1. Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2015 Concluding Remarks
First Day
Jukka Malm
European Chemicals Agency

2. Thinking beyond 2020 – SAICM and the future for global chemicals risk management
Panel 1

3. WSSD 2020 Goals Different emphasis on successes and failures
Agreement: 2020 goals will not be fully met
Do we know where we are, do we have a common yardstick?
Supporting countries establishing frameworks for SCM vs. concrete outcomes at global level
Counting conventions or nr of substances vs. assessing capacity of countries to manage hazardous chemicals?
SAICM indicators & IOMC toolbox

4. Thinking beyond 2020 / New possibilities
Role of OECD in sharing information & knowledge on Risk Management (but not to harmonise action)
Integrated approach for databases and information on regulation;
cross-legislation, regional/international
Full utilisation of existing/emerging data
Fair cost compensation where used for other regulation – international data sharing regime
Capacity for data management and utilisation?
Global standard – SDS for all exported hazardous chemicals?

5. Globally Harmonised System on Classification and Labelling – how can we get there faster?
Panel 2

6. GHS - How can we get there faster?
GHS designed to flexible – building block approach
Not full harmonisation of the scope/categories, but flexibility can facilitate implementation
Transition from old to new systems can be laborous; transitional periods can help
GHS works – implementation still underway
Gather experience before considering how to develop further
Consider pace of changes, and think whether they facilitate impl.
Guidance, training, capacity building, awareness raising
Incl. communication on benefits of GHS; funding
Facilitate co-operation
National: inter-ministerial, multi-stakeholder stuctures
Regional/international: sharing the burden & experiences

7. Global list – to be or not to be?
Added value of a global list recognised
Promote harmonisation
Save resources, facilitate trade
May raise concerns about lowering the protection level
UNGHS pilot project followed with interest
Long & resource intensive project expected
Countries/regions have different starting points
EU with a long tradition and an extensive legally binding list vs. limited/non binding lists vs. no lists
Legal implications of C&L (may) differ in different regions

8. Chemicals in Products: How to Improve Communications in the Supply Chain

9. Communication in Supply Chain
Enable down-stream users to use chemicals safely
Via C&L, SDS (in EU incl. Exposure scenarios)
Harmonisation of practices and tools help preparing, communicating and understanding the information
Supported by public dissemination; regulatory or voluntary
Business benefits & opportunities
”Effective communication creates transparency, trust and contributes to sustainable business”
Improvements recognised by industry, further harmonisation welcome
Market & public pressures sometimes force companies to move
Awaraness of end-users of available information can be increased

10. Chemicals in Products ‘ChiP’ need particular approaches
Complexity of the supply chain; how to get, verify, update information - B2B
How to ensure/promote compliance? How to influence R&D, and product design? What can be realistically expected?
Cross-sectoral cooperation of authorities, international cooper.
Use of chemicals databases to identify ChiP of concern
Consumers’ right to know – Consumer confidence
User friendliness of the information, how to help comparisons
NGO campaigns can help raising awareness & promote compliance
Market pressures can have drastic effects on companies
More proactive companies coming forward, retailers in a powerful position

11. Thank you! jukka.malm@echa.europa.eu
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