Chemical Dialogue - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

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The chemical industry is a cross-cutting sector that contributes to most industrial and many non-industrial sectors -- its products are widely traded across borders, and it is a key economic building block in APEC economies. The Chemical Dialogue (CD) serves as a public-private sector forum for finding solutions to challenges facing the chemical industry in the Asia-Pacific region. The CD reflects APEC members' recognition of the importance of engaging with the private sector and building public-private sector dialogue and cooperation for mutual benefit

The CD provides opportunities for regulatory officials and industry representatives to discuss trade and economic challenges facing the chemical industry and users of chemicals. Issues include chemical sector liberalization, facilitation, capacity building, as well as regulatory and policy best practices. Recently the Dialogue has focused on the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) - a UN system of guidelines that will bring clarity and uniformity to how producers, users and workers handle chemicals. The Chemical Dialogue also has addressed issues affecting manufacturers in many sectors arising from the EU's system of Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) legislation, and is examining other product-related environmental issues raised in other forums.

Achievements

The focus of the Dialogue has been on improving regulatory policies and practices for the benefit of APEC economies, human health and safety and the environment. Continuing topics of discussion include:

The GHS - The Dialogue is actively coordinating efforts to promote and support rapid implementation of this UN system aimed at simplifying regulations and labeling requirements as well as improving safety and environmental protection. APEC held workshops in Chinese Taipei in 2003, in Malaysia in 2004, and in Thailand in 2006 to explore further practical cooperation to facilitate the adoption of GHS among APEC Member Economies.

The Dialogue has sought to coordinate broader APEC engagement with the European Union on regulatory issues, and has focused specifically on concerns with the EU's REACH legislation. APEC continues to seek workable regulatory programs which ensure that regulatory, safety, and environmental goals can be implemented by both governments and business. Continuing this work, the Dialogue is discussing SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management), a new system of guidelines developed in the UN.

The Chemical Dialogue also continues to discuss ways to contribute to the WTO's Doha Development Agenda negotiations and to APEC liberalization and facilitation efforts. The Dialogue is exploring possible practical steps in areas such as: non-tariff measures, customs valuation, rules of origin, smuggling/counterfeit, and the protection of confidential data for agricultural chemicals.

Current Activities

In 2008, the Chemical Dialogue (CD) continued work as a public-private sector forum for finding solutions to challenges facing the chemical industry in the Asia-Pacific region. At its meeting in May 2008 in Lima, Peru, the CD endorsed a framework for chemical regulatory best practices. Following up on its agreement to continue to pursue collective advocacy to the European Commission about potential barriers to trade in REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) implementation, the Chemical Dialogue endorsed and transmitted to the European Commission a set of questions and letters on REACH implementation. In line with the Chemical Dialogue's commitment to information sharing on GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) implementation, the Chemical Dialogue endorsed the report of the GHS Virtual Working Group as an APEC contribution to the UN's "Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management" (SAICM).

Chemical Regulatory Websites in Member Economies
The Chemical Dialogue has compiled a comprehensive set of links to chemical regulatory websites in APEC Member Economies. To access these links, simply click on the drop down menu below.

Chemical Dialogue - Key Contacts
Co-Chairs of the Chemical Dialogue
Ms Meredith Broadbent
Assistant US Trade Representative
For Industry and Telecommunications
Office of USA Trade Representative
Executive Office of the President
600 17th ST., NW
Washington, DC 20508
Tel: (1-202) 395 5656
Fax: (1-202) 395 9674
E-mail: mbroadbent@ustr.gov

Datuk Mohamed Al-Amin B. HJ Abdul Majid JP
Director
Ancom Berhad
1002 Block A, Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara 1
No 9, Jalan 16/11, Off Jalan Damansara
46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
Tel: (60-3) 7660 0008, (60-3) 7955 0212
Fax: (60-3) 7660 0010
E-mail: daa@ancom.com.my

Chair of the Chemical Dialogue Steering Group
Ms Barbara Norton
Director for Industry
Office of USA Trade Representative
Executive Office of the President
600 17th ST., NW
Washington, DC 20508
Tel: (1 202) 395 6061
Fax: (1 202) 395 9674
E-mail: bnorton@ustr.gov

APEC Secretariat
Ms. Natalie Nii
Director (Program)
E-mail: njn@apec.org