GHS

The new UN GHS (Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling for chemicals is a challenge for all manufacturer of products and for the staffs of product safety. Europeean community has implemented the UN GHS as CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures.

The change from the directives 67/548/EEC (substances) and 1999/45/EEC (preparations) to the new system ist not only a change to new symbols (pictograms), and H-phrases and P-phrases instead R-and S-phrases.

It means also a more comprehensive approach to the classification, other than most dangerous classification according earlier directives. The classification and labeling according (EC) 1272/2008 must be carefully examined and, when executed by software for MSDS. Especially substances that are not officially classified in EC.

See also FOPH bulletin for manufacturers and importers. Correct classifing and labeling chemical products.

The CLP Regulation (EDF) 1272/2008 applies to EC and also Switzerland.

Switzerland:

Substances must be labeled to CLP since 1. december 2012. Theirs MSDS must contain also classifaction according directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/ 45/EEC until 1.06.2015.

Mixtures (formerly preparations) must be classified and labeled according CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 after 1.06.2015. If earlier classified and labeled according CLP , the MSDS must contain both systems untill 1.06.2015.

Legal documents:

Chemical ordinance.

Leaflats: Important FOPH leaflat Chemicals GHS properly labeled (only in German, French, Italian.)

Other FOPH leaflets and factsheetsf www.chemsuisse.ch (only in German, French, Italian)