An important press release today from the EU on GHS and REACH:

The European Commission today has proposed to align the current EU system of classification of chemical substances and mixtures to the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS). The internationally accepted harmonised classification criteria and labelling elements will be integrated in new EU legislation, replacing the current law on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances (Directive 67/548/EEC) and mixtures (Directive 1999/45/EC). The proposal is an important step on the Community’s part towards global efforts to enhance the protection of human health and the environment from the effects of dangerous chemicals. The harmonisation of requirements at global level will give trade and competitiveness a boost and includes new pictograms. The proposed regulation will complement the new REACH Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. The proposal will now be discussed in the European Parliament and in the Council…

The proposal incorporates the classification criteria and labelling rules agreed at UN level, the so called Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS). It will introduce new classification criteria, hazard symbols (pictograms) and labelling phrases, while taking account of elements which are part of the current EU legislation.

The press release here: Proposal to align classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals to UN standards. More information available here: Implementing the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in Community Legislation.

Nexreg has more information on GHS at the following links:

To speak to a Nexreg representative about how GHS will impact your company, please call or e-mail Nexreg at:

Nexreg Canada: (519)488-5126 (London, ON)
Nexreg UK: +44 020 7993 5893 (London, UK)
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E-mail:info@nexreg.com