In the beginning of April the Environment committee in the European Parliament will vote on an law proposal regarding classification and labeling of chemicals. ChemSec welcomes the introduction of GHS in EU. However, the present proposal has two important failures; it excludes Category 5 for acute oral toxicity and PBT-labelling is not foreseen. ChemSec advocates the introduction of Cat. 5 and PBT-labelling in the EU-GHS. Please see our short films explaining these issues.

The films have been presented for the Environment committee members of the European Parliament. Today the amendments tabled for the proposal of classification and labeling were discussed in the Environment committee. On one hand some deputies expressed their will to adopt GHS as quick as possible without any relevant amendments. On the other hand a number of MEPs expressed the importance of EU being the global forerunner in raising the level of protection for the citizens regarding category 5 acute toxicity. They argued that amendments of the proposal are necessary. In addition several MEPs pointed out the different functions of GHS and REACH and the need of proper information to consumers labeling products containing PBTs.

The rapporteur Mrs Sartori pointed out that she wants to maintain her ambition to achieve a rapid adoption of the law but she also expressed an open mind to the concern raised by her colleagues regarding PBT and category 5 acute toxicity.

Please see the three ChemSec films (each ca 2 Minutes)

For more background information please read the

ChemSec Position Paper

ChemSec film 1
- Introduction to GHS
Watch this film on Youtube

ChemSec film 2
- Why introduce category 5?

Watch this film on Youtube

ChemSec film 3
- PBT-labelling is needed!
Watch this film on Youtube