目前欧盟系统相比最明显的变化是象形图(原名：危险符号) 虽然大多数的GHS象形符号与旧系统中的相同，但是象形符号GHS04, GHS07 和 GHS08 是全新的。Compared to the current EU system the most noticeable change are the pictograms (formerly: hazard symbols). While the most of the GHS pictograms have an equivalent in the old system, the pictograms GHS 04, GHS 07 and GHS 08 are completely new. 
GHS制度是建立在16个物理，10个健康和3个环境危险种类以及包括以下的通讯元素之上的 : 9个象形符号。The GHS System is built on 16 physical, 10 health and 3 environmental hazard classes and comprises the following communication elements : 9 Pictograms.