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The Code of Ethics on the International Trade in Chemicals (the Code), concluded in 1994, represents the commitment of the world's industries to reduce the risks of chemical substances to human health and the global environment. Many provisions contained in the Code call on private sector parties to take initiatives in ensuring the safety of chemicals throughout their whole life cycle - to develop safer packaging and clear and concise labeling, to end the production and trade in chemicals with unacceptable risks, to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals, and to take a number of other steps to promote chemical safety through testing and assessment, quality assurance, providing safety information, and promoting education and training for safety purposes.

The Code is a voluntary instrument addressed to industry and other private sector parties in all countries. It aims towards setting standards of conduct that should govern the promotion of environmentally sound management of chemicals in international trade. The principles and guidance set out in the Code apply globally and have been developed to permit flexible application taking into account local conditions in countries. The Code is a complement to the amended London Guidelines for the Exchange of Information on Chemicals in International Trade which address Governments. The scope of the Code is, however, broader than that of the amended London Guidelines.

By the implementation of this Code, private sector parties are expected to enter into voluntary commitment to help achieve the objectives of the amended London Guidelines, i.e., to increase chemical safety and to enhance the sound management of chemicals in all countries through the exchange of information on chemicals in international trade. The Code also provides for procedures to monitor voluntary compliance with the standards of conduct set out in the principles and guidance by the parties concerned. For that purpose, the standards of conduct, principles and guidance contained the Code may be used as a set of objective criteria to assess the performance of those parties involved in the international trade in chemicals.

REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE APPLICATION OF THE CODE 
as of 1 July 1998

In August 1994, the Code was distributed to 185 industry and business associations and 77 non-governmental organizations worldwide, inviting them to apply the Code. The Code was also sent to the Governments of all States and relevant intergovernmental organizations for further promotion of the Code to private sector parties.

A status report has been prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to review progress made in the application of the Code since then. The report provides a background on the Code, and lists the parties which have agreed to adhere to it on a voluntary basis as of 1 July 1998. It also provides information on efforts made by Governments, international organizations and private sector parties to further promote the application of the Code. Since wide application of the Code by industry and other private sector parties in all countries is the key to ensure effectiveness of the Code, it is intended that this report would serve as an encouragement for wider application of the Code. By the information contained in the report, it is intended also to provide an opportunity for those parties which have already adhered to the Code but have not yet notified UNEP of their important commitment, to do so.  

OTHER WEBLINKS OF RELEVANCE