers Labels Workers Labels, Safety Data Sheets (includes pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food additives, pesticides) Transport Labels, placards, documentation Emergency Responders Labels, placards

GHS Pictograms !

Transport Pictograms

Harmonised Labelling Elements Hazard Class Acute Toxicity Oral Hazard Category 1 Pictograms or Signal Word Danger Hazard Statement Fatal if swallowed

SDS in the GHS The information in the SDS should be presented using the following 16 headings in the order given below: 1. Identification 2. Hazard(s) identification 3. Composition/information on ingredients 4. First-aid measures 5. Fire-fighting measures 6. Accidental release measures 7. Handling and storage 8. Exposure controls/personal protection 9. Physical and chemical properties 10. Stability and reactivity 11. Toxicological information 12. Ecological information 13. Disposal considerations 14. Transport information 15. Regulatory information 16. Other information

International Responsibility for GHS Implementation United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS established in 2001 Maintain the GHS provisions, update when necessary Oversee implementation International focal points established by the Subcommittee United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) International Labor Organization (ILO)

Implications for Countries Legal instruments will vary depending on existing laws and national regulatory requirements: Adopt new legislation or regulation, or modify existing requirements—must address classification of hazards, labels, and safety data sheets Should involve all relevant sectors, i.e., workplace or industry; consumers; pesticides or agriculture; and transport Where modifying existing systems, must allow sufficient time to change labels/SDSs.

Implications for Companies Must develop programs where none exist, or modify programs in countries with existing systems For chemical manufacturers, chemical classifications must be done or reviewed and modified, new labels and safety data sheets prepared and distributed (may involve new programming for supporting computer systems) For other employers, training of workers will be necessary.

Context for GHS Capacity Building UNITAR/ILO nominated as focal point Focus on supporting developing and transition countries Global, Regional, National, Stakeholder activities Programme Advisory Group (PAG) WSSD Global GHS Partnership

National Activities – UNITAR/ILO China, Vietnam, Uruguay, Jamaica (2008-09) Laos, Cambodia (2006-08) Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand (2005-07) The Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal (2004-2006) Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zambia (2001-2003)

UNITAR/ILO Approach GHS Implementation Industrial Workplaces Transport Agriculture Consumer Products GHS Implementation Government Business/ Industry Public Interest/ Labour

National Project Outcomes Multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration Situation and Gap Analysis Awareness raising and training National GHS-implementing legislation Sectoral implementation plans High-level endorsement of a National GHS Implementation Strategy (“road map” for future activities)

Draft GHS Implementing Legislation

Awareness Raising Materials GHS Information Card Translated into Bahasa Indonesia

Comprehensibility Testing

Regional Workshops and Strategies CEE/CA (2006) China/East and Central Asia (2009) Arab Region (2006) ECOWAS (2008) ASEAN (2005-7) South America (2004) SADC (2003)

Global GHS Events Global Thematic Workshop on GHS Implementation (2005) GHS and International Chemicals Conventions (SAICM, Stockholm, Rotterdam, Basel) Side events at International Chemicals Events (SAICM, IFCS) UNITAR/ILO and OECD Questionnaire SAICM: the importance of implementing the GHS is recognised in the Overarching Policy Strategy (OPS) of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), where implementation of the GHS is identified under the overall objective of "knowledge and information" and is also included as a SAICM work area in the Global Plan of Action.

Report on Preparation for GHS Implementation in non-OECD Countries Sent to non-OECD countries in 2006 53 countries responded (Barbados, Haiti, Suriname) Huge variation in the status of GHS implementation

Status of Implementation 69 % of responses (34 countries) have conducted or are planning to conduct a situation and gap analysis 55 % of responses (27 countries) have developed or plan to develop a National Implementation Strategy 74 % of responses (36 countries) cite Lack of Awareness as a major obstacle to GHS implementation

Challenges to GHS Implementation 80 % of responses (39 countries) cite Lack of Resources and/or Capacity as a major obstacle to GHS implementation 96% requested capacity building support UNECE implementation website: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ implementation_e.html

North America North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) anticipated harmonization of such requirements. All three NAFTA countries have been involved in implementation activities. Canada has been considering implementation issues in a tripartite forum; has made a sectoral analysis available indicating how GHS implementation would affect Canadian requirements.

