GHS Implementation Published by Israel

In May 2019, Israel published its implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Scheduled to go into force in August 2019, it will be followed by a 3-year transition period.

About GHS

The GHS is an internationally recognized means for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labelling of chemicals. It represents a detailed approach to:

  • communicating hazard information and protective recommendations (e.g., safety data sheets (SDS))
  • defining various types of chemical hazards
  • developing classification processes that offer comparisons with established hazard criteria

Governments, institutions, and international organizations are key audiences for the GHS. Industry professionals are also highly impacted as many will ultimately be fulfilling its requirements.

To date, more than 70 countries throughout the world have adopted GHS or are in the process of doing so. Israel’s move toward implementation represents one of the most recent additions.

Move Toward Implementation

A principal push toward GHS implementation for Israel came in 2018 with the OECD’s adoption of a revision of the Decision-Recommendation of the Council on the Co-operative Investigation and Risk Reduction of Chemicals. With this, OECD members are mandated to implement the GHS.

GHS adoption in Israel is expected to have a substantial impact within the country, as an increase in the number of products to be classified as hazardous is anticipated.

Additionally, adaptations in the labelling process will be needed for the use of GHS-style labels.

Staying Informed

Designed to enable increased protection of human health and the environment via the providing of harmonized information to chemical users, the GHS represents an extremely important framework for the classification and labelling of hazardous substances.

To stay up to date on GHS implementation efforts, their progress, and their outcomes in various countries, be sure to visit the ToxPlanet website and blog regularly for information on new developments. Also, be sure to register for a Free Trial of our valuable information solutions.