European CLP Regulation - Adoption of the GHS
European Law Journal, Vol.3Tzvi Levinson, Julia Lietzmann and Gil Dror Adv. April 2009
In 2003, the United Nations (UN) submitted the so-called “purple book" containing the “Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals” (GHS). With a view to facilitating trade while protecting human health and the environment, the latter purports to achieve worldwide harmonisation of the different systems of classification and labelling. The GHS sets standards for the assessment of the intrinsic properties of chemicals and creates a common basis as to how hazards need to be communicatedhe earlier a company gets familiar with the changes the smoother will the transition to CLP compliance be. And do not forget: business partners might ask for CLP compliance before enforcement authorities will do – we have seen indeed this phenomenon in the past, as was lately the case in respect of the Directive restricting use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS). The article reviews the development process at the international level and the content of the regulations as adopted in the European Union.