Colombia’s Labor Ministry the first sector to implement GHS

Colombia incorporated GHS guidelines in 2018 based on the Decreto 1.496/2018. The regulation provides guidance for ministries to implement the standard in each sector. In 2021, the Ministry of Labor is the first sector to adopt GHS under Resolución 0773/2021. 

Colombia government’s attitude toward GHS implementation has been vague until now. This first adaptation can be seen as a confirmation of the country’s adaptation of GHS at the sector’s level.  

Almost a year after the public consultation, the Ministry of Labor had agreed on the following aspects of GHS implementation:

• GHS 6th version (2015) adoption
• Follow the European CLP for labeling size
• SDS and label mandatory in Spanish
• Organizations shall keep and personal chemical inventory updated
• Chemicals’ labels must have a 27/7 emergency toll-free contact

The adaptation period differs for substances and mixtures. Substances have 24 months transitional period, while mixtures count 36 months.

Other ministries are still waiting to countersign the guidelines including the Ministries of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Transport.

Colombia is one of the latest countries in South America to adopt the GHS standard. Despite its late adoption, Colombia is also advancing its national policy on chemical safety and management. In February 2021, Colombia has carried out a public consultation on the comprehensive management of industrial chemicals. Colombia’s chemical policy is expected to be forwarded by the recent adoption of chemical regulation in Chile, a close neighbor, and OECD member. 

Late Update: 2021-04-30