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"UNEP: Code of Ethics on the International Trade in Chemicals, 1994" [2005] ELECD 277; in Tully, Stephen (ed), "International Documents on Corporate Responsibility" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2005)

Book Title: International Documents on Corporate Responsibility

Editor(s): Tully, Stephen

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781843768197

Section: Chapter 54

Section Title: UNEP: Code of Ethics on the International Trade in Chemicals, 1994

Number of pages: 9

Extract:

54. UNEP: Code of Ethics on the International
Trade in Chemicals, 1994

Commentary: The Code (www.chem.unep.ch/ethics/) was a product of UNEP
Governing Council Decision 16/35 (1991) on toxic chemicals and UNGA
Resolution 47/190 (1992). It is intended to complement existing international
instruments, intergovernmental codes, PVIs and industry programmes. The private
sector is expected to ensure chemical safety throughout the product life cycle,
introduce safer packaging including clear labelling, reduce their reliance upon
hazardous chemicals, undertake quality assurance and promote safety education
and training. Although it permits flexible application in the light of national condi-
tions, the Code should not be used `to sustain or create tariff or non-tariff barriers
to trade in chemicals'. By 1998, several chemical industry associations (for example,
the European Chemical Industry Council, the Japanese Responsible Care Council
and the Spanish Chemical Industry Federation) had expressed their support and
seven governments agreed to promote voluntary implementation by national indus-
try: UNEP (1998), `Report on the Status of the Application of the Code of Ethics'.
See also, UN (1991), `Consolidated List of Products whose Consumption and/or
Sale have been Banned, Withdrawn, Severely Restricted or Not Approved' (4th
edn); UNEP (1993), `International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals'. The
Code does not preclude adopting additional action: hence several provisions
address chemicals dedicated towards domestic use. For chemical use and employ-
ment, see ILO Convention No 170 (1990) and Recommendation No 177 (1990) on
Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work; ILO ( ...