Standards, Labels & Certification Schemes
Corrosive (GHS)
A Globally Harmonized System hazard classification covering substances that destroy skin, damage eyes or corrode metals, signalled by the corrosion pictogram.
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Under the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), "corrosive" spans several hazard classes: skin corrosion (Category 1A/1B/1C, irreversible skin damage), serious eye damage (Category 1) and corrosive to metals (single Category 1, e.g. corroding steel or aluminium at more than 6.25 mm per year under test conditions). The corrosion pictogram depicts liquid corroding a hand and a surface.
References
hazard classes and categories
corrosive-to-metals criteria and regulatory citations
Overview
What it means
A standardised label language ensuring that a chemical's destructive effect on tissue or materials is communicated identically worldwide.
How it is used
Suppliers classify and label products; employers use the classifications in safety data sheets, workplace labels and chemical management; transport rules (DOT Class 8) run in parallel.
Why it matters
Harmonised corrosive classifications protect workers and downstream users and underpin chemicals management in sustainable procurement and safer-chemistry programmes.
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