MoEF seeks info from DCPC on SAICM

By Indian Chemical News
Published: Fri, 18 Nov 2011 | Category: Chemical
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has requested the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) to provide information on the status of progress in implementation of Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).



According to the MoEF, the SAICM adopted is an international policy framework for sound management of chemicals.



"The SAICM Secretariat has requested to submit information as per proforma with regard to the status of progress in implementation of Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)," the ministry said.



"You are therefore required to kindly provide the relevant information urgently, so as to further submit to SAICM Secretariat," the MoEF said in its letter to the DCPC.



The SAICM is a policy framework to promote chemical safety around the world. It has as its overall objective the achievement of the sound management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle so that, by 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimise significant adverse impacts on human health and the environment.



This “2020 goal” was adopted by the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 as part of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.



SAICM is distinguished by its comprehensive scope; ambitious “2020” goal for sound chemicals management; multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral character; endorsement at the highest political levels; emphasis on chemical safety as a sustainable issue; provision for resource mobilisation; and formal endorsement or recognition by the governing bodies of key intergovernmental organizations.



SAICM comprises the Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management, expressing high-level political commitment to SAICM, and an Overarching Policy Strategy which sets out its scope, needs, objectives, financial considerations underlying principles and approaches and implementation and review arrangements. Objectives are grouped under five themes: risk reduction; knowledge and information; governance; capacity-building and technical cooperation; and illegal international traffic.