What is GHS
GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) is a technical guidance published in 2003 by the United Nations (UN), also referred to as the UN GHS/purple book, which is used to address the classification of chemicals by types of hazard and harmonized hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets. Now the lastest version is the 11th rev. UN GHS. It aims at providing a basis for harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals at national, regional and worldwide level.
GHS hazard pictograms
GHS hazard pictograms means a graphical composition that may include a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern or colour that is intended to convey specific information.
GHS pictograms for sectors other than transport are assigned a unique alphanumerical code (a total of 9 from GHS01 to GHS09). The pictogram code is intended to be used for references purposes. It is not part of the pictogram and should not appear on labels or in section 2 of the safety data sheet (SDS).
More details about the GHS hazard pictograms could be found here.
Global GHS Implementation
GHS provides the flexibility to allow countries to adopt the building blocks that they require to meet domestic requirements. There may be differences in categories adopted by different countries. However, the overall information such as label elements (pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements) are harmonized.
The main areas and countries like Europe Union, US, Japan, Korea, China, Brazil, etc. have continuously implemented GHS. In the other words, almost all the industrial countries in the world have implemented GHS or will implement GHS very soon. Even though it is called a "harmonized system", every country or area still has its own specific requirement, such as language or some differences in regulation details.
|
Areas |
Implementation Time |
Standards/Regulations |
Specific Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
|
November 1st 2014 |
GB 30000.2-29-2013 GB/T 16483-2008 GB/T 17519-2013 |
Mandatory classification for chemicals listed in the Hazardous chemical inventory (2015). A 24H Emergency Phone Number. Language in Chinese. |
|
|
2010.12.1 (Substance) 2015.6.1 (Mixture) |
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 |
Refer to CLP Annex VI for mandatory classification of listed chemicals. Languages of member states are required. |
|
|
US |
2015.6.1 |
Hazcom 2024 |
Language in English. |
|
Japan |
2017.1.1 |
JIS Z 7252:2025 JIS Z 7253:2025 |
Language in Japanese. |
|
Korea |
2010.6.30 (Substance) 2013.6.30 (Mixture) |
GHS-MOEL No. 2025-50 |
Refer to mandatory classification list for toxic subtances. Language in Korean |
|
Canada |
2015.2.11 (grace period until 2017.5.31) |
WHMIS 2022 |
Language in English and French. |
|
Turkey |
2015.6.1(Substance) 2016.6.1(Mixture) |
SEA No. 31330 SEA No. 29204 |
Refer to CLP Annex VI. |
|
Brazil |
2015.6.1 |
NBR 14725:2023 |
Language in Portuguese. |
|
Mexico |
Not mandatory |
NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011 NOM -018 -STPS -2015 |
Language in Spanish. |
|
Malaysia |
2015.4.17 |
CLASS Regulations 2013 ICOP 2019 |
Refer to ICOP 2014 mandatory classification list. Language in English and Malay. |
|
2013(Substance) 2017.3.13(Mixture) |
B.E.2555 |
Language in Thai. |
|
|
Indonesia |
2010(Substance) 2017.12.31(Mixture) |
SNI 9030-1:2021 SNI 9030-2:2021 |
Language in Indonesian |
|
Taiwan |
2014.7.3 |
CNS 15030 |
Language in Traditional Chinese |
Our Services
- SDS/Label Authoring
- EU CLP-REGULATION (EC) No 1272/2008
- China GHS-GB/T 17519-2013&GB/T16483-2008
- Japan GHS- JIS Z 7252:2025/JIS Z 7253:2025
- Korea GHS-MOEL No.2025-50
- Taiwan GHS-CNS 15030
- US GHS- Hazcom 2024
- Canada GHS- WHMIS 2022
- Turkey GHS- SEA No. 31330/ SEA No. 29204
- Brazil GHS- NBR 14725:2023
- Mexico GHS- NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011/NOM -018 -STPS -2015
- Malaysia GHS- CLASS Regulations 2013/ICOP 2019
- Thailand GHS- B.E. 2555
- Indonesia GHS- SNI 9030-1:2021, SNI 9030-2:2021
- Vietnam GHS - Circular No. 32/2017/TT-BCT; Circular No. 01/2026/TT-BCT
- Singapore GHS - SS586: 2022
- Australia GHS - WHS Regulations 2023
- New Zealand GHS - Hazardous Substances (Hazard Classification) Notice 2020 & Hazardous Substances (Safety Data Sheets) Notice 2017 & Hazardous Substances (Labelling) Notice 2017
- GHS of other countries and areas: Russia, South-East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
Further Information
Singapore to Implement UN GHS Rev.7
U.S. OSHA Amends Hazard Communication Standard to Align with GHS Rev. 7
What Do You Know About the GHS Hazard Pictograms?
Are You Ready for the Latest Approved GHS Regulation (UA CLP) in Ukraine？
