Deployment of GHS
Arkema has deployed it in every participating country, in line with its implementation in local legislation.
In Europe, the GHS has been transposed into the Classification, Labeling and Packaging (CLP) regulation governing chemical products and mixtures. Arkema reassessed and classified all the
substances contained in its product portfolio within the regulation’s deadline and updated the related Safety Data Sheets and labels.
The Group tracks the GHS updates published twice a year and aligns its Safety Data Sheets accordingly in the countries and regions that transpose them.
In addition, Arkema has deployed the system in other countries, in particular in the United States, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Australia and Turkey, again within the regulatory timeframe. Roll outis proceeding apace in the countries that are currently phasing in the GHS, such as Canada and Russia.
GHS – unified communication about chemical products
Each region or country which chooses to implement GHS uses the same technical criteria and symbols to describe the hazard level of a chemical product.
This communication system allows for a clear understanding and safer use of the products. It facilitates the international trade of chemical products whose hazards have been accurately evaluated and identified at a global level.
The expansion of GHS started in September 2002 at the Johannesburg Summit. Countries were encouraged to include GHS in their national and regional regulations as soon as possible. Despite its non-binding character, many countries have adopted the GHS system, especially in Asia and Europe.
GHS is the culmination of a long process of work by experts and a compromise between the existing systems.