In six years, ChemSec has become widely recognized among NGOs, governments and other stakeholders as an important and effective actor with a unique expertise and focus on hazardous chemicals. According to feedback we have received, our contributions to the formulation and discussion of public policy on chemicals are meaningful and respected.

Influencing REACH

For years, the focus of our work was influencing the REACH legislation. We contributed by bridging the gap between politicians and other stakeholders in the EU, for example by arranging seminars in the European Parliament with scientists and companies. We gave voice to companies using chemicals in their products and their desire for clarity within chemical legislation. We produced a report commissioned by the European Parliament that explores the implications of REACH for the Global South. Early in the REACH discussions, we produced a report called: Cry Wolf with the purpose of educating and promoting stakeholders' understanding of legislative issues by investigating the estimated and real costs of proposed and existing environmental legislation in the EU and globally.

The SIN List of hazardous chemicals according to REACH

Since REACH came into force, we have focused on speeding up the legislative processes. After all, why wait to phase out hazardous substances in consumer goods? This is why we developed the SIN (Substitute It Now!) List of hazardous chemicals. The SIN List, launched in the Autumn of 2008, includes 356 (updated in October 2009) substances that fulfil the criteria for Substances of Very High Concern as laid down in REACH. These chemicals are currently being used in products from detergents and paints to computers and toys - even though they can, for example, cause cancer, disrupt hormonal systems or adversely affect reproductive functions. The SIN List puts pressure on legislators to move forward with speed and urgency, while providing companies with a helpful list of substances to avoid in their products.

Business toxic use reduction partnerships

Since 2004, ChemSec has built up a network of market-leading companies, across a diversity of sectors, working together to inspire concrete progress on toxic use reduction. The ChemSec Business Group collaborates for an effective corporate practice in the substitution of hazardous substances and raised public awareness of companies' efforts to be drivers on this issue.

Supporting NGOs in the Global South

ChemSec has also run a major program to enhance capacity among NGOs in the Global South focusing on hazardous chemicals issues. With financial support from the Swedish International Cooperation Agency, SIDA, we cooperated with and give support to NGOs in the Global South, mainly in Africa and in Eastern Europe, between 2006 and 2008.