REACH / GHS / Material safety data sheets
European and international chemical legislations, like REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and GHS (Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) impact Boehringer Ingelheim's activities in many different ways. We are continuously working on these topics with the aim to be in compliance with requirements deriving from these legislations.
REACH
In 2007, the EU regulation REACH replaced the former European chemicals legislation. REACH's aim is to improve the protection of human health and the environment by means of better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances.
REACH requires all producers or importers of chemical substances to register these at the central European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); according to the principle "no data, no market" all substances need to be registered within a certain period.
Companies in the pharmaceutical industry are particulary affected with regard to registering intermediates. Substances in medicines, i.e. active ingredients, are excluded, given that they are regulated by European approval.
All regulatory requirements concerning REACH are implemented at all of Boehringer Ingelheim's European sites. In order to guarantee compliance at any time, all significant substances with regard to REACH are - using an IT solution - identified on a regular basis.
Boehringer Ingelheim has always complied with the time limits of the registration process. The objective is to have all relevant substances registered as soon as possible (this was mandatory with regard to a yearly production volume of more than 100 tons until 2013, and will be mandatory for production volumes of 1 ton – 100 tons per substance until 2018).
GHS
We are also in the process of implementing the United Nation's GHS, an internationally agreed, UN-designed-system to standardise different classification and labeling standards. Based on a globally applicable classification methodology, and consistent warning pictograms and statements, GHS should minimise risks to human health and the environment in the manufacture, transport and application of chemicals.
The implementation in Europe the Classification, Labeling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation requires a notification in the Classification and Labeling (C&L) Inventory Database. Similar to the REACH process all relevant substances are identified and notified continuously by an IT solution.
http://www.eu-msds.boehringer-ingelheim.com
EHS Product & Material Safety
55216 Ingelheim
Germany
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Material safety data sheets
Boehringer Ingelheim has taken the initiative in constantly advancing safe handling and storage of chemicals, both at our sites as well as at our customers' sites. In accordance with international regulations, we prepare material safety data sheets (MSDS) as an important component of product stewardship and workplace safety. MSDS provide detailed product information and handling recommendations for professional and industrial users.
MSDS are regularly revised and updated by Boehringer Ingelheim in order to guarantee that the latest information is available regarding handling, safe storage and adequate disposal.
For our pharmaceutical products we also provide MSDS for the public (read more).