GHS Implementation: African Countries Begin a Pilot Project

Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria want to introduce the Global Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals in their territory to improve their chemicals management. They have begun a pilot project in which each country works with various partners, including the EU, the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), the UN Environmental Program (UNEP), the ECHA, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The work is aligned with the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The goal is to dovetail activities with international chemicals management.

Countries that are less industrialized often lack the infrastructure and resources needed to implement the GHS. With the help of partners, these countries can be helped to develop the legal framework, training, and instruments they require.

So far, only three African nations, Mauritius, South Africa, and Zambia, have implemented the GHS. Ruanda is in the midst of an implementation phase. The Economic Commission for Europe of the United
Nations (UNECE), provides an overview of the status of implementation of the GHS around the world.

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