Reducing chemical risks in low-income countries: strategies for improved coverage of basic chemicals-management legislation

This policy brief examines the implementation gap of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in national legislation, particularly in low-income countries. It identifies regulatory capacity and GDP per capita as primary barriers to implementation and proposes strategies such as regional collaboration, integration into national chemicals strategies, and alignment with the Agenda 2030 to increase global coverage.

• As of April 2017, a significant majority of UN member countries had not implemented the GHS in national legislation. Specifically, 128 member countries had not yet implemented it, 15 had partially implemented it, and 50 had fully implemented it, with a notable lack of implementation in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
• The failure to implement GHS rules is primarily driven by a lack of regulatory and financial capacity, as well as low GDP per capita. Implementation requires technical knowledge and government resources to develop or adjust legislation and guidance, as well as funding for staff time in agencies and ministries.
• Several motivational factors influence whether a country implements the GHS. Non-implementation is linked to low trade dependence, low commitment to international cooperation, and low commitment to occupational health and safety. Conversely, the desire to join a regional trade organization or economic community can motivate implementation.
• Regulatory capacity is the factor most highly correlated with GHS implementation. To address this, the brief suggests institutional strengthening of government agencies, anti-corruption efforts, and investments in human resources. Long-term capacity-building support has already shown positive results in Viet Nam and Zambia.
• Regional collaboration can mitigate capacity and motivation gaps by allowing countries to pool financial and human resources. The EurasianCSS Eurasian Economic Union is cited as an example of joint implementation through harmonized legislation, while Zambia and South Africa are identified as potential leaders for guiding efforts in Africa.
• Successful GHS implementation is more likely when it is integrated into a comprehensive national chemicals strategy rather than treated as a stand-alone project. This approach ensures the system works within the specific national context and covers all relevant sectors and stakeholders.
• Linking GHS implementation to the UN Agenda 2030, specifically target 12.4 regarding the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes, can increase political support and help secure national budgetary space for these efforts.

APA

Persson, L., & Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen, S. (2018). Reducing chemical risks in low-income countries: strategies for improved coverage of basic chemicals-management legislation. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180307c-brandon-persson-chemicals-pb-1802g.pdf

Chicago

Persson, Linn, and Sylvia Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen. Reducing chemical risks in low-income countries: strategies for improved coverage of basic chemicals-management legislation. Stockholm Environment Institute, 2018. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180307c-brandon-persson-chemicals-pb-1802g.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Persson |first1=Linn |last2=Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen |first2=Sylvia |title=Reducing chemical risks in low-income countries: strategies for improved coverage of basic chemicals-management legislation |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |date=2018 |url=https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180307c-brandon-persson-chemicals-pb-1802g.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{persson2018reducing, author = {Persson, Linn and Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen, Sylvia}, title = {{Reducing chemical risks in low-income countries: strategies for improved coverage of basic chemicals-management legislation}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2018}, url = {https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/180307c-brandon-persson-chemicals-pb-1802g.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }