EU: Export and import of hazardous chemicals

 

The EU Commission has announced its intention to review of the list of chemicals subject to international trade rules.

The aim is to support non-EU countries in preventing unwanted imports, and to ensure that information on hazards, risks and safe handling is exchanged when these chemicals are exported. Once a chemical has been put on the list, it can only be exported if certain conditions are met.

Further regulatory drafts can be expected in the second quarter 2024.

The Export and import of hazardous chemicals are currently ruled by Regulation (EU) No 649/2012.

It implements, within the European Union (EU), the Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.

• It ensures that countries receiving certain chemicals from the EU are:
  • informed about the export;
  • asked whether they agree to the export;
  • informed about the safe handling of chemicals to protect human health and the environment from potential harm.

The official notification about the planned changes can be found HERE.

To find out more chemical compliance in the UE and worldwide, please contact the Product Compliance Institute directly.