On December 1, 2022, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law of Ukraine "On Ensuring Chemical Safety and Management of Chemical Products", which will come into effect on June 29, 2024.
This law aims to harmonize Ukrainian legislation on chemical safety with the legislation of the European Union, in particular with the REACH Regulation (Regulation No. 1907/2006 on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures) (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008).
Along with the entry into force of the Law of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution "On Approval of the Technical Regulation on the Classification of Hazard, Precautionary Marking, and Packaging of Chemical Products" also comes into effect.
Key Provisions of the Law:
Classification of Chemical Products: Chemical products must be classified according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), ensuring consistent hazard identification and communication across global markets.
Chemical Product Labeling: Labels must clearly and effectively convey hazard information to users, including pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. This will help prevent accidents and protect human health.
Chemical Product Packaging: Packaging must be designed to prevent leaks, spills, and other accidents during transport and storage, minimizing the risk of exposure to hazardous substances.
Registration and Authorization: Certain types of chemical products, such as particularly hazardous substances, will require registration or authorization before being placed on the market. This will ensure that only products that meet safety standards are available to consumers.
Risk Assessment: Manufacturers and importers must conduct risk assessments to identify and evaluate the potential hazards associated with their chemical products. This will inform risk management measures and protect human health and the environment.
Reporting: Manufacturers and importers must maintain records and report relevant information to government authorities, facilitating monitoring and enforcement of chemical safety regulations.
Emergency Response: Plans and procedures must be in place to effectively respond to chemical emergencies, minimizing the impact of accidents and protecting public health.
One of the main challenges is the need to control the new requirements of technical regulation and other regulatory acts. These requirements, based on best international practices and standards, can be complex and require significant effort from manufacturers to understand and implement.
Another challenge is the development of safety data sheets (SDS) for chemical products. SDSs are documents that contain detailed information about a chemical product, its properties, health and environmental hazards, and instructions for safe use. Developing SDSs requires manufacturers to have significant knowledge, resources, and time.
The consequences of non-compliance with the requirements of the new law may include:
Fines: Manufacturers who fail to comply with the requirements of the new law may face significant fines.
Suspension or termination of operations: In cases of serious violations, government oversight bodies may suspend or terminate the manufacturer's operations.
Criminal liability: In some cases, non-compliance with the requirements of the new law may result in criminal liability.
Anticipating the new challenges for domestic manufacturers, the EuroTechStandard Conformity Assessment Body has begun work on creating MSDS (SDS) safety data sheets based on an automated European technical documentation development complex, which provides the ability to prepare passports in Ukrainian, English, Russian, and any other language of the European Union members with optimal costs.
In cooperation with our company, you will be able to receive consultations on chemical safety issues, as well as ensure the prompt and, most importantly, high-quality development of MSDS (SDS) safety data sheets for your products.
EuroTechStandard Conformity Assessment Body LLC is an experienced company that has the knowledge, and resources to help manufacturers and suppliers of chemical products comply with the requirements of the new law.
Comments