CHEMISTRY INDUSTRY APPLAUDS CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO ISSUE HARMONIZED REGULATIONS

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) applauds the Government of Canada’s decision to issue regulations aligning the Canadian Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

“Aligning Canada’s classification and labelling requirements with our trading partners in a timely manner will help ensure the safe handling and use of chemicals, says Carles Navarro, President of BASF Canada Inc. “It will also reduce stress on Canadian supply chains by increasing regulatory and cost efficiencies for products manufactured in, or exported to, Canada.”

“The Association and its member-companies have worked collaboratively and been extremely supportive of Health Canada’s consultative approach throughout the process,” says Richard Paton, President and CEO of CIAC.

Other benefits for Canada’s chemistry companies include:

  • enhanced safety and information for Canadian workers;
  • trade benefits, principally with the U.S., due to labelling that will meet both Canadian and U.S. requirements;
  • increases in manufacturing supply chain efficiency;
  • faster, easier and more effective training for workers due to standardized training materials; and,
  • time savings when updates and reviews are needed.

By coordinating these changes with U.S. authorities, companies operating on both sides of the border will be able to apply the regulations concurrently. Harmonization will save millions of dollars in implementation costs and improve competitiveness.

The regulations come into force immediately; however, transition periods will give CIAC member-companies and partners sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments.

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is the voice of Canada’s Chemistry Industry, representing more than 50 members and partners across the country. The chemistry industry is a $53 billion industry, which directly employs more than 82,000 Canadians, and supports another 410,000 jobs in the Canadian economy. Members of CIAC are signatories to Responsible Care® – the association’s U.N.-recognized sustainability initiative.