As chemical products move through increasingly complex global supply chains, regulatory compliance has become a critical business function rather than a purely administrative requirement. While the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was developed to create a consistent framework for hazard communication worldwide, implementation has evolved differently across jurisdictions. Countries and regions have adopted different GHS revisions, introduced country-specific requirements, established unique chemical inventories, and maintained varying expectations for labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and substance notifications.
For manufacturers, importers, distributors, and product stewards, these differences create significant compliance challenges. A product that meets hazard communication requirements in one market may require different classifications, label elements, language requirements, inventory assessments, or SDS content before it can be legally sold in another. As regulations continue to evolve, organizations must maintain visibility into changing requirements while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of product information across global markets.
This whitepaper provides an overview of how GHS has been implemented across key international jurisdictions, highlighting important regulatory frameworks, chemical inventory requirements, and recent developments affecting hazard communication obligations. Understanding these regional differences is essential for maintaining compliance, protecting worker safety, supporting market access, and minimizing regulatory risk. While this resource provides a comprehensive overview of numerous countries and reflects the expertise of Pace® supporting jurisdictions worldwide, it only represents a selection of those globally that have adopted GHS.
Erin Albrecht, MS, SDSRP, Group Leader
Erin is the Group Leader for the Product Stewardship Consulting team at Pace® and has been with the company since 2008. She works with the team to create multi-language SDSs and labels for US, Canada, EU, and other jurisdictions worldwide. Erin has expertise with domestic and international product regulations, is a certified multi-modal hazardous materials/dangerous goods transport expert, and regularly develops training and guidance documents for chemical regulatory compliance issues. She is a Safety Data Sheet Registered Professional (SDSRP) and has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Minnesota.