A Global Survey on GHS Labels for Pesticides 2015

Feb. 16, 2015- By: Mr. Little Pro

It is generally expected that the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) will be adopted for pesticides. The biggest impact of GHS on pesticides will be pesticide classification and product labels due to the introduction of chemical classification criteria and GHS labelling elements. While GHS has been adopted for hazardous chemicals in workplace by a significant number of countries, many of them still follow the FAO Guidelines on Pesticide Registration and the FAO Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides (rather than GHS) to carry out pesticide hazard classification and prepare pesticide labels.

In this article, we have analyzed how GHS may impact pesticide labelling and classification and analyzed the current situation of GHS adoption in pesticides sector.

GHS and Pesticides Classification

GHS uses hazard class and hazard category to describe the nature and severity of chemical hazards. There are currently 28 hazard classes in GHS, among which the following classes are commonly seen on pesticides.

Flammability;
Acute Toxicity;
Skin Corrosion/Irritation;
Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation;
Skin/Dermal Sensitization;

It is expected that chemical classification criteria for above hazard classes will be introduced for pesticides. It shall be noted that there is no hazard class for terrestrial animals (e.g., bees, mammals) in GHS. Different authorities may consider adding extra hazard classes for terrestrial animals when adopting GHS for pesticides.

The following GHS pictograms would be the most commonly used on pesticide labels in the future.

GHS Pictogram Pesticides

GHS and Pesticides Labels

A GHS label can also be used for pesticides after slight modification. A typical GHS label for an industrial chemical includes the following basic elements:

GHS Label Sample

It is generally expected that a GHS pesticide label will need to include additional information. The extra required info may include instructions for use, content of AIs, requirements for personal protective equipment, re-entry intervals, and first aid statements.