China launched a website on Thursday in response to new rules
from the EU on chemicals, which may take effect starting next
year.
The website, which can be found at reach.tbt-sps.gov.cn, was
initiated by the State Administration of Quality Supervision,
Inspection and Quarantine (SAQSIQ) and aims to provide first-hand
information to enterprises and offer them consultations and
services, said an official with the administration.
The administration was also strengthening efforts to have
dialogue and consultation with the EU regarding the so-called REACH
regulation (registration, evaluation and authorization of
chemicals), which will oblige companies to register all chemicals
they use and provide information about them as well as any
potential hazards.
The European Parliament began on Tuesday the final phase of
approving the controversial new rules after three years of heated
debate.
The rules are designed to protect the public from the adverse
effects of chemicals found in a wide range of products such as
paint, detergents, cars and computers.
(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2006)
