GHS / CLP classification and labelling (pictograms, H and P statements)
The UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) classifies the physical, health and environmental hazards of chemicals by the same criteria worldwide; in the EU it is applied through the CLP Regulation. Labels carry the relevant red-bordered pictograms (nine in total), the signal word “Danger” or “Warning”, hazard (H) statements such as H314 “causes severe skin burns” and precautionary (P) statements. The classification is given in section 2 of the SDS, must match the package label, and labels must be in the language of the destination country.
Related terms
Safety data sheet (SDS / MSDS)
A document setting out, in 16 standard sections following the GHS, a chemical’s hazards and information on safe handling, storage, transport, personal protective equipment, first aid, firefighting, accidental release and disposal. It is mandatory for hazardous substances under REACH in the EU and similar laws elsewhere, and must be supplied in the recipient’s language. Carriers and customs rely on section 14 for dangerous-goods classification and the UN number.
Dangerous goods transport (UN number, IMDG, ADR, IATA)
Flammable, corrosive, toxic, oxidising or environmentally hazardous substances are governed by mode-specific rules: the IMDG Code at sea, ADR by road, RID by rail and IATA DGR by air. Each substance is identified by a four-digit UN number (e.g. UN1823 sodium hydroxide, solid), a hazard class (1–9) and a packing group (I–III), all given in section 14 of the SDS. UN-approved packaging, class labels, a dangerous goods declaration and trained staff are compulsory; freight and insurance cost more than for general cargo, and some ships and ports refuse certain classes.
REACH and KKDİK (chemical registration)
EU Regulation 1907/2006, which requires every substance manufactured in or imported into the EU above 1 tonne a year to be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – “no data, no market”. A non-EU supplier can register through an Only Representative; otherwise the obligation falls on the importer. Türkiye’s equivalent is the KKDİK Regulation, and Korea (K-REACH), China and the UK (UK REACH) run similar systems. Buyers should ask for the registration number and whether the substance contains SVHCs (substances of very high concern).