Green Export

Key actions to set the example for a global sound management of chemicals: Promoting safety and sustainability standards outside the EU?

While global chemicals production is estimated to double by 2030, the estimated global share of the EU chemical industry is expected to shrink to about 10.7%. Much of the expected rise in chemical production will shift to developing countries and economies in transition. EU chemicals legislation has positioned the EU as a frontrunner in health and environmental standards on chemicals management and this strategy aims to drive EU’s leadership in producing and using sustainable chemicals. The EU must leverage its weight in the world to advocate safe and sustainable-by-design approaches globally, to level the playing field and to increase the market share for companies that produce and use safe and sustainable chemicals.

Closer international cooperation and coordination is also imperative. The Commission is committed to supporting the capacity of EU partner countries to meet their international obligations under the chemicals related international instruments and to adopt and enforce high environmental, health and social standards. The EU’s external action will promote and mainstream the sound management of chemicals through their life cycle and the transition to a toxic-free and circular economy, as essential cross-cutting elements for sustainable development and taking into account policy coherence for development.

Finally, sharing the EU’s knowledge base is important to support developing countries, but also for the benefit of mutual acceptance of data among OECD and other relevant countries. This is key to avoid duplication of work, save resources and support international standards. The existing knowledge base and experience of EU agencies, within their mandate and resources, shall also be put to the benefit of EU international policies and leadership.

COOPERATION WITH THIRD COUNTRIES

The EU will:

  • promote the sound management of chemicals through international cooperation and partnerships, in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora, including through cooperation with Africa, as well as cooperation with neighbours and other partners to support their capacity to assess and manage chemicals in a sound manner;
  • lead by example, and, in line with international commitments, ensure that hazardous chemicals banned in the European Union are not produced for export, including by amending relevant legislation if and as needed;
  • promote due diligence for the production and use of chemicals within the upcoming initiative on sustainable corporate governance.

Source: European Commission

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