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National Profile
Chemicals Management in Germany

In 1992 Rio de Janeiro was the setting for a United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Known by the general public as the Rio Conference, it succeeded in turning "sustainable development" into a key international goal. The more than 170 participating countries passed Agenda 21, a programme of action for the 21st century. Implementation of the aims described in Agenda 21 is monitored by the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD).

Chapter 19 of Agenda 21 contains objectives for environmentally compatible handling of toxic chemicals, including measures for the prevention of the illegal international trade in toxic and dangerous products. An essential part of chapter 19 concerns the coordination of international and regional activities as well as the intensification of international cooperation.

For the purpose of controlling compliance with Chapter 19 and its harmonized implementation, in April 1994 the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) held the Chemical Safety Conference in Stockholm. It was at this conference, which was attended by participants from 130 countries, that the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) was established. The IFCS elaborates recommendations for governments as well as for international and transnational organizations.