The chemical industry today is going through some of the most extensive changes in its history. With so many regulatory agencies in place today, the chemical industry has had to face many challenges that have been troubling for business. All sectors of the industry, including suppliers and buyers of the chemicals will have to prepare for the transition from the current CHIP system to the CLP regulations given by the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for labeling and classifying chemicals.

The goal of the new system is to create an internationally agreed-upon system to replace the various different systems that vary from country to country. With an international standard set in place by 2010, all chemical symbols around the world (Only participating UN Members) will be easily identifiable anywhere.

Theses new regulations have already been implemented in the UK, as the British parliament has already voted to fully repeal their CHIP system. The goals of the new CLP regulations are to provide an internationally comprehensible system for hazardous communication, facilitating international trade in chemicals, reducing the need for animal testing and evaluation of chemicals.

GHS, the new system based on the various regulatory frameworks already in existence, takes an already successful chemical labeling system and makes it an international standard that cannot be misunderstood easily. The visual impact of this new system will be very apparent, as Orange and Black hazard symbols will be replaced by Red and Black Diamonds called “pictograms”.

More comprehensive labeling for these hazardous materials only insures the safety of people around the world, as well as our environment too. Be sure to keep you eyes open for our new GHS chemical labeling system, as it should make our world a safer  place.