Dec. 30 Korea: Korea Publishes List of Potential GHS Classifications and Plans to Issue New Safety Data Sheet rules

From: PRLog

Korea has taken a major step toward achieving full compliance with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of chemicals by identifying 151 substances as “hazardous” for consultation. The Ministry of the Environment (MoE) in Korea also is placing more responsibilities on manufacturers and importers by introducing new rules regarding updating and content of material safety data sheets (MSDS).

The MoE has provided a list of the substances together with each proposed classification on its website that includes a description of the methodology used and a list of the evidence for each proposed classification along with a facility to provide feedback via e-mail to the MoE.

Companies should also be aware that an amendment of the ISHA is planned in January 2011 and due to take effect in July 2011. This amendment will place a new responsibility on manufacturers and importers — rather than users — to supply GHS-compliant MSDSs. There will also be an obligation to keep MSDSs fully reviewed and updated.

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