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The EU is not only in the process of developing and putting in place the new chemicals policy REACH, but it is planning to implement the globally harmonized system (GHS) for the classification and labelling of chemicals at the same time. The best current estimate is that REACH will come into force early in 2007. Clearly, the GHS is behind REACH in the regulatory process though the first version is around since 2003, after 10 years of preparation. The Commission
has drafted much of the proposal to implement GHS and will meet key stakeholders in 2006 for an abbreviated public consultation.
The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) provides a harmonised basis for globally uniform environmental, health and safety information on hazardous chemical substances and mixtures. It was developed at UN level. At the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg 2002, the European Commission, the
EU Member States and stakeholders from industry and non-governmental organisations have endorsed the UN recommendation to implement the GHS in domestic law.
After a transitional period, the GHS Regulation will replace the current legislation on classification and labelling, i.e. Council Directive 67/548/EEC for substances and Directive 1999/45/EC for preparations, the latter now being called “mixtures” under GHS. With the draft proposal, the Commission intends to maintain
the overall level of protection provided by the current legislation. Moreover, the drafted GHS Regulation does not intend to impose any additional burden on enterprises other than that associated with the transition.
The Commission Services Directorate-General (DG) Enterprise & Industry and DG Environment with technical support from DG JRC have drafted a proposal for a Regulation which would introduce the GHS criteria into Community law. Following examination of the replies,
the Commission Services plan to update the draft proposal and draft an own impact assessment in order to enable the Commission to take a decision on the GHS proposal as soon as possible. When adopted, the proposal will be sent to Parliament and Council for co-decision.
All related documents can be found here:
» http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/reach/ghs_consultation_en.htm
The Stakeholder Consultation on the Implementation of the GHS in Community Legislation was open from August 21, 2006 till October 21, 2006: The non-confidential replies and comments from the Stakeholder respondents related to the stakeholder consultation on the GHS draft regulation are presented on a particular website reserved for stakeholder replies on a weekly basis. The
outcome of the online-consultation as well as the consultation documents do not prejudice in any way the final decision the Commission will take on its legislative proposal.
» http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/reach/ghs_stakeholder_replies.htm |
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