ECHA is part of a four-year United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) pilot project to implement the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria. The aim is to reduce the health and environmental impacts of chemicals by improving the four countries’ access to information on the hazards and toxicity of chemicals during their handling, transport and use. Implementing GHS will also reduce barriers to trade by harmonizing standards.

GHS is currently not operational in more than 120 countries, mostly developing countries and economies in transition – specifically, Africa remains mostly outside of GHS. The initiative aims to achieve a functioning national implementation of GHS also after the project has finished. This includes support in drafting legislation, consideration about cost recovery mechanisms as well as ensuring that the necessary capacity, guidance and tools are in place to enforce the legislation. The emphasis is on a tailored, long-term support and capacity building for each recipient country.

The project is a partnership between the four countries and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), UNEP, the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), as well as the European Commission and ECHA. It is co-financed by the European Commission’s DG Environment and the ICCA.