Purpose of the Establishment
Recently, international transactions in chemicals and chemical products have been increasing rapidly along with the progress of globalization. On the other hand, regulatory management through international conventions has been expanding in response to the rise in public anxiety concerning environmental pollution resulting from the manufacturing and use of chemicals, and the disposal of products containing chemicals. Moreover, chemicals management systems have been implemented that affect the economic activities of Japan, such as REACH, RoHS, the Chinese RoHS, etc.
In Japan, the adoption of countermeasures in response to these new chemicals management systems exclusively applies to only a limited number of large scale enterprises. To promote these countermeasures among all stakeholders, including SMEs, which have a key role in the chemicals supply chain in Japan, the situation requires mutual cooperation and coordination that goes beyond various intersectoral and intrasectoral boundaries and the various scales of business entities, the sharing and exchange of information concerning relevant chemicals management, and activities throughout the supply chain for chemicals from the upstream to the downstream stages.
There are some differences in chemicals management between countries and regions. As many countries, including developing countries, have been increasing their production of chemicals and chemical products, concern over the lack of coordination between domestic chemicals management and global standards is increasing. The alignment of chemicals management systems with one another is preferable from the global perspective. Promotion of mutual understanding on the importance of international harmonization through dialogue and interaction among the relevant stakeholders in various countries and regions, as well as the dissemination of actual case studies relevant to Japan, is considered essential.
In response to these trends, the "Network for Strategic Response on International Chemical Management" was launched through the involvement of various parties concerned that are closely related to chemicals management in Japan. The Network aims to accelerate international harmonization through the improvement of mutual understanding and capacity development of domestic entities related to international chemicals management, and to activate communication among potential resource persons and organizations in foreign countries.
Basic Orientation
- Any enterprise, industry group, research institution, NGO or NPO, etc. that agrees to the purpose of the establishment of the Network can participate.
- Participation is free of charge. Participants will maintain an independent approach, contribute to information sharing, and disseminate the information.
- The Network will accelerate interaction and dialogue, and promote cooperation among the participants.
Organization
- Management Board
The Board Members, consisting of the heads of organizations and companies, etc., determine the content of the activities in the Network for Strategic Response on International Chemical Management.
The Management Board is composed of representatives of the following board member organizations (alphabetical order):- Asahi Kasei Corporation,
- Fujitsu Limited,
- Kao Corporation,
- KOKUYO Co.,Ltd.,
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry,
- Ministry of the Environment,
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare,
- Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.,
- NAGASE & CO., LTD.,
- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.,
- Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan (OECC)
- Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Secretariat
The secretariat office handles the Network operations and logistics.
The secretariat office has been established at the OECC (http://www.oecc.or.jp).
Participating Organizations
A list of participating organizations, please click the link below.
as of March 19th, 2024
Number of Organizations: 341
Activities
- Collect relevant information concerning foreign chemicals management, e.g., in Europe and East Asia, and provide it to the domestic parties concerned.
- Collect relevant information concerning domestic chemicals management throughout the supply chain of chemicals from the upstream to the downstream processes and provide it to the domestic parties concerned.
- Encourage dialogue regarding chemicals management with foreign administrative bodies and industrial sectors, etc. (particularly focused on the East Asia region).
- Introduce useful Japanese examples to the foreign parties concerned.
- Free e-mail newsletters and column postings
- Organizing free seminar
Participation in the Network
It is only organizations that can apply for participation.
The names and website on participating organizations are listed in the "Participating Organizations" page.