Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

Core elements of the GHS include standardized hazard testing criteria, universal warning pictograms, and safety data sheets which provide users of dangerous goods relevant information with consistent organization.

Developing a worldwide standard accepted as an alternative to local and regional systems presented an opportunity to reduce costs and improve compliance.

[3] The GHS development began at the 1992 Rio Conference on Environment and Development by the United Nations,[4] also called Earth Summit (1992), when the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), various governments, and other stakeholders agreed that "A globally harmonized hazard classification and compatible labelling system, including material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available if feasible, by the year 2000".

[5] The universal standard for all countries was to replace all the diverse classification systems; however, it is not a compulsory provision of any treaty.

[3] The GHS classification system defines and classifies the physical, health, and/or environmental hazards of a substance.

As of the 10th revision of the GHS,[6] substances or articles are assigned to 17 different hazard classes largely based on the United Nations Dangerous Goods System.

As an assistance to assess possible substitute substances, the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) has developed the Column Model.

[10] The GHS generally defers to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and OECD to provide and verify toxicity testing requirements for substances or mixtures.

The GHS SDS headings, sequence, and content are similar to the ISO, European Union and ANSI MSDS/SDS requirements.