1. GHS Implementation in Uruguay MSc. FABIÁN BENZO Implementation of the GHS: Its Relevance to the Stockholm Convention A Stockholm Convention COP-1 Side Event Punta del Este, 03.05.2005

2. GHS Related Activities   January, 2003 American Chemical I.C.S.A., an Uruguayan company which supplies chemicals, initiates the implementation of the GHS. At present has classified the hazards for five of its products with the corresponding labels and safety data sheets.   October, 2003 Lecture on GHS in the Third Regional Meeting of Chemical Engineering.   September, 2004 The Faculty of Chemistry of the Universidad de la República organized the course “New System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals”.   November, 2004 Participation in the South America Sub-regional Workshop on Chemical Hazard Communication and GHS Implementation (São Paulo, Brazil).

3. Principles of implementation   Uruguay does not have specific legislation, regulations or standards easily modified to accommodate GHS (except transport sector).   More must be done to spread information about the GHS.   A specific unit must be created to implement the GHS, with the participation of all concerned parties (government, industry, workers, consumers, NGOs, University).   Implementation of the GHS must be progressive, beginning with voluntary fulfillment and for those sectors where its application is easiest.   GHS implementation should be integrated with regional initiatives and other relevant international initiatives.

4. Proposed GHS Activities under Consideration   2005 - 2006 Organization of a national workshop. Creation of a committee for setting standards on chemical hazard classification and communication based on the GHS. Development of activities of diffusion and training..   2007 - 2008 Continuation of the activities of training. Voluntary adoption of the standards. Evaluation of the experience. Regulatory status of the standards?

5. Conclusions   Uruguay has made some efforts towards implementing the GHS, but obviously these are not enough. What reasons could there be for NOT implementing the GHS?   At present we are coordinating actions in order to raise awareness about the GHS and its importance and to create the infrastructure necessary for its implementation.   Uruguay is making efforts, within its possibilities, to comply with the goal of the WSSD and to have the GHS fully operational by 2008.