Introduction
Since its adoption in 2002, the GHS has been identified as one of the main tools to achieve sound management of chemicals.
In paragraph 23 (c) of the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, South Africa, 2002), countries were encouraged to implement the GHS as soon as possible with a view to having the system fully operational by 2008.
In 2015, several high-level decisions relating to the sound management of chemicals were adopted at international level, for instance: Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its target (12.4) on chemicals management and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Overall Orientation and Guidance.
GHS implementation contributes to the achievement of target 12.4 of Agenda 2030. It is explicitly mentioned in relation to the original objectives 1 to 4 of the SAICM Global Plan of Action (risk reduction; strengthening knowledge and information sharing; Governance: strengthening of institutions, law and policy; capacity building) and their related activities (22, 99–101, 168, 248-250).
In order to monitor the status of implementation of the GHS, the secretariat collects information publicly available from various sources in relation with the implementation of the GHS. The information is made available on this website in good faith and derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of publication. These include reports from members of the GHS Sub-Committee, reports submitted to or issued by other United Nations organs, programs or specialized agencies (UNECE, UNITAR, IMO, ICAO, UNEP, WHO, ILO) or other intergovernmental organizations (European Commission, APEC) and non-governmental organizations (NGO's), as well as reports on various workshops, seminars, conferences and other events organized by third-parties on GHS related issues. Given that implementation of the GHS is a dynamic process, this information will be reviewed and completed based on any new information made available to the secretariat.
The information has been divided in the following blocks, also accessible from the left-hand side menu: