::: Latest News of GHS in Taiwan

In December 2007, Taiwan Executive Yuan approved the effective date of December 31st 2008 for GHS implementation in workplace, environmental protection and public dangerous goods control. A transitional period from December 31st 2007 to December 31st 2008 is designed for industries to convert from current system (UNRTDG) to GHS. Taiwan is continuing GHS implementation though a 3-year Inter-agencies Action Plan (FY 2006~2008). After two national inter-agencies coordination meetings were held in February and November 2007, GHS implementing schedules in workplace, environmental and fire protection have been determined. Competent authorities in transport, workplace, environmental protection (toxic chemical substance), agriculture pesticide/insecticide, consumer product, and national standard sectors are working in coordination toward the goal of national implementation and APEC 2008 target. Major accomplishments in FY2007 include GHS national standards establishment, regulation amendments, education programs, and other capacity building activities such as GHS information website, testing capacity and mixture classification tool. In addition, implementation of pesticide and consumer product labelling are still pending upon FAO and WHO harmonization work, as well as further development in consumer domain. Regulation amendment of both pesticide and consumer product labelling are still at drafting stage.