Ecuador - GHS Status

Ecuador fully implemented the provisions of the first edition of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS1) in 2013 through Technical Regulation NTE INEN 078:2013, entitled "Transporte, Almacenamiento y Manejo de Materiales Peligrosos" (Transport, Storage and Hanling of Hazardous Materials). This regulation is based on the Ecuadorian standard NTE INEN 2266: 2013. The standard initially allowed for the voluntary application of the GHS. However, its provision became mandatory with the publication of a technical regulation, Resolution No. 13067 on 17 April 2013, but enforcement was postponed to 1 February 2018 to allow stakeholders sufficient time to achieve compliance. 

Local Adaptation of the GHS:

Ecuador has adopted building blocks according to GHS 1 but has not yet officially disclosed which building blocks have been excluded. 

GHS Labelling Requirements: 

In Ecuador, labelling requirements are set out in Part 5.5.1.1 of NTE INEN 2266:2013. Labels must be written in Spanish and include the following elements:

• Identification of the hazardous substance or mixture
• Hazard pictograms
• Signal word
• Hazard statements
• Precautionary statements and pictograms
• Supplier identification 
• Net content

The size of the label depends on the size and container. However, the dimensions of the label must be of at least 100 mm x 100 mm. For containers smaller than 20 liters or 25 kg, the label must cover at least 25% of the area of the largest side. 

Safety Data Sheets:

The standard Safety Dats Sheets (SDS) in Ecuador must be written in Spanish and follow the format specified in standard NTE INEN-ISO 11014. The SDS must include the 16 standard sections. 

GHS in Transportation 

At nationa level, the handling, storage and transport of dangerous chemicals is regulated by NTE INEN 2266:2013. The standard refers to GHS 1 and is based on the provision of the UN Model Regulations Revision 14. Technical Regulation 078: 2013 was published in 2013 to make compliance with the standard mandatory.