In the previous post, we provided the status of GHS implementation for countries in South America. In this post, we turn our attention to North America. For the purposes of this blog, we will only include the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
U.S.A.: During a transition period that extends up to May 31, 2015, GHS, the previous standard, or both can be used. After the transition period, i.e. as of June 1, 2015, only GHS can be used for substances and mixtures. There is one exception to this: distributors may ship products labeled by manufacturers under the previous system up to, but not including, December 1, 2015.
Canada: In February 2014, the Canadian government unveiled the federal budget for fiscal year 2014–2015 in which the government announced its intention to amend the Hazardous Products Act. This is the first step required by Canada to align itself with the U.S. and adopt GHS. Canada is aiming to implement GHS by June 2015. In addition to amending its Hazardous Products Act, Canada also needs to change its Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulations. The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) expects the federal government to change the WHMIS regulations as part of amending the Hazardous Products Act. Canada and the U.S. had previously agreed to align their classification and labeling systems by June 1, 2015.
Mexico: In June 2011, Mexico published a national standard based on GHS and became the first NAFTA member to do so. However the standard is not mandatory, meaning GHS can be used on a voluntary basis and is not enforced. Last year, Mexico amended a standard on the identification and communication of hazards and risks related to the use of dangerous chemicals in the workplace (NOM-018-STPS-2000). The standard allows the use of GHS as an alternative.
More information on GHS implementation in the world is available on the UN website. You can also consult NexReg’s webpage on MSDS compliance by jurisdiction, DHI’s GHS implementation webpage, and 3E Company’s “2014 Latin America GHS Update” presentation (for Mexico).
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