International Chemicals Management

Towards safe and sound chemicals management

When looking at international chemicals management from a policy perspective it includes manifold instruments and procedures (voluntary and binding) on a range of levels (local, national, regional, international) with the main goal of dealing safe and sound with chemicals in all stages of their life cycle. .

For the ISC3 UNEP is among the most relevant organisations (besides, the Inter-Organization Programme for the sound management of chemicals, IOCM) and the SAICM process is the most relevant policy framework. The role of UNEP is it help countries develop and implement national regulations or policy schemes that would ensure that chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimise significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.[1]

For the ISC3 UNEP is among the most relevant organisations (besides, the Inter-Organization Programme for the sound management of chemicals, IOCM) and the SAICM process is the most relevant policy framework. The role of UNEP is it help countries develop and implement national regulations or policy schemes that would ensure that chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimise significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.

Developments

In times of climate change and the scarcity of resources the chemical industry and associated sectors are particularly affected as they dependent of huge volumes of water resources and are a large energy consumer. Feedstocks for the chemical industry are mainly based on fossil fuels and the sector is the third largest industrial emitter of carbon dioxide. This makes the chemical industry an important player in mitigating climate change. See additional information on the chemical sector’s role when tackling climate change at our project CAPCI (Climate Action Programme for the Chemical Industry).

Business as usual is not an option

Against the backdrop of the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution),[3] “business as usual” is not an option for the chemical sector. The diversity and potential severity of negative impacts makes sound chemicals management a cross-cutting issue for sustainable development and for the ISC3. The coming years and decades are set to be a decisive phase for the future of our planet. Hence, the ISC3 is continuously working towards raising awareness of Sustainable Chemistry as a key to the transformation towards sustainability. Across governments and stakeholders, there is increasing awareness of the need for better collaboration among all actors and sectors.

Institutions and tools

In many countries around the globe, appropriate chemical management institutions and tools have yet to be put in place. Best practices need to be continuously developed and shared to safeguard what has already been achieved and move the whole world closer to realising the UN SDGs. Several principles and building blocks have been established on national, regional and international level throughout the years.

They are fundamental for the work of the ISC3 and for an effective policy- and stakeholder Dialogue:

• The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM Process)
• International law such as the Basel Convention (on hazardous waste), the Rotterdam Convention (for information on exported hazardous substances), the Stockholm Convention (on persistent organic pollutants or POP) and the Minamata Convention (on mercury)
• Internationally accepted tools, primarily developed and provided by the OECD and its members, for testing, evaluating, and managing chemicals
• The IOMC Toolbox offers support to emerging and developing countries.
• The Globally Harmonized System (GHS), developed by the UN, is a key basis for any chemical management
• Important regional regulations such as the European Regulations on Chemicals (REACH), pesticides or biocides, together with many other, in some cases national, statutory requirements.[4]