A wide diversity of international, regional and national instruments and responses associated with the sound management of chemicals and waste are already in place. However, the global governance remains extremely fragmented, and standards and compliance vary widely across countries. For example, as of 2018, over 120 countries had not implemented the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. This fragmentation has hampered the overall impact and effectiveness of existing organisations, programmes and initiatives.

Global strategic objectives and targets are needed for an ambitious international framework that addresses the current fragmentation and fosters coherent policies and action by all relevant international organisations, governments and stakeholders, including industry. A renewed Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management is the essential multilateral agreement that will allow to fully address the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle. While it is important to use relevant international standards, guides and methodologies when developing EU rules, unless they are ineffective or inappropriate, it is at the same time fundamental to mainstream the sound management of chemicals and waste in the work programmes of all relevant international organisations. It will allow the EU to promote consistent policies and actions under the UN’s 2030 Agenda, in line with EU’s international commitments.

Source: European Commission

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