EPA Seeks Comments on Plans to Apply New Global System to Pesticide Labels

Through a Federal Register notice (3 pgs.,78 KB, PDF) published on August 25, 2004, EPA is providing the public 60 days to review and comment on a white paper that outlines EPA’s current thinking on how to implement a new international system for classifying and labeling chemical hazards for pesticide labels. For a long time countries have used different systems for informing workers and consumers about physical, health, and/or environmental hazards associated with the use of chemicals. More uniform and harmonized labels will improve communication regarding chemical safety for consumers and workers, and reduce barriers for companies engaged in international trade. After working for more than a decade with national and international partners and stakeholders to create a globally harmonized system, EPA and other U.S. agencies that regulate chemicals are preparing for adoption of the new classification criteria and label elements.

Called the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, or GHS, the new system sets out criteria for classifying chemical hazards and communicating those hazards on labels and safety data sheets. EPA is requesting comments on a white paper that describes the various options the Agency is considering for implementing the new system for pesticide labels. In issuing the white paper, the Agency is particularly interested in receiving feedback on the following:

regulations that may warrant review or possible revision;
the use of a pilot project before the final rules are in place;
the timing and sequencing of implementation;
coordination of implementation planning efforts with other groups to make the process more efficient; and
recommendations for conducting outreach and education activities.

EPA recognizes that significant effort and time may be required to implement the GHS label changes and conduct effective outreach and education activities. EPA foresees this process occurring in multiple stages over several years. The white paper (17 pgs.,88 KB, PDF) and a side-by-side comparison (22 pgs.,157 KB, PDF) of the GHS with EPA's current pesticide labeling policies are also available for review and comment on EPA's Web site at http://cfpub.epa.gov/pesticides/comments.cfm. The comment period closes October 25, 2004. People may also contact Mary Frances Lowe, Field and External Affairs Division, at 703-305-5689 for more information about EPA's GHS implementation planning efforts.

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EPA Seeks Comments on Plans to Apply New Global System to Pesticide Labels

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