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Recent GHS Events
By: Kim Stier, President
August, 2007

It has been a busy summer for the GHS. I'd like to take a moment to update you on recent headlines.

European Union States:
On June 27, 2007 the European Commission officially adopted the "Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures, and amending Directive 67/548/EEC and regulation (EC) No 1907/2006". This proposed act will align the EU system of hazard communication with the GHS. It will not replace REACH but is rather designed to complement the REACH Regulation.

From the information we have gathered so far it seems EU Member States are reviewing the proposal and many are currently open for public comments. For those of you with interests in any of the EU countries, you may want to get your European counterparts to go to their regulatory body's website to post comments for any areas of concern. I've listed just a bit of information for two EU Member States below:

• United Kingdom – HSE - has posted a Consultative Document, and as of August 14, 2007 are seeking views on the EC proposal. The Consultation period is due to end on November 2, 2007.
• Ireland – HSA - currently reviewing the EC's draft proposal. HSA has also opened the public consultation period as of July 10, 2007, which remains open until September 1, 2007. Comments submitted will assist the HSA in the development of the national position and inform the negotiating team at the upcoming EU discussions.

United Nations:
On July 19, 2007 the United Nations published a report of the 13th session of the Sub-committee of Experts. Included in the document is an update related to the UN's forthcoming revision to the GHS. Additionally, the Annex attached to the document lists the draft amendments proposed for the 2007 GHS revision. The full document can be found at: UNECE

The UN has also published the second revised edition of the GHS and it is available for purchase at: UNECE

The forward movement of the agencies listed above speaks to the inevitability of a global implementation of the GHS. Keep watching your inbox and www.ghsinformation.com for relevant information and transition tips.

For more information about the author, Kim Stier, see her Bio under the About Us section of www.sitehawk.com.


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