{"id":8073,"date":"2024-07-22T15:06:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-22T19:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/?p=8073"},"modified":"2026-02-05T16:24:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T21:24:17","slug":"ghs-labeling-info-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/ghs-labeling-info-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is GHS Labeling and What Are Its Requirements?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Companies that handle chemicals or chemical products should be familiar with GHS labeling. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals is a way to create uniformity and cohesion for labeling hazardous chemicals on products, regardless of industry or location. Although this labeling system has international recognition, there are slight variations across the different countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Did GHS Labeling Originate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Standardizing the labeling of hazardous chemicals reduces the potential harm to environments and people around the world. The United Nations orchestrated and adopted the standard<\/strong><\/a> for GHS labeling requirements in 2003. It came from a cooperative effort between the World Health Organization and the United Nations called the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management. During that time, the United States took an active part in developing the criteria for the standard, and it continues today to have an active part in coordinating and maintaining the implementation of the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The U.N. web page<\/strong><\/a> contains the office language of the GHS. While the GHS labels are easy to recognize, there is some flexibility on how countries can adapt the standards to best meet their own local safety requirements. In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for adopting the GHS label requirements and including them in the U.S. Hazard Communication regulations<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Is GHS Labeling Required?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since June 2015, any hazardous chemicals shipped to any location require labeling with specific requirements. Slight changes to the labeling systems have taken place over the years, but compliance requires any importer, distributor or manufacturer to properly label every container that changes hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Container Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone in warehousing and logistics should understand what pictograms or hazard statements designate chemical contents on bills of lading used throughout the supply chain. There is a mandate for GHS labels on all primary containers; secondary containers may not require the same specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In retail situations, the exterior packaging will require the global GHS standard, while the interior contents may only need to comply with the national labeling requirements. However, items stored or transported on pallets or individually need GHS labeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop GHS Labels and Signs:<\/h3>\n\n
\"GHS<\/a><\/td>\"Bilingual<\/a><\/td>\"GHS<\/a><\/td>\"GHS<\/a><\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

What Is on a GHS Label?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

GHS labels compliant with the U.N. standards have specific requirements and must be listed in the following order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Product Identifier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The identifier must include both the product name and a list of the hazardous ingredients within the container. Companies can use batch numbers and coders to help with identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplier Identifier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This identifier is the basic contact information for the sender. It includes the name, address and telephone number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signal Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Signal words on the GHS labeling signify the clear hazard found within. The term \u201cwarning\u201d labels minor hazards, while the term \u201cdanger\u201d identifies severe hazards. Specific guidelines outline which chemicals receive label designations, and although these are extensive and complex, they must be followed meticulously to be in compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A labeling of \u201cdanger\u201d is put on containers with chemicals that could cause permanent damage and immediate harm. Flammable materials bear this warning. Less severe hazards will use the term \u201cwarning,\u201d such as combustible liquids. Only one signal word is allowed on a label, and if the contents can meet the requirements for more than one designation, the higher designation of \u201cdanger\u201d is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hazard Pictograms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pictograms are graphics easily interpreted by anyone, an important component of an international labeling system where multiple languages converge. There are nine GHS pictograms<\/strong><\/a> covering hazards like combustion, ignition, corrosion, poison and more. Each hazard symbol must have a red diamond border surrounding the image to make it stand out. In the U.S., OSHA regulates eight of these symbols, with the ninth, indicating environmental hazards, covered by other agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hazard Statement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to identifying the contents of a container, GHS labeling must also identify the potential dangers of handling the product. The statement on the container must convey the possible symptoms a person could experience if they come in contact with the chemical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a consistent, standardized language for hazard statements. For any given chemical, regardless of the producer or manufacturer, the statement should be the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Precautionary Statements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With a precautionary statement, suppliers can address the hazards of the product. These statements provide guidance for preventing or minimizing exposure, the proper responses to address incidents of exposure and acceptable methods for both storing or disposing of the chemical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The information on these statements is the same as the guidance included on the Safety Data Sheets released for each chemical, so may be relayed using SDS P-codes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is the Supplemental Information for GHS Labeling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Supplemental information may be included on a label, but this is not part of standardized GHS labeling. A competent authority may request additional information or the manufacturer or distributor may include it. Commonly, these inclusions give additional warnings that may not currently be a requirement by the GHS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GHS Label Formatting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although there aren\u2019t specifics for the exact format or layout of a GHS label, there are text, heading and language requirements. The wording must be clear and easily readable, with no overlap in elements. Both the text and image should be able to be seen without any eye strain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three required label elements must be on prominent display at the top of the label. The font should be bold or large enough for the text or image to be seen from a distance. The United States requires that all information be provided in English, but labels can also include additional languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For companies distributing in foreign countries, there is always the possibility of additional labeling requirements. Countries have some freedom in adding to the label requirements, but they must always include everything GHS labels require.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Satisfy Your GHS Labeling Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For U.S.-made signs that fully comply with GHS labeling standards, shop the selection at ComplianceSigns, LLC. There is a wide variety of sizes to address all your labeling needs. Fulfill both GHS requirements and the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard with our options for chemical labeling<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More GHS Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n