FAQ
- What do I have to do now?
As of 1 June 2015 all VIM labels will comply with GHS, the new globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals. In order to comply with the relevant legislation and regulations, the labels for all Refinish products have been modified on the back. These modifications could affect your business operations:
- New barcodes
Click here for further information on modifications to bar codes. - MSDSs will become SDSs
Click here for further information on the name change from MSDS to SDS. - Item numbers
Click here for further information on suffixes added to existing item numbers. - New pictograms and warning statements
Click here for further information on the minor modification made to item numbers.
- What do I need to do with old, non-GHS-compliant labels?
Products bearing non-compliant (old) labels supplied by us before 1 June 2015 can still be sold and used within the EU until 1 June 2017. For countries outside of the EU, we advise you to consult the website of the United Nations. See, for example, the pages under GHS implementation. If a country is not listed on the website, then the information is unknown or the country has elected not to introduce GHS for the time being. Alternatively you can get in touch with your contact person at Valspar Automotive.
- Will item numbers also be changing due to GHS?
No, item numbers will not be changing. Item numbers will remain the same, though in a few cases the item number on the box or the label may be given a suffix (e.g. /A or /B).
- Will the ordering procedure be changing?
No, the ordering procedure will stay the same.
- Should I relabel my current stock now?
That is not necessary. You can continue to sell products bearing the old label until 1 June 2017.
- What are the differences between the old and new labels?
In the past, we were able to combine several languages on a single label, which we could then supply to a large number of countries. Labels are now required to feature a more diverse array of symbols (particularly the flammable symbol), a signal word and more H and P statements (formerly R and S phrases), which left no room for multiple languages.This means that we need to separate lots of single labels into multiple labels. In some cases, we can do this using a multilayer label. In other cases, additional versions of finished products will be introduced. A 2-layer label requires that you peel back the top layer of the label.
- When can I expect the first consignment of products featuring the new labels?
All products supplied by Valspar after 1 June 2015 will feature GHS-compliant labels.
- Will the product pricing change?
GHS does not entail any consequences for the prices of our products.
- Where can I find an overview of the new pictograms and warning statements?
You can find these by clicking here.
- What is the difference between CLP & GHS?
The UN established the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) in 2003 to promote uniform communication on hazardous substances throughout the world. The primary reasons for developing a uniform system were:
- The lack of clarity and confusion that could arise due to the different systems for communications pertaining to hazardous substances;
- The difference in classification requirements among the various systems.
European Union (EU) member states asked the European Commission to transform the UN agreements into binding European regulations for classification and labelling pertaining to the supply and use of chemicals and mixtures. The CLP Regulation enshrines the UN's GHS system in European legislation.