North America, cont. US agencies are in different stages of consideration: DOT is completed except aquatic toxicity; OSHA has prepared a proposal; EPA is working on stakeholder issues (White paper also developed); and CPSC is doing a situation analysis In Mexico, a lead agency has been appointed, and authorities in affected ministries are considering issues.

European Union The European Commission adopted a proposal for implementation of the GHS in 2007 December 2008 - European Parliament and the Council  adopted a new Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) which aligns existing EU legislation to the GHS  While viewed as a separate initiative, the proposal is being coordinated with activities to adopt REACH After entry into force, substances will be reclassified by 1 December 2010, and mixtures by 1 June 2015 Transitional period during which both the old legislation and the new Regulation will be in place

PR China National GHS Planning Meeting, 28 November 2008 Reviewed preparations to date for GHS implementation in China Considered future plans and capacity needs Discussed possibilities for further national and regional collaboration activities, including interest of PRC to host major regional workshop (involving PRC, Central and SE Asia, Korea, Japan) in 2009 Establishment of national coordinating mechanism Greater engagement of industries Possible development of national GHS implementation plan

Other Pacific Countries In addition, other countries are undertaking implementation on their own, including Japan, China, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan New Zealand was the first country to adopt the GHS, and efforts continue on implementation. Australia is in the process of modifying its national guidance on workplace labelling to be consistent with the GHS.

Caribbean (Jamaica)

ASEAN Region UNITAR/ILO held a regional workshop in 2005, and established a 2-year project to strengthen capacities in the ASEAN countries to facilitate implementation. Included specific activities for public interest and labour organizations Regional Implementation Strategy adopted at Jakarta Conference, 2007

Implementation Issues Alignment of existing hazard classification and labelling systems with the GHS Alignment of TDG and GHS systems (underway) Labelling Consistent approach Need for guidance at international level Consumer products Differences in the results of classification – labelling No international list (yet…) of agreed classifications of chemicals, however classifications exist, e.g. in the EU, in New Zealand, Japan

Implementation Issues GHS Building Block approach and its application vs. international harmonization for each sector Implementation of GHS is complex: multiple sectors, multiple actors (gov and industry), GHS frequently revised Need to improve “harmonization” of implementation as an on-going process (e.g. consultation with trading partners, transition times, regional coordination, sharing experience, etc.) UNSCEGHS implementation working group now active

Resources Guidance Document on “Developing a National GHS Implementation Strategy” Companion Handbook on “Understanding the GHS” Guide to related IOMC materials Website and GHS Capacity Building Library

GHS Awareness Raising, Capacity Building Guidance and Training Materials

Resources Training Courses (under development) Regional Workshops Annual Reports (2002-2007) WSSD Global GHS Partnership

WSSD Global GHS Partnership Launched by UNITAR, ILO, and OECD in 2002 strengthen capacities at all levels and sectors -- in particular in developing countries “WSSD Partnerships”: to enable all stakeholders to make a concrete contribution to the outcomes of the WSSD Meetings of the Partners (2003, 2007) (1) Support of GHS Capacity Development at the Regional and Sub-regional Levels (2) Support of GHS Capacity Development at the National Level (3) Development of GHS Awareness Raising, Guidance and Training Materials (4) Supporting Activities and Services for GHS Capacity Development

Internet Resources WSSD GHS Partnership: http://www.unitar.org/cwm/ghs_partnership/index.htm UNITAR/ILO GHS Capacity Building Programme: http://www.unitar.org/cwm/ghs/index.html UN SCEGHS Homepage: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_welcome_e.html

What Next? There is significant momentum internationally to adopt and implement the GHS. GHS very helpful framework for developing countries – but challenging to implement! The 2008 target will not be met, but significant progress has been made in many regions around the world (2008 the starting point?...) There will be a continuing need to monitor implementation issues as they develop, and ensure they are addressed internationally.

Contacts Chemicals and Waste Management Programme UNITAR Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland Fax: + 41 22 917 8047 Email: gpghs@unitar.org Website: www.unitar.org/cwm