28 Oct ARCP Workshop 2024: Enhancing Regional Chemical Management and Circular Economy
The ARCP Workshop 2024, a significant event focused on advancing chemical management policies and practices, was held at Melia Hanoi Hotel, Vietnam, on October 28-29. The conference featured a series of regulatory dialogues and technical sessions aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among governments and industries in the ASEAN region.
Day 1 commenced with the first Regulatory Dialogue Session on Chemical Management Policy, where speakers discussed the management of Confidential Business Information during the inwards clearance process. This was followed by presentations from Indonesia, the APEC Chemical Dialogue, and the Philippines on various topics such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, online registration for hazardous substances, and updates on policies for impurities and CBI.
The second session on the same day involved discussions on the Circular Economy and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Governments from Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam shared their EPR implementation strategies and challenges.
Day 2 of the workshop was dedicated to technical topics, including an introduction to the Chemical Risk Assessment (CRA) Voluntary Work Group and the ARCP CRA Guidance Document. This session provided a foundation in toxicology, eco-toxicology, and environmental exposure risk assessment. Jeff Li and Sue May Teoh from the Data Sharing/Management NSN VWG discussed New Substance Notification, emphasizing data sharing and management practices.
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) was another highlight of the workshop. Attendees received updates on the ARCP GHS VWG and APEC CD GHS VWG and were presented with a summary of GHS version 10. Furthermore, Cissie Yeung shared industry practices for SDS quality, check, and assurance, emphasizing the importance of reliable and consistent information for chemical handling and safety.
The ARCP Workshop 2024 underscored the commitment of the ASEAN countries to work towards a planet free from harmful chemicals and waste, with the Global Framework on Chemicals serving as a guiding force. The event also marked the first anniversary of the Global Framework on Chemicals’ adoption and announced the opening of the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund’s first application round.
The conference facilitated open dialogues and collaborations, contributing to the strengthening of chemical policies and practices in the region, and promoting a more sustainable and safer environment.