Editorial

Anne-Sofie Andersson, Director ChemSec

On the 1st of June 2009, it is two years since REACH entered into force and one year since ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency, became operational and the authorisation process started. Up until today only 15 high concern chemicals are identified as candidates to be regulated by the REACH Authorisation process. This is where the SIN (Substitute It Now!) List comes into the picture.

Guest Writer

Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the European Commission

We are dependent on chemicals. From the production of the food we eat to health, personal care and household products, we come into contact with chemicals continuously. Many chemicals contribute to our comfort and economy. The European chemicals industry enjoys annual sales worth more than 500 billion euro. It directly employs more than 1.2 million people in some 29,000 companies,including many small and medium sized enterprises. It is a significant driver of trade and economic growth.

Focus - ECHA Member State Committee

Ninja Reineke, WWF

The SIN list plays a very important role in my work for a strong and effective implementation of REACH, and especially in my role as an observer for WWF in the Member State Committee of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) was established as a policy framework to foster the sound management of chemicals in order to achieve the goal agreed at the 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development. The goal is that, by the year 2020, chemicals be produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.