South Korea complete GHS Information Unification.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor, along with the National Fire Agency, has successfully unified the information on 565 of the 4,091 overlapping chemicals in their respective chemical information systems, ensuring consistency in GHS (Globally Harmonized System) information. 

What is GHS?  GHS is an internationally standardized system for classifying and labeling chemical substances, providing crucial safety information. 

Background  The Ministry's Material Safety Data Sheet System and the National Fire Agency's National Integrated Dangerous Goods Information System previously provided information on 20,555 and 7,364 chemical substances, respectively. However, discrepancies in the information for the same chemicals led to user confusion. 

Collaboration and Completion  In collaboration with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) and the Korea Fire Institute (KFI), the unification of chemical information was completed by 2024. This includes matching GHS details such as pictograms, signal words, hazard phrases, and precautionary statements. 

Benefits 

• Public Safety: Ensures the public receives consistent and accurate information about chemical products. 

• Industry Clarity: Reduces confusion in the import, export, and handling of chemicals. 

• Government Response: Enhances the government's ability to respond swiftly and accurately to chemical accidents.