::: Latest News of GHS in Taiwan

For improving occupational safety and right to know of labors, and considering the trend of GHS implementation, the newly amended Hazard Communication Regulation (HCR) was announced in the Executive Yuan Gazette on 19th October 2007. The competent authority of HCR, Council of Labors Affairs (CLA), has adopted the Taiwan CNS 15030 established by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) basing on the UN 2005 1st revised GHS Purple Book. The HCS title was amended as the “Regulations of Label and Hazard Communication of Dangerous and Harmful Materials”. In comparison with the original regulation, the amended regulation of hazard communication possesses several new features, including: I.GHS labelling is adopted in workplace； II.According to the building block approach, physical hazards and health hazards of GHS are regulated in this regulation (in workplace). Environmental hazards of GHS will be included by other competent authorities. III. MSDS format is amended in line with the GHS (16 items). IV. It is required for industries to prepare inventory of hazardous chemicals and Hazard Communication Plan which are manufactured or handled in their workplace. The date of enforcement of the amended HCR will be determined in the inter-agency coordination meeting scheduled in mid November 2007.