GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. It is a set of guidelines for ensuring the safe production, transport, handling, use and disposal of hazardous materials. In short, it is an international attempt to get everyone on the same page.

The GHS was developed by the United Nations as a way to bring into agreement the chemical regulations and standards of different countries.

The U.S. final rule on the GHS was published in March 2012.

The hope is for every country to incorporate the tenets of the GHS into their own chemical management systems with the goal of making the handling, international sale and transportation of hazardous chemicals safer and easier.