The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) was put forward in an effort to standardize classification of chemicals, labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) around the world. However, although similarities exist in the way the GHS has been implemented between different regions of the world, major differences also exist, making the authoring of globally harmonized SDSs that would be compliant worldwide an impossible task. Below is a quick glance at some of the differences between Europe and South Africa.
In conclusion, although the hazard classes and the pictograms are the same, issuing an SDS that would be compliant both in Europe and South Africa would be impossible based on the noticeable differences in the concentration limits for the hazard classes.
References:
SANS 10234 (2008) (English): Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS)
COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 453/2010
Blog post kindly provided by KMK Regulatory Services, Inc.