The aim of GHS is to ensure a better protection of human health and the environment during the handling of chemicals, including their transport and use.
Since the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg 2002 - technical and financial assistance for developing countries in order to strengthen their capacity to carry out sound management of chemicals and hazardous waste) a Globally Harmonized System of classification and labeling of chemicals (GHS) has been set up.
The classification of chemicals is based on their level of hazard. This harmonization facilitates trade by increasing consistency between national laws that have different requirements when it comes to hazard.
At the European level, the European Commission issued a proposal for the implementation of GHS into Community Legislation in June 2007. The regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) was adopted on the 16th of December 2008 and entered into force on 20 January 2009 with compliance for mixtures due by June 2015.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) also contributes to the implementation of CLP by providing technical and scientific advice and recommendations to the Member States and European Union institutions. Through its involvement in the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), Cefic participated in the dialogue and assisted in the adoption by the UN of GHS.