Assure Total GHS Implementation for EU with Professional Assistance

Though the Globally Harmonized System aims at harmony and uniformity in the safe handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, implementation vary from one country to another since they are free to adopt any revision and adopt it in full or part and add further regulations as they may seem fit. This is exactly what countries of the European Union have done. In addition to opting for version 4 of GHS (the latest, 6^th, likely to be implemented in the near future), EU countries also follow EU REACH and CLP regulations. It is mandatory for any chemical company to submit documentation in compliance with their regulations. 

REACH places the burden of GHS implementation on companies to identify and manage risks. It is not only risks related to handling, processing, storage, use and transport but also the safety of downstream user, disposal and effect on environment that is taken into consideration in the EU through REACH. The strange thing about REACH is that an exporter from the US or any other country is not bound by the regulations but the importer in the EU is required to comply with the pre-registration or registration process. This, however, does not absolve exporters because importers will only do business if an exporter is REACH compliant. Also, if quantities involved are below 10 tonnes per annum, some clauses may not apply but for quantities above 1 tonne, it is mandatory. Still, however, regardless of quantities involved, if any manufacturer-exporter wishes to do business in the EU, he must comply with REACH and CLP and this calls for exhaustive and detailed documentation. Now, in addition to the safeguards for storage, use, handling and transport, documentation must also include measures for protection of human health and environment safety through safe disposal advice.  Documents must be in the language of the country to which chemicals are exported. The REACH compliant SDS must be translated in a way that avoids any ambiguity, calling for specialized knowledge of local languages and usages in the countries forming part of the EU. 

 

A company in the US may not have a specific importer-distributor in the EU who is willing to undertake the process. In this case, registration becomes difficult. However, hiring expert GHS implementation companies resolves the issue since they appoint a local representative to carry out the process. 

Why is it so important in the EU? The simple fact is that downstream users are forbidden from using any chemical unless it has an accompanying safety data sheet on use and disposal. Therefore, even if it is a simple cleaning agent or paint or solvent, the product must be REACH compliant and must have the documentation if it is to be sold and bought within the EU and the documentation must be in the local language. This seems a formidable barrier but it becomes easy when one has access to experienced professionals well aware of all REACH regulations and the capability to comply as well as translate documents.