Summary
The document addresses the EU chemical industry’s commitment to global safe chemicals and waste management, primarily through SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management). Despite significant progress facilitated by SAICM, challenges persist in global implementation of the UN Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling (GHS), crucial for establishing national chemical regulations. The paper recommends focusing resources to achieve maximum impact and fostering ownership of SAICM’s objectives. Additionally, it proposes creating a Capacity Building (CB) Clearinghouse as an intermediary for capacity building needs and encourages global regulatory cooperation to streamline chemical assessments and avoid redundant testing.
Takeaways
- Ownership & Impact: Focus SAICM resources for maximum global impact and establish measurable targets tied to Sustainable Development Goals.
- Capacity Building: Create a CB Clearinghouse to match capacity building needs with resources effectively, leveraging existing expertise and facilitating regional coordination.
- Regulatory Cooperation: Promote global adoption of OECD’s Mutual Acceptance of Data and include GHS implementation in EU trade agreements to harmonise chemical regulatory practices internationally.