On May 19, 2015, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) issued DENR Administrative Order No. 2015-009 and Memorandum Circular No. 2015-011 on the “Rules and Procedures for the Implementation of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemical in Preparation of safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Labeling Requirements of Toxic Chemical Substances’ including its Guidance Manual.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon system, created by the United Nations beginning in 1992. It was designed to replace the various classification and labeling standards used in different countries by using consistent criteria on a global level.

As part of the efficient and effective implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and labelling of Chemicals (GHS), the DENR-EMB in cooperation with the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) conducted a GHS Awareness Seminar on November 11, 2015 at the Hive Hotel & Convention Center. Around 80 participants from the local industry practitioners particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are involved in the chemical management and are expected to take important role in the implementation of GHS in their own organization or companies attended the event.

Ms. Cynthia Reyes discussed the introduction of GHS, Ms. Dall Palisoc provided an overview of the physical, health and environmental while Ms. Gretchen Fontejon- Enarle gave an in depth discussion of Safety Data Sheet and Labels. The highlight of the seminar was the discussion of the overview of the general rule, requirements and procedures in the Guidance Manual that will take effect in 2016.