The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) provides a harmonised basis for globally uniform environmental, health and safety information on hazardous chemical substances and mixtures. It was developed at UN level. At the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg 2002, the European Commission, the EU Member States and stakeholders from industry and non-governmental organisations have endorsed the UN recommendation to implement the GHS in domestic law.

The Commission Services Directorate-General (DG) Enterprise & Industry and DG Environment with technical support from DG JRC have drafted a proposal for a Regulation which would introduce the GHS criteria into Community law. In accordance with the Commission’s commitment to better regulation, the Commission Services are undertaking a public consultation on this draft proposal. You are invited to participate in this consultation by giving comments and answers to the questions set out in an online-questionnaire.

After a transitional period, the GHS Regulation will replace the current legislation on classification and labelling, i.e. Council Directive 67/548/EEC for substances and Directive 1999/45/EC for preparations, the latter now being called “mixtures” under GHS. With the draft proposal, the Commission intends to maintain the overall level of protection provided by the current legislation. Moreover, the drafted GHS Regulation does not intend to impose any additional burden on enterprises other than that associated with the transition.

Following examination of the replies, the Commission Services plan to update the draft proposal and draft an own impact assessment in order to enable the Commission to take a decision on the GHS proposal as soon as possible. When adopted the proposal will be sent to Parliament and Council for co-decision.

This consultation is open from 21/08/06 till 21/10/06.

• The draft proposal and the consultation documents