European Commission and ECCSL conducts Workshop on “Sustainable Chemical Management– Focus on REACH Pre-registration and Registration”

by Keerthi Abayawickrama of Garment Times

The “Latest Trends in Social and Environmental Responsibilities in Europe (LASER)” project is co-sponsored by the European Commission within one of its Asia wide programs namely: Asia Invest. Building stronger economic links between Asia and the European Union is in the interest of both European and Asian companies. Promoting Euro-Asian business co-operation, helping in particular European and Asian SMEs in their internationalization process, thus increasing opportunities for mutual trade and investment, remains the key objective set by Asia- Invest.
Hans Svendsen President of the ECCSL said the LASER project intends to sensitize the Asian business intermediaries on EU’s Business culture pertaining to environmental and social responsibility. The REACH chemical policy, enacted by the European Parliament and the European Council, which came into force from the 1st June 2007, is a prime example of the attempts of the European Commission to impose stringent social and environmental responsibilities on the chemical industries of Europe. One of the important implementation phase of REACH is expected to begin from 1st June’ 2008.
It is therefore that The European Chambers of Commerce in Sri Lanka, along with its other project partners including the International Council of Swedish Industry (NIR), Sweden; the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (ViTO), Belgium and Network for Preventive Environmental Management, India is organizing a day long workshop on the important theme of “Sustainable Chemical Management– Focus on REACH Pre-registration and Registration”.
The organisers said its first workshop will be held on 27th June 2008, 8.30 a.m. in Colombo.
This workshop shall see international experts speaking on REACH, its various implications on non- European (non-EU) exporters and Roadmap for Compliance. The affected industries include exporters to EU in the Apparel industry,I Automotive industry,I Chemical industry,I Coating industry, Electronic industry, Inorganic Materials & Products, Packaging industry
' Petroleum, Plastic industry, Rubber & Rubber based industry and Wood Manufacturers industry.
There shall be special focus on the Pre-registration and the “only representative” issue. The “only representative”
shall have to be appointed by all the non-European exporters of chemicals and chemical containing products into Europe. The half day presentations will be followed by half day of interactive discussions with the industry with the provision for a one-on-one interaction with industries seeking specific solutions to the queries relating to REACH compliance.
This workshop is intended to coincide with the early Pre-registration period of REACH compliance in order to enable the chemical and allied industries of Sri Lanka to meet their various obligations for REACH compliance and ensuring continued exports to Europe. The industries are therefore invited to avail this excellent opportunity of understanding REACH and proceed ahead to meet the various deadlines within REACH thereby fulfilling their social and environmental responsibilities for sustainable chemical management